Every single dream coming true in my life right now is happening because I interacted with the world around me. I was vulnerable. I talked to strangers. I asked for help when I needed it. I accepted help when people offered it.

Everyone helped.

I am living proof of someone who has never known what they were doing, but tried my best to keep life light and kept looking for the answers, all around the world. I didn't go to school for photography, or any art for that matter. I didn't own a real camera until just a few years ago (that I paid for with money I saved waiting tables at restaurants). And I spent most of my life keeping people at a distance, and not truly letting them be as close to me.

When I needed it most, I put myself out there. I started listening more than I talked. And trying to learn from each person I came into contact with.

I want this all to just be a reminder that the world is there to help you, not to hurt you. This is not a cliche, or something I am saying to be overly optimistic. This is coming from facing fear head on, and looking for reasons to prove if it was rational or not. This is coming from a huge sample size of people, in just about every kind of situation. I gave people the opportunity to prove me wrong and take advantage of me, rob me, hurt me, and prove that being fearful of strangers around you is something you should adhere to.

But I ended up being taken care of by every single person I asked. Every person. In every country. Rich, poor, white, black (and many other different races), old, young... And everywhere in between.

Everyone helped.

This is not a brag.

This is to hopefully implore and inspire you to start chasing that dream you've always had. This is to show you that I am no different than you. I didn't get luckier or come from a bunch of money. I started this project when I was waiting tables and living paycheck to paycheck.

Life ended up becoming what I asked for and, every bit as importantly, what I worked hard for. But I couldn't have done any of it, without the strangers I met along the way.

Just about everything is possible if you persist. I promise. I'm living proof of it.