She’s picturing a future in Salt Lake City
By Emilee Mae Struss
Silver Creek High School senior Ciarra Love is paving her own way toward her dream of becoming a professional photographer.
Love was born and raised in the Wood River Valley and moved to Mountain Home from sixth to 11th grade. Upon returning to the Wood River Valley, she decided to attend SCHS to allow more flexibility with her schedule.
“School is really important to me,” Love said. “Silver Creek High School allows me to learn at my own pace.”
Love is enrolled in government and English courses right now but says that science is her favorite. After a full day at school, Love heads to the YMCA to work as a lifeguard.
“My time is really spent at just school and work,” Love said.
Love typically works until 8 p.m. every night throughout the week after school. On Sundays, she attends church and then heads to her other job as an Every Teen has a Choice (ETC) intern with The Advocates. The ETC interns work on a variety of projects serving as educators and peer influencers to teach about healthy relationships.
Post-graduation, Love has her sights set on moving to Salt Lake City. Instead of jumping right into college, she is going to take the first six months to get acclimated to a new place. In the spring, Love plans to attend Salt Lake Community College to learn more about photography.
“Photography is my passion,” Love said. “And Salt Lake Community College is perfect because I can get hands-on experience.”
Love first discovered her passion for photography when she stumbled upon her grandparents’ camera. She just picked it up and started playing around with taking photos. The summer prior to her junior year, she got her first camera and spent a lot of time teaching herself how to use it.
“I realized I was spending so much time with my camera,” Love said. “So I decided I should make it my career path.”
When Love recounts her upbringing, she says it wasn’t easy, but she has a tight crew who motivate her to keep going.
“My aunt is definitely someone I look up to,” Love said. “She is constantly working hard and showing me that I can make my future better.”
This inspiration flows through Love and to her little sister as encouragement.
“I work hard to show my sister that hard work really does pay off,” Love said. “And I always try to display this to her—that you can make a better future for yourself.”
Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact Emilee Struss at emilee.struss@gmail.com.