When I think of the word wild, I think of similar terms like untamed, rugged, and natural.
Here at Wild Boyz Photography, we like to tell our supporters to "Stay Wild," whether that be following one of our social media posts or enclosed in an email to our subscribers. When I first started my internship at Wild Boyz, I didn't think much of that (we are the Wild Boyz, after all), but I've learned that there's much more to being "wild" than the name initially implies.
When I think of the word wild, I think of similar terms like untamed, rugged, and natural. Sadly, our world is becoming the opposite of natural: buildings and roads now take up the same spaces that mountains and valleys once did, and it's become increasingly difficult to find pieces of land without man's imprint on it. A lot of things on our planet have become manufactured; it can even be hard to find food that isn't processed. On top of all this, our winters are becoming warmer and shorter, and our summers hotter and longer.
In some ways, it is "wild" to care about these issues, let alone do something about it. Too many people take nature for granted and aren't concerned with the importance of preserving it for the next generation. During my internship interview with Matt and Ben, we talked a lot about the privilege we have to go out and enjoy nature everyday, something that not everybody has the ability to do, and something that future generations may lose out on entirely. It is so important to recognize that privilege and do everything we can to make sure that our kids will have that same privilege too.
My time at Wild Boyz Photography showed me that it is possible to make a difference, even if it's a small one. I was able to see firsthand how our photography was impacting people through donations made to our featured nonprofits. It was great to see that type of support, and to know that we were able to help similar-minded nonprofit organizations make a difference in their own respective communities.
In some ways, it is "wild" to care about these issues, let alone do something about it.
We all have to care about nature enough to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small. That's what it means to be Wild.
In order to preserve the beauty of nature for future generations, and to be able to continue enjoying it in the ways we always have, we have to take a look in the mirror and make change at an individual level. An organization like Wild Boyz Photography gives me hope that there are a lot of people who still do care, and who are willing to pitch in and make a difference, even if it's a small one.
I am very thankful that Matt and Ben gave me the opportunity to make an impact at Wild Boyz Photography, and thankful that my love for nature and my passion to preserve it grew even larger because of it. We all have to care about nature enough to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small. That's what it means to be Wild.
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