Ripples of a positive impact

A story about a person who significantly impacted my life and why I strive to do as much as I can while I can to share my talent as a photographer and writer.

?Hola!

In my previous article, "Five reasons why I'm launching a blog," I shared how I studied mass communication at?The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where I learned the skills I needed to become a public relations professional in the communications industry, digital marketing, content strategy, relationship building and social media management.

But outside of the classroom, I learned the importance of leadership, networking, and adaptability and applied my marketing and photography skills in various capacities in the public and private sectors. It's also where I became friends with people I met from around campus.

One of those people who I became great friends with was a talented musician and one of the sincerest people I had ever encountered.

I won't share his name out of respect for him and his family, but he and I were roommates for a few months during our time at UTRGV until he graduated with a music degree and returned to Mexico to live with his family.

We rarely spoke after he moved, but when we did, it was like we never stopped talking.

He told me about how he hoped to pursue a graduate degree in Canada, but sadly, my friend lost his life due to?COVID-19?complications in late 2021.

My friend had talent, hopes and dreams and deserved the best.

My friend had a huge positive impact on me during our few short months together, and I had never felt a heavier heart than I did when I learned of his passing.

He inspired me to take pride in my Hispanic culture, and because of him, I try to share my talent as a photographer with as many people as possible. I regret to say that as good of friends as we were, I cannot find a single photo of him in my archives of all the photos I ever shot with my camera. In fact, we were supposed to do his graduation photos about a year after he graduated at his home in the Yucatán Peninsula. But when I visited Cancún, I didn't get to see him, and the photo shoot never happened.

That's why I've become a graduation photographer and why graduation photos mean so much to me now. I work with everyone, no matter their budget, to ensure I capture their memories for them and their families.

I serve my community as a photographer, but that isn't my only talent.

The way my friend was a musician who sang beautifully, I am a copywriter who can share positive, impactful stories.

Stories that make people feel something.

Stories about people trying to better themselves and wanting to better others. Remarkable, interesting, and talented people that more people should know about, just like my friend.

I miss him and should've done more to promote his music.

And I won't make the same mistake of not doing all I can while I can for others.

I’m thankful I met him and to UTRGV for bringing us together.

Thanks for reading this article! Only fifty-six more publications to go for 2023!

“Full transparency: all content in Reina Media is intended for your entertainment and as a showcase of my copywriting portfolio. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are solely my own. They do not reflect the views of my current, past, or future employers or any other individuals or organizations mentioned in the story. Please keep in mind that the information shared in Reina Media posts is accurate as of the posting date but may not be so in the future.” – Jesus A. Reina, independent writer and photographer.

If you have any ideas for a topic for me to write about or feedback on how I can improve my work, I would deeply appreciate it if you could share it with me! Connect with me today!