My grandmother instilled an appreciation for photography in me many years ago. Since then, I have gradually honed my photo-taking hobby into a passionate and creative form of self-expression and means of advocacy. After discussing with Presidents of Special Olympics and Paralympics organizations on how to raise awareness for their athletes, I settled on a method that involves photography – I must first provide people with the opportunity to acknowledge, and simply, see these special athletes who are equally present as any other individual in society through a platform that may showcase their reality and spirit. I believe my images may act as portals into this special world and my photography exhibition as a mode to personally present these extraordinary athletes.