Polaroid Photos
Golden light streaks my bedroom. It’s 6am. Before my family rises, I’ll have completed half my day’s to-do list; but before I start, I look to my wall, where 84 (and counting) 2.4 x 1.8 glossy Polaroids hang in 14 uniform rows.
Top row, four Polaroids over: I sit beside my Chinese grandmother, speaking Mandarin. Her mouth of cracked teeth stretch into a smile, as this was our first time sharing a fluent conversation. Previously frustrated with our inability to converse, I’d tackled Mandarin classes, determined to connect with my extended family. My teary eyes twinkle as I remember nights buried in textbooks, doubting whether I’d become proficient before the cancer took her. Grandma’s wrinkled hands envelop mine, sharing mutual gratitude for my choice to make the most of our time left together.
Images of acrylic paints, calligraphy pens, and camera equipment are woven into the sea of snapshots. Whether it’s the light drizzle of Morton’s Salt, quenching the watercolor’s richness (Row 5, 7 left), or the clean-cut curves of my Tombow pen (Row 7, 2 left), art has been my outlet since the age of 2. Most influential is my passion for portrait photography, which led me to create my photography business. Typical weekends involve guiding clients through photoshoots, styling a guest’s hair/makeup, editing in Adobe Lightroom, or researching new advertising opportunities. My work has taught me the importance of flexibility; when sunny forecasts turn to dark clouds (classic Seattle), being flexible allows me to make the most of a rainy session by, for example, having a couple hold an umbrella as I capture the bride’s warm smile.
My eyes wander the rows, reliving each scene. Suddenly, I’m hurled into a warehouse, an infant’s onesie between my hands. The photo captures two friends, determined to continue their love of community service. What started as 6th graders occasionally helping at food banks soon grew into 12th graders’ weekly commitment to service. The camera’s flash overexposes my arm, wide around a crate of baby clothes, one of many that local families rely on. The crate also symbolizes consistency within my own life; these Monday evenings at Eastside Baby Corner allow me to support my community while bonding with others who share this passion.
Row 9, 8 left: a figure in red shirt and khakis, name tag reading “Target Cashier: Meili.” Little did I know my weekly 25 hours could bring so much joy and learning. Each work day provides opportunities to console frustrated guests, or simply boost someone’s Sunday Target run with a bubbly welcome. The greatest skill I’ve learned, one that will serve me well in the business world, is how to handle unpleasant customers. I’ve been insulted, yelled at, and looked down upon. Yet, I know my ability to handle these situations with grace leaves both me and the customer better off. Additionally, my job has inspired me to practice gratitude. After seeing countless families unable to purchase necessities, it’s impossible to not feel grateful for what I have. Each of my Polaroids takes me to someplace where I’m safe, loved, free; for that, I begin each day remembering life, at its very core, is a gift.
Row 14, 1 left: dark waves, licking my surfboard’s tail. May afternoon in California. Though I’m no pro surfer, my craving for adventure brings me to the water. That same yearning draws me to ziplines and roller coasters galore. My curiosity has provided learning experiences, an expanding network, and the discovery of my passions.
Not every photo carries life’s highlights. Many feature little moments: lunch with friends, watching movies with dad…but I’ve realized life isn’t just the big moments. It’s everything in between: good, bad, significant, minute. Life’s details are essential to create meaning.
My wall is far from being covered; and I know wherever I go, my Polaroid is ready to capture the next moment.