10/09/2026
Today marks a new chapter in my life, one that will forever change it.
Today, I took my oath of citizenship at my naturalization ceremony, and I am incredibly proud to say that I am officially an American citizen! 🇺🇸
Words cannot fully describe how happy, grateful, and hopeful I feel reflecting on the journey that brought me here.
My journey to the United States began 16 years ago as an exchange student. I was fortunate enough to meet my wonderful host family and my host mom, Stacy. From the very first day I arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, Stacy and her family welcomed me with open arms and made me feel as though I had always belonged, not just in their home, but as part of their family.
It was during that year, experiencing everything this country had to offer, from its incredible mix of cultures to its arts, music, and people, that I realized this was where I wanted to build my future. Something about being here just felt right, and deep down, I knew this was where I was meant to be.
Fast forward through high school, and my journey eventually brought me to RIT, where I met my wonderful wife, Emily, and found a way to turn my passion for photography and videography into a business that I am incredibly proud of today.
Of course, the journey hasn’t always been easy. There have been plenty of roadblocks, uncertainties, and moments when things didn’t go as planned. But through the lowest lows and the highest highs, Emily has been right by my side. I truly cannot give her enough credit for the love, patience, and support she has given me throughout it all. And bringing our beautiful daughter, Maya, into our lives has been the cherry on top of a journey I could have never imagined 16 years ago.
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate for every person, opportunity, and experience that has helped shape my life. From a young exchange student arriving in Memphis, not knowing exactly what the future would hold, to building a family, a business, and a life here, it’s hard to put into words just how much this moment means to me.
Today, I am incredibly honored and proud to call myself an American citizen.
I am so grateful for the life we’ve built, the family I get to share it with, and everyone who has been part of this journey.
Here’s to this next chapter and everything it has in store for us! 🇺🇸❤️
Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank my parents.
As much as they might have hated some of my ideas, as many times as they told me no, somehow they always ended up supporting my craziest dreams and the wildest paths I wanted to take.
From allowing me to leave home at just 15 years old, to continuing to support me throughout high school and college, all the way to landing my first internship at Fisher-Price, they have been there every step of the way.
They supported my passion for photography before I even knew where it would take me. They bought me my first camera, that same Canon 5D Mark III that helped me land my first photography job, build my portfolio, and eventually establish my own business. Looking back, it’s incredible to think how much of my life today started with their willingness to believe in me, even when my ideas probably made absolutely no sense to them.
I know it couldn’t have been easy watching your kid leave home at 15 to chase a dream halfway across the world, but I will forever be grateful that you let me find my own path while always being there when I needed you.
And I know I said lastly, but last but certainly not least, Rochester.
You have all been real ones. My day-one supporters, the people who said yes to my crazy ideas without hesitation, and the community that gave me a place to grow, create, and call home.
From the ALT Buffalo station team to the local music scene here in Rochester, to the countless individuals who went from complete strangers to friends, community, and family. To every business, creative, and individual I’ve had the opportunity to work with, connect with, and learn from along the way, thank you.
So many of you believed in me and gave me opportunities when I was still figuring things out. You trusted my vision, supported my work, and helped me grow into the person and creative I am today.
Sixteen years ago, I never could have imagined how fortunate I would be to find so many incredible people willing to support a kid with a camera and a whole lot of crazy ideas.
I have been incredibly lucky to have so many people in my corner throughout this journey, and I don’t take a single bit of it for granted.
To my family, my friends, and everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We did it! 🇺🇸❤️
