Welcome back, travelers, to Jonesville, Virginia! Yes, somehow, we are still in Jonesville, but the good news is that we officially survived training!
This past week was full of learning experiences, long days, and honestly a lot of figuring things out as I go. I got to learn more about what my role as a photographer and videographer will look like throughout the summer, while also helping with some merchandising opportunities. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone a little bit, but in a good way.
One thing I’ve been realizing lately is that the more you learn and practice something, the more confident you become with it. At the same time though, I’ve also had to remind myself not to be so critical of my own work. I tend to overthink things and convince myself something isn’t good enough, but someone else might look at the exact same thing and think it’s amazing. Everyone sees things differently, and I think that’s something important to remember — not just with art or work, but with people too. Sometimes beauty, meaning, or value isn’t obvious right away, and that doesn’t make it any less real.
Being here has also reminded me how important it is to listen to people’s stories. Every person you meet has a different background, different experiences, and different reasons for being where they are. It’s easy to overlookwhen life gets chaotic, but I’ve been trying to slow down a little more and pay attention to the people around me.
As much as I’ve appreciated the slower pace of Jonesville, I would be kidding myself if I said I’m not excited to see something besides the same road leading to the local ice cream shop, Walmart and Taco Bell. Small-town life has been interesting, especially for me when I come from a place where the city noise is close by. Still, there’s something peaceful about the mountains and the quiet that I think I’m starting to appreciate more.
One of my favorite parts of this week was getting the opportunity to take pictures at one of the worksites where volunteers will be serving this summer. The drive there honestly looked like something out of a movie — endless greenery, winding roads, and views that pictures really cannot do justice. It’s one of those places you must experience in person to fully understand how beautiful it is.
I know traveling throughout the summer is going to take a lot of energy, both physically and mentally. There will probably be moments where I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even a little lost — and not because I have no sense of direction. But I also know that it’s okay to slow down and ground myself when I need to. Whether that means sitting outside in the sun for a bit, touching the grass, listening to music, or just taking a deep breath, I’m learning that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone else.
Next stop: Johnson City, Tennessee. I honestly have no idea what this next week is going to bring, but I’m excited to keep exploring, learning, and seeing where this summer takes me.
See you around!
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
