I am a high school photojournalist who has only had my own camera for nine months. When I began my summer internship at The Indypendent, I knew that I had to make sure I got the right photos for whatever articles I came across. My first assignment was to speak with bus passengers about the mayor’s ambitious to speed up and improve bus service. I had to get portraits of bus passengers and a photo of an MTA bus in action. Teaming up with my fellow intern Nyomi, we interviewed several people, got to know each other better, and learned there’s a library near Utica Ave in Brooklyn that used to have a signature chicken that everyone loved until someone stole it. Craig, I think his name was? Either way, it was great to be out speaking with and learning from our fellow New Yorkers. 

Then, we set our sights on the “No More 24” movement that aimed to end 24-hour workdays for homecare workers in which they only get paid for 13 of those hours. This was the biggest story we worked on. It was an interesting experience because when the rally began, there was actually lots of coverage. Lots of cameras from news outlets, and an entire press sign sheet filled. Then, after the rally, they began a hunger strike. At that point, all the press disappeared. Me and Nyomi were the ONLY journalists that actually stayed and interviewed the event organizers and the homecare workers. 

There were lots of genuine people who have been hurting for over a decade to finish this fight. People who have witnessed these workers being worked to the bone. People who understand that this exploitation sets a terrible standard for all workers. There were lots of people willing to speak for those who deserve to have their voices heard. This was something The Indypendent helped me further realize was what I can actually capture. 

Every photo is like a hand; while it can hold many things, it can only hold so much, is limited by shape, and can only express so much. How could any photo I take possibly put people into my shoes, at the tents, looking at the old women who had gone through so much, the people who continue to fight for them, and the passion and love they hold for such a cornerstone in the medical community? 

What I can see with my eyes is different from what I can see with the lens on my camera, and I have learned to understand that what I see and experience may not be able to be caught in a frame. But, if the photo I take inspires someone to check out the battle; if the words written can inspire someone to tell their family and friends what’s going; if I use such limited means to communicate such grand experiences, that may entice someone to experience something like that for themselves. Experience the resolve of fighting for the people and their rights. 

The Indypendent helped me become more creative with my photography, and understand that what I take a photo of and what I write has a chance to inspire something great. After the rally, every press member left except me and Nyomi; if we didn’t stay, who would’ve platformed the same beautiful people we did? This on-the-ground reporting that captures the voice of the people is what makes The Indypendent unique from other news outlets.