Stories Change Stories —My Commencement Speech

I was asked to give a motivational speech and a photographer for a high school commencement at the Public Library. Some people asked me to send them a copy of the speech, so here it is!

Hello, everyone!

My name is Willow, and thank you so much for having me here!
I want to give my upmost congratulations to the graduates—this is such a big deal!

How fitting is it that we are celebrating your achievement here in this beautiful and generous library? As you know, this building is filled of books, and most of them have a common structure: a beginning, some kind of messy middle with a plot twist, and an end. But sometimes the structure of our lives don’t always follow what society would consider normal. Life happens. Plans get derailed. It can have you feeling like you missed out on something, or you’re off course from where you should be.
But look at you! Look at where you’re sitting right now. You did something rare and profound. You looked at a chapter in your life that had been left open, you picked up your pen, and you continued the plot.

I was asked to stand up here to give an encouraging speech, but really you are the ones who inspire me—because you remind me of my own high school of my high school experience.

My parents made the decision to homeschool me. However, my mom got sick, and my dad was hardly ever home. I had to make my education a priority all on my own. There wasn’t anyone there to proof read my papers, or to hold my hand through math problems. I too spent hours in the library seeking any sense of normalcy, as if I was taking an exam in a classroom. My dad did help me as much as he could, but it I really had to be self disciplined to get my papers turned in order to receive my diploma. The hardship didn’t end with high school though; I had to navigate entering college, and the public school systems too.

To be honest with you, I played the victim.
I told one of my college professors how I’d been neglected this way, totally hoping for a sympathy grade. Like, “oh poor baby sweety, here’s an A, on the house”— he didn’t do that. What he did do, was he told an old wise tale that had completely shifted my perspective on my adversity.

The story is about a chef who placed three ingredients into three separate pots of boiling water. The ingredients were carrots, eggs, and coffee beans.
- The carrots entered the pot of water strong and unyielding. However, once being subjected to the water, they turned soft and weak.
- The eggs went in fragile, with only a thin shell to protect them. But after facing the heat their insides hardened.
- The coffee beans were unique. Once entering the water, the beans didn’t change. Instead, they changed the water. The coffee beans took boiling hard pain, and turned it into something rich, aromatic, and valuable.

My professor peered at me through his thin glasses and asked me the question that changed everything for me–which ingredient will I choose to be?

I spent the majority of my college career working at a gas station on purpose—no shade to gas stations, it was fun. But I worked there on purpose because I wanted to remind myself every single day that if I didn’t hustle, that if I didn’t chase my dreams, then I would be working jobs like that forever.

I viewed my education as a privilege. It was something that I got to do, rather than had to do. It made me competitive against myself, rather than other people. It made me take my classes more seriously than my peers. I took all of that grit, and tenacity, and I used it to build up to my dream.

Graduates, I am going to be honest with you: there isn’t always going to be someone there to hold your hand when life gets hard. You’re going to have to do things on your own sometimes. But the cool thing is, you get to do things on your own sometimes! You can build anything you want.

And how fitting is it that we get to celebrate this chapter of your lives in this amazing library? Libraries are magical spaces. They are places where anyone can walk through the doors and continue their story. The thing about stories is that they can create riffs on eachother—like a rock thrown into a pond. Stories can change stories. So please, be sure to share yours—even if it’s at a highschool commencement where you get volunteered to give a motivational speech. (please laugh).

Graduates, by earning your diploma, you have proven that it’s never too late to learn, to grow, or to claim an education that belongs to you. Congratulations to the class of 2026, you did it!

Rosalinda & Osny’s Life Update!

My favorite part of my job is watching little families grow. I first photographed Rosalinda and Osny before their sweet baby girl arrived, and this time I get to meet their newest family member, baby Marisol!

Marisol is so sweet, and was totally fought over the entire session. She kind of looks like an angry asian lady, in the cutest and sweetest way ever. I can’t wait to find out who she turns into when she grows up!

I got to spend some time getting to know Osny’s family members this time, and I totally see where Osny gets his bright, electric grin from now; his mom had it every time she looked at Marisol!

Rosalinda and Osny seem so at peace together, and it warms me to my core knowing Marisol is going to have so much support and warmth in her life.

I’m looking forward to more adventures with this amazing family!

Secret Ravine Winery | The Wall Family

My job never feels like going to work; it feels like hanging out with friends.

I’ve known Shelby for a long time, and she is genuinely one of the sweetest humans I’ve ever met. Her husband, Chris, is incredibly talented. He’s a winemaker, so we photographed their family at their winery: Secret Ravine Winery in Loomis. I’m a spoiled photographer, because the setting was literally perfect, I mean, the photos speak for themselves. And don’t even get me started on their wine room! I definitely recommend giving them a visit.

Their two little girls, Maddie and Piper, completely stole the show. They’re the perfect mix of shy and spunky, just like their mom. They had me laughing the whole time! I’ve learned that working with kids takes patience and playfulness. I like to start by making things fun and friendly, which helps them relax. This way, I can capture their real personalities and genuine moments. Watching Shelby and Chris with their girls is really special.

The day was cold and cloudy, but it didn’t matter because this family brought so much warmth and so many smiles. That’s why I love what I do: making everyday moments feel a little warmer.

If you’re ever in Loomis, be sure to stop by Secret Ravine. I’m excited to see this sweet family grow! If you want to capture your own special moments, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime with questions or to book a session!

Rosalinda & OSny | Maternity Session in Fair Oaks

Ahhh, first their wedding, and now this? I am so honored! I thought Rosalinda looked breathtaking as a bride, but her radiant glow during this special time is truly unmatched. She is as graceful and beautiful as ever. And Osny's smile? It's electrifying— I'm pretty sure he could light up a whole city! I couldn't be happier for these two and am so excited to help celebrate the arrival of their little Marisol. Maternity photos are such a blast for me, especially knowing that their child will one day cherish these moments of anticipation. Pregnancy can be a total whirlwind, so I'm glad that Rosalinda and Osny were able to take a beat and soak it all in. I can not WAIT to meet their little girl and see what beautiful adventures lie ahead for this little fam!

The Reeds Fam | Jensen Botanical Garden

One of my favorite parts of my job is watching little families grow, especially families like Michael and Marcie's. I had the pleasure of taking Michael and Marcie's very first photo together on one of their early dates, which was on the 4th of July. Since then, I've had the joy of capturing their engagement, wedding, maternity, and now family photos!

This recent session at the Botanical Gardens in Sacramento truly reflected who they are as a couple. They incorporated mementos from their wedding, which had an "Up" theme, as well as elements from their storybook-themed baby shower. I am so incredibly grateful to have such awesome friends, and it warms my heart to meet their little one for the first time.

I already see so much of both of them in Liam; it's amazing to witness, and I can't wait to get to know them even better in the years to come!