Regret is an unpleasant, strong feeling that seems to hang over our heads for hours, days, weeks, months, and even years. Such an unpleasant feeling is illustrated through Addario’s story regarding her Nana’s missed chance in love, which she uses to support her reasoning for following her passion. Knowing that the story has been nagging her Nana for years, Addario concludes that she does not want to make the same mistake as her Nana.

With that said, Addario conveys a clear message: pursuing her passion is a main priority in her life. Proving to influence her life greatly, Addario’s passion for photography is obviously established throughout the memoir. Addario thinks of her passion as her calling; she has a duty to serve the world as a photographer, even if it means endangering herself or risking her own life.

With the story of Addario’s Nana in mind and how it relates to thematizing her passion, I can’t help but recall one of the most empowering moments I experienced as a student, which served as one of the paths that led me to discover my passion for education. With an idea for a fundraiser to be led by the anti-bullying team that I was a member of in middle school that would benefit a district affiliated organization, a team member and I pitched the proposal to our advisor. After gaining his approval, we needed to propose the idea to the building principal, who, supported us and, ultimately, allowed us to execute the fundraiser.

As a student in middle school, I remember feeling so empowered by having the opportunity to propose, execute, and lead a fundraiser. When I think of the roots of my passion, I always come back to this story. If it weren’t for this opportunity, I don’t know if I would ever have come to discover my passion for education.