by Ronnie Rhodes
Torn between a passion of photography and science, Richelle Hallows, 17, finds herself at a crossroad as she braces for her senior year at Norman High School.
Photography came naturally to Hallows after an artist came to her elementary school to teach students the basics of art. This led to her involvement in additional art classes in middle school.
“My art teacher really liked me, so she took me under her wing and let me use all of the special supplies and water color paint,” Hallows said.
An interest in art and a drive to capture moments motivated Hallows to put her passion onto print in the form of yearbooks.
Starting as a sports editor for her middle school yearbook, Hallows furthered her career as a yearbook staff member in high school. Through hard work, Hallows earned the job of co-editor-in-chief during her sophomore year. Hallows enjoyed all aspects of producing yearbooks, but photography always stood out.
“Art was my creative outlet, and that’s what yearbook is kind of like for me now,” Hallows said.
She also finds herself attracted to a subject that most would see as difficult – genetics. She developed her interest through science classes in high school, her favorite being chemistry. She became interested in genetics and medical engineering as a possible career choice.
“I have always thought that people’s genes are interesting, so I want to learn more in-depth about what makes each of us different and how our DNA helps shape us,” Hallows said.
She hopes that through research and hands-on experience, she will be able to make a career of one of her passions by the time she graduates.
