When I first learned I would be shooting the story about Andiel Brown's transition from University of Oregon football player to gospel choir director, I won't lie: I was intimidated.

While I was excited for the photographic potential of the story, I was anxious to get started. Would I be welcome in his class? Would I be too distracting, popping flashes and walking back and forth in front of students as they sang? Would I have a good work relationship with Andiel?

Thankfully, I found myself in an amazing environment. I met Andiel briefly before his class on Thursday of week two, and he greeted me with a broad smile and clasped my hand in his. I was instantly at ease in his presence. To top that off, I was heartily welcomed by the students, some of who exclaimed, "Yeah Flux!" when I said why I was there. And then the singing began. It was the end of week two, and these students already sounded wonderful. There was soul and passion taking over the room as the sopranos, altos and tenors sang in harmony, pausing for the "Put your hands together one time ... Put your hands together two times ... " The students smiled, Andiel danced, and the fervor in the room peaked. Andiel's arms rose, the voices soared, and with a sudden wave of the director's hands, the room silenced.

It was a stunning display, and that was only the warm-up.

This environment really made me evaluate my life and find my passion. I needed to follow Andiel's lead, find what I love, and pursue it wholeheartedly. And right there in classroom 163 of the music building, I realized how important photography is to me. It's my way of bringing passion into this world, and it's incredibly rewarding and moving to witness so much ardor at a time when the world may appear full of nothing but strife and struggle.