A Full Circle Graduation Season

Graduation season always brings a mix of emotions—pride, nostalgia, and a little bit of bittersweetness—whether it's high school or college. This year felt especially meaningful as I celebrated with my Class of 2025 seniors in two places that hold a special piece of my heart.


I found myself back at Fort Hays, my alma mater and the place that laid the foundation for my journey in agricultural education—and where I unexpectedly discovered my love for photography. Standing on that campus again, now with a camera in hand instead of a backpack, was a surreal reminder of how far I’ve come.


From Hays to Spring Hill, where I wrapped up my first year of teaching, I had the joy of photographing some of my very own seniors as they prepare to take on their next chapters. This year was more than just another graduation season—it was a beautiful full-circle moment, blending past and present in the most meaningful way.

Eight close-up photos showing different angles of a black FFA jacket with embroidered logos and text reading 'Kansas Spring Hill'.

My First Senior Class — A Chapter I’ll Never Forget

Teaching agriculture education has given me the incredible opportunity to live out my passion for agriculture both inside and outside the classroom. What I didn’t expect was that it would also allow me to pursue another love—photography.


This senior, in particular, left her mark on me during my very first year of teaching. Through all the ups and downs, the unknowns, and the scary challenges that come with being new, I got to witness not only her growth but the growth of her entire senior class. Watching them navigate their final year together as they prepared for the next big adventure was nothing short of inspiring.


There’s just something about your first senior class that really touches your soul. These students stood by me as I learned on the fly—teaching a shop curriculum I didn’t study in college—but their perseverance, both in the classroom and at contests, gave me the motivation to keep showing up and giving them my best.


Capturing this class through my camera lens as they reached graduation was a full-circle moment. It reminded me that not only was I meant to be in the classroom, but I was also meant to grow something of my own through photography. Watching them succeed—and being trusted to help preserve those memories—was the reward I didn’t know I needed.

A person stands between white columns on a stone balcony overlooking a park landscape at sunset.
A graduate in a black dress tosses their graduation cap in front of a grand stone building with columns and stairs.

Back to Hays


Traveling back to my alma mater after completing my first year in my “big girl job” was truly the cherry on top of this full-circle season. Heading back to Hays—where I spent four unforgettable years growing, learning, and finding my passions—brought all the memories flooding back.


I was filled with so much excitement to return to the place that shaped me, not just as an educator, but as a person. From walking the familiar campus paths to driving the same streets I once called home, it felt like stepping into a time capsule—only this time, I came back with new stories and a new purpose.


Getting to celebrate these sweet seniors in the very place that meant so much to me was incredibly special. Even more so, watching two of them—who first met as strangers—now engaged and stepping into their next chapter together, was a beautiful reminder of how much can change in just a few short years.


And in true Hays fashion, the wind was relentless and the cold was biting—but the evening light was stunning, and these two stood tall through it all. Their love and joy warmed up the entire session

Portrait in a field of tall brown grasses during golden hour with a white sweater and dark pants.
Someone wearing a purple sweater and patterned dress sits barefoot on a wooden dock by a tranquil lake at sunset.
Woman in white dress walking on rural road with purple accessories and heels at golden hour.
Close-up view of FFA members' hands clasped together showing their gold FFA emblems on black jackets.
Someone with a ginger beard sits casually on stone steps wearing a black jacket, gray pants and yellow-accented sneakers.
A graduation portrait series showing a graduate wearing a black cap with gold tassel against a dark outdoor background.

A Season of Full-Circle Moments

This season has been more than just another round of senior sessions—it’s been a journey back through the places and people who helped shape me, while celebrating the growth of those now walking their own paths.


From standing in front of a classroom for the first time, to watching my seniors prepare to leave it behind… from walking the halls of my alma mater as a student, to returning as a photographer and educator… this year has been filled with moments that reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

Watching these seniors persevere through challenges, show up for each other, and chase their next big adventures gave me more than just great photos to capture. They gave me perspective, purpose, and proof that the hard days are worth it.


These full-circle moments—whether behind the camera or in the classroom—are the kind that stick with you. And if this year has taught me anything, it’s that when you follow your passion and give your whole heart, life has a beautiful way of bringing you back to where it all began—just with a deeper sense of purpose and a camera in hand.


Here’s to the Class of 2025, and to all the full-circle moments still to come.