I remember this camping trip vividly. It was during my spring break and my dad had a few days off, so we went east and stayed in Safford in a campground.
This trip gave me an opportunity to practice my photography in an environment that was slightly different from my normal. My dad filled his time with fishing on the lake.
As interesting as my photography was, I was still 16 at the time and the attention span of a teenager is short-lived. So, while my dad was content staring at the water all day — I was not. Then, by some crazy coincidence, I saw another girl my age using a DSLR camera and wondering around the campground.
Jackie Doe, age 17, was born in Tennessee and moved to Arizona only a year prior to us crossing paths. Since she wasn’t working, I asked what she wanted to be once she graduated high school. She told me she aspired to be a pediatric doctor. I remember being impressed immediately, anyone who aspires to work in the medical field wins some points in my book.
Our shared interest of photography allowed us to bond quickly and keep us occupied when our parents were busy with other things. I remember feeling incredibly disappointed when my camping trip was over because I knew that it meant I would likely never see Jane again. Regardless, she would have an impact on my life and I would continue to root for her from a distance.
Q: What made you choose to be a pediatric doctor?
“When I was younger and in the hospital, I remember thinking that all the doctors and nurses were heroes. That feeling never went away and I want to be a child’s hero one day.”
– Jackie Doe
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