(Photo by Julie Koehn)

While working for The Daily Iowan and interning at The Gazette, my friends would ask, "What's been your favorite story?" My answer surprised them.

I'll never forget the countless sideline passes. The last second, game-winning field goals, the presidential and GOP speeches. But the stories that I love to share are the ones I made with the people I've met on my way to where I am now. Like the Hall of Fame swimmer-gone-Hollywood screenwriter. Or the most patient, loving parents who are raising a 10-year-old shaken baby syndrome survivor. Or the high school amputee golfer, swimmer and runner with a prosthetic limb, who has inspired young and old to pursue their dreams, no matter what adversity they face.

This is why I love what I do. Despite the unknown future of the industry, despite the long hours, tight deadlines and fierce competition, I love taking photos. I love meeting new people and seeing new places. I often spend more time talking to people than taking their photos because their stories are so compelling and I want to tell those stories through my lens.