Point Nine Miles

It is 0.9 miles from my apartment to the pilates studio where I worked. I would take this specific walk multiple times a week, which I decided to photograph for our first large format photography project. I remembered this walk and decided to photograph it again for our final project. When I went back, I began to ask myself questions. Why this route? Why this job? Why did I turn left instead of right? I remember first accepting the job and feeling so excited because the commute was doable. As a person with a disability, the word “doable” is very important, and rarely used. While taking this walk again, I remember the many days when I couldn’t even make it all the way to work. I had to stop at the coffee shop halfway and take a break. Even just 0.9 miles could feel impossible to me on some days. 

These images represent what I saw on my commute. Some days I saw glimpses of what I hoped could be my future. I saw couples walking down the street with their dogs. I saw successful people in their beautiful brownstones living life to its fullest. I saw happy, able-bodied people everywhere I looked. These bits and pieces were an inspiration to me. One day it would be possible for me to be like them too: I could have a house, a career, and major responsibilities. Maybe one day I could walk 0.9 miles without taking a break.