Green River, Wyoming – Today is my last day of work. I am retiring today. I am ready. I’m not sad. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with great people, but I’m ready for the next chapter. I’m doing this now so I’ve got a lot more pages in my life book to fill up. As far as missing this place, I don’t know. I know for sure I am not going to miss wearing these boots. I’ve had a lot of fun, but I don’t want to be miserable. People say they’ll miss me, but the reality is it won’t be very long until I’m forgotten. That’s just life. I’ve put in 45 ½ years of my life working. I started back in 1980; over 20 years as an ironworker and 23 with this current organization. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is one of my sayings: There are two things that matter the check cashes and we go home the same way we drove out. All the other shit, the drama, the pettiness? It doesn’t really matter. I’ve learned not to get caught up in gossip and bullshit. There’s a lot of good people out here, and I did not dwell on the few things I didn’t agree with. I just focused on the good and the people I got along with. I thought I was Superman until I crossed 50 years and started having health issues. It was like life shoved a piece of kryptonite in my path, and I realized I wasn’t Superman anymore. I realized life is fragile and it got me to asking those big questions: What is life? Where is my place? I’ve come to a theory. I believe in a higher power and a purpose of life we may not fully understand. But I read something that left a mark on me: it said before you become a Christian, a Buddhist, a Hindu, or a Muslim, or any other social construct, become a good human first. People think religion and all these differences makes them good, but look at the world now. Just be a good human to yourself and others before you label or attach yourself with anything else. At the end of the day, we are human at heart before any of these constructs. I’m over the labels; this whole I’m liberal, conservative, democrat, republican or whatever thing you identify with. I’m a rogue. I belong to no tribe, I have no brand on me. I am my own me and I want to experience the world from that perspective. My advice for the younger generation is what my grandparents told me: ‘Work hard and be honest.’ But I’ll add this: go beyond just working hard and being honest; be intellectual and very observant about what’s going on around you. You may learn more about yourself and others. Remember, if you only focus on working hard and being honest, you’ll be taken advantage of. Lately, I’ve been trying to discover my mind in relation to the universe. Breathing has become important to me; it helps me not be reactive and helps control my temper. I’ve struggled and fought with depression my whole life. When it kicks in, I force myself to focus on gratitude. I acknowledge it as a rough spot, but I remember that nothing lasts. Rain doesn’t last, snow doesn’t last, everything comes and goes—including our own mortality. So, be patient. It’s hard, because I am not a patient person. This morning, I said a prayer. I am thankful for what I’ve had here. I’m hurting and I’m jacked up, but it has been really good. I am just full of gratitude. Me and my wife are going to go see and do stuff and really enjoy each other. That is what it’s about. I love being in the mountains, nature, and the ocean. I’m going to go seek that.”
Wichita, Kansas – My career goal is in the healthcare sector. I believe in the power of a life dedicated to service. I am currently working here to save up for the program. My desire and goal to serve others is influenced by my roots; my parents are from Zimbabwe, and I have traveled there to do missionary work and to connect with that side of my family. I love afrobeats music. I have a strong faith in God because I was a miracle child. I spent nearly a year in the hospital when I was born. God truly gave me a second chance, and that perspective anchors everything I do. The bible verse I rely on is Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ This powerful verse helps me persevere my peace and a reminder that every challenge I face is preparing me for the vital work I will do in the future. My advice to everyone is this: Follow your heart and God’s calling and stay true to yourself and do what you believe is right.
Rock Springs, WY – I have been living with severe mental health challenges for years and currently reside in a group home. While the symptoms of my condition can make the future feel uncertain, I focus on what i can control. I enjoy my daily walks to clear my mind. I have always had a good sense of style as far back as i can remember. I am 50 and I have accepted i may be in a group home for the rest of my life. But I receive good support there and the staff is really great. If I wasn’t feeling this way, I would have been in a profession helping people. I do that now at the group home and enjoy helping others. If I have advice for anyone, it would be “Don’t drink and do drugs, that shit will screw with your head”. My biggest frustration is “There is just a lot of prejudice and shit that needs to quit.” “Thanks so much for talking to me and taking my pictures”
New York – I’m 21 years old, born and raised in Halle Saale, Germany. This past January, I decided to take a leap and flew to New York City alone all to see Hugh Jackman at Radio City. But while I was there, something unexpected happened: I fell completely in love with the city. I had to come back to see more. When people ask me what drew me back, I tell them that NYC made me feel, for the first time, like I could actually achieve my dreams. For a long time, I worked so hard to find the confidence to do what I’ve always wanted to do: meet new people and truly get to know them. Now, I’m finally exploring the world and connecting with others. It’s incredible to meet fellow artists who feel the same way who see that even though we come from different places, we are all searching for that same sense of belonging and possibility.
Accra, Ghana (Kasoa Market) – I moved from Nigeria to Ghana a few months ago. The decision was tough, but it was necessary for my survival. Ghana has more opportunities than my home in Nigeria. I arrived with virtually nothing, and I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but my intention is to work hard and do whatever it takes to land on my feet. That’s why I’m here in the market selling drinks. I didn’t dream of starting my adult life carrying and selling goods, but this is the necessary first step for me in this new country. I don’t care what anyone thinks about the job I’m doing; I have a goal to build a life here. So far, the people of Ghana have been very welcoming and supportive. I really like it here, the food is good, and the women are beautiful too. My advice to anyone is Do not be afraid to take a chance on a dream or to chase a better life. It won’t be easy; it will be incredibly difficult at the start, but you must have faith and believe in yourself. Ghana is a place where, if you bring hard work and determination, you will make it.
