Joe Obima: What's Your Story?

It's my favorite season of the year and I am kicking off this new segment with a gentleman by the name of Joe Obima. As our readers do not know, we met in a group interview of 11 different individuals. I was intrigued by his questionnaire responses and had to introduce myself before we both left. He stood out to me because of his genuine personality and way of thinking. He is quite interesting and represents what I call an Ambitionist!

Halle: Again Joe, It was a pleasure meeting you! I want to tell you that I am glad that I can share this time with you. So tell us.. What is your story?

Joe: For those who don't know me, my name is Joe Obima. I'm a 24 year old African-American, born in Washington D.C.. I was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland and am now currently living in Baltimore. At the moment, I am a student at Morgan State University studying multimedia journalism. What I plan to do after I graduate is to get a job at a news agency like the Baltimore Sun, City Paper, The Afro, etc. and cover the city of Baltimore. After a couple of years in Baltimore, I will move out west. Moving to California has been a dream for me for a while, I love the art scene there and most importantly, the weather! 

I was never into journalism as a kid, but since my dad was into politics, he would always ask me "what's going on in the world today" and always demanded me to  "stop watching Cartoon Network and change the channel to CNN!"-- Stuff like that.  I never really enjoyed watching the news. However, as I grew older (and after years of my dad drilling in my head the importances of current affairs), I've grown more curious and wanted to be in "the know".  Now, I'm a news junkie!

Aside from being a student studying journalism, I'm a freelance photographer. I've been a photographer for more than 8 years now. When I first started photography, I was just playing around, taking pictures of my friends as we would hang around and skate. Then as the years passed I started to get a little serious with want I want to pictures of, took photography classes in community college just to learn the science of photography. 

Today's Words Of Encouragement: Determine Your Own Luck

I'm feeling motivated and determined. Two words you should strive towards. Always. Ambition is a truly wonderful thing. Everyone has, or at least should have a dream. Mine? Make my name Big in every direction I chose to go. Weather it's the world of media & entertainment , marketing, or the fashion industry. I'm going to BLOW!  Yours? Well, you tell me. It goes without saying that most dreams will not come true instantly. Hard work is a key factor, but have faith in mind that you can achieve all that you want to in life.

"Make your own luck." This is an exceptional quote and one of which I live my life by. If you want something, you have to put yourself forward for that something. An example: you want a job. To get a job, it is necessary to hand out resumes, fill out application forms, be presentable, etc. If you keep doing this, you will get lucky. Somewhere along the line, God will give you that chance you're looking for. Someone has to get that job and it could be you. Unfortunately, things do take time. Be patient. Will that time be worth it? Just think.