Whoever decided to take the time to read this, I appreciate it. My name is Aspen and I'm 23 years old. This page is dedicated to tell you, the "reader", the journey that has lead me to pursue this. Ever since I was a kid I've always had an interest in computers and cameras. I've always needed to challenge myself to understand, learn, and perfect whatever was in my hands.
Throughout my life I have been blessed to be able to grow up using various computers, cameras, and other tech equipment. It really all started when I was around 8 years old. I'd always find a way to get my hands on my mother's personal cameras, whether it be at the softball field watching my sisters play or around the house just goofing around.
As I got older I became more interested in computers. When I was around 13 I got my first desktop computer. At the time I was starting to watch YouTube and became interested in trying it myself. I would record videos on games like "Call of Duty", "Rainbow Six Seige" and "Overwatch". Following that I would put the recording in Window's Movie Maker, add music into the background, and call it a masterpiece.
YouTube didn't workout for my 13 year old self like I had planned so I moved into a platform called Twitch. I was 14 when I started. You would see people playing games, streaming it to an audience, and making a living doing that. That was pretty intriguing in my mind. I had accumulated a nice setup over the years thanks to my parents. Truly grateful for their belief in me throughout my life. I would stream all sorts of games. I was pretty good and kept aspiring to get better. One game stuck around, spent countless hours trying to master it. Its called "Counter-Strike".
From this point I spent many years chasing a dream of becoming a professional "Counter-Strike" player and streamer. Day after day I would pursue this goal. Even today, being a 23 year old man every now and then I am reminded of the dream young me had. I never conquered it. Today I believe I was never meant to. When I was young I didn't understand the effect sitting behind a screen for countless hours had on me. The effect of isolation and the loneliness it brings. There were various pivotal moments in my life that led me to these conclusions
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When I was 20 I was given a choice. The choice to continue pursuing "Counter-Strike" or the choice to begin assisting my parents combat the voice of suicide through the "Love Like Lexi Project". I chose to help my parents. It was a choice I knew that would force me to grow as a person. I believe it was something I needed to do. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone behind a screen and be around people.
After about a year of doing the "Love Like Lexi Project" I aqquired a camera and a laptop. The idea was to document each event we would do. To film each moment and be able to capture a story. I have now been pursuing this goal for 2 years which has allowed me to really grow and get familar with my camera. With each video I work to refine and polish the camera work and production process. I can admit, I still have lots of room to grow and things to learn. I believe now is just the beginning.
With all of that being said my plan now is to take everything I have learned and offer it to others. To capture someone's story. To capture an authentic moment. To be able to help someone capture and share their meaningful message. To capture what someone loves to do. All of these things simply sound awesome. This is my current goal. Maybe I will continue writing on this page, time will tell. If you made it to the end, you rock. -Aspen
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