Expecting the Unexpected
Both Cotton and Alicia had no idea of what to expect. They knew nothing about the students they would be working with, nor did they know how the program operated. Needless to say, each day included quite a bit of improvisation. The MFA Photography & Integrated Media program at the College of Art and Design “definitively prepared me to think on my feet, and to expect the unexpected,” acknowledges Cotton. Specifically, Critical Theory–a course from the MFA program–and lateral thinking allowed him to push past the easy answer to difficult problems.
“It was an incredibly rewarding journey to see children with no formal education in Photography, pick up a camera, and make spectacular photographs in a short time. Teaching for NicaPhoto has allowed me to look at education from a multilingual perspective. The challenge of teaching to students who only speak Spanish, and my Spanish is rusty at best, was a very rewarding experience,” recalls Cotton.
“Ronnie, the entire staff, and friends of NicaPhoto were incredibly open, and welcoming. They are all multi-talented and absolutely dedicated to these kids - it’s awe-inspiring. Everyone in Nagarote were accommodating, and loving; they made us feel right at home. Alicia and I now have a second family in Nagarote, and hope to return in the near future.”
Cotton would like to extend a special thanks to Ronnie, Walter, Karen, Christian, Wendy, Ada Francys, Karen, Massiel, Gilary, Ada, and all of NicaPhoto staff, and of course, the children for such an amazing experience. Cotton Miller is currently an Adjunct Faculty member at Mount Ida College in Newton, MA; teaching Photography, Computer Imaging Techniques, and Vector Graphics.
To learn more about NicaPhoto and how you can get involved, visit nicaphoto.org.