Addario’s choice to include an anecdote about her grandmother’s first love reflects her views about her career path and the nature of life. In the story, Nana forgoes a marriage to her first boyfriend because she perceives him as too much of a risk, then he marries her best friend instead. Because of the difficulty of breaking into the field and the unpredictable lifestyle of a photographer, she grew up with the idea that photographers are aimless rich kids, that she should pursue a career with better prospects. In this regard, her former attitude toward photography was much like Nana’s attitude toward her first love. They wanted to follow their passions, but fear the risks that come with listening to their hearts. By using Nana as an example, Addario implies that many of the sacrifices she made for her career were because she wanted her story to end differently. As we see in her account of how she became an established photographer, Addario relied on her ability to seize opportunities as they arrived and seek people willing to accept her work.
During my college search, my dad confessed to me that he hated his job and would have retired already if he didn’t have my brother’s college education to think of. He told me that despite my mom’s constant urging for me to enter pharmacy or become a radiologist, he would support whichever career path I chose. He then said that parents worked hard in jobs that were difficult but well-paying so that their children could follow their passions. Even though he followed up his advice with a joke about his legal consulting fees, I realized then that money alone can’t create a happy life. Whatever my passion turns out to be, I plan to take my dad’s word to heart when deciding my life’s path.
The reference to taking risks while chasing a passion is vital in this novel. Addario clashes with what is the best decision for her future in both social and professional aspects. I agree with the fact that money alone can’t create a happy life, but in some people’s perspectives, a life with money where you don’t have to worry about making ends meet can be a much better life than struggling to pay bills and buy food. If you can make the best of both worlds where you are doing something you love and are financially stable, then it will create a life that is much easier and enjoyable.