From Habit to Skill

"Cekrek... cekrek... cekrek" the sound of the camera held by Charlie beeped, it was a sign that Charlie was taking pictures around him. Charlie is a single child who has economic limitations. Charlie is currently in the 3rd grade of high school and will soon enter the world of college. 

Charlie with his simple appearance, curly hair, tall body with brown skin color is very happy to take pictures at every moment he goes through. Currently, Charlie only uses a cell phone device as a tool to take and edit the pictures that he takes. Due to economic limitations, he usually only borrows cameras belonging to his friends or superiors.

Charlie's love for photography is more than just a hobby, but a path to the future he dreams of. Through his lens, he captures moments that reflect the beauty of life in the midst of adversity. He is drawn to candid shots, finding the soul behind every smile, and the unseen stories in everyday scenes.

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Currently, Charlie has plunged into the world of working as a part-time to reduce the burden on his parents while collecting money to continue his studies in the future. Charlie's goal is to become a professional photographer, so he wants to continue his studies at a well- known university with a major in photography.

One day, when Charlie's school graduation was announced, he got the third-best grade in his school. With his high spirits, he immediately prepared himself to continue his studies. 

He went to the teachers' room to consult about the university and the major he would take. All of his teachers were very agreeable and supportive of Charlie's choice, which was also in accordance with his interests and talents. After receiving approval from his teachers at school, he rushed home to tell his parents the happy news.

"Mom... Dad... Charlie is home" Charlie shouted excitedly when he arrived home. Then he immediately told all the events of the day at school. Then, his parents only responded silently to the news, and then his father left Charlie and his mother in the family room and headed to the terrace of his house while enjoying the warmth. 

Charlie was confused and began to let out a sad expression that had been happy after seeing the response of his parents. He also asked his mother "Mom, Why? Does Dad disagree? How about you, Mom? Do you agree? You will support Charlie's dream too, right?" asked Charlie with anxiety while reassuring his mother. "We'll talk more later, about your father, Let me talk to him, now you can take a rest first" replied his mother as she stood up leaving Charlie in the living room.

Then Charlie ran to his room, he pondered and wondered about his parents' attitude earlier. Without thinking, Charlie rushed out of the house to his workplace. On the way, as usual, Charlie took pictures of several moments he encountered. Upon arriving at work, Charlie began to ask for opinions and suggestions from his coworkers, Charlie asked for their opinions about his parents' responses. 

Some of his coworkers shared their opinions, and there was one opinion that struck Charlie. "Maybe your parents can't afford to pay for your tuition fees, after all, the major you're interested in is only available at top universities and the fees will be quite heavy for your parents," said Andre, Charlie's coworker.

On the way home, Charlie daydreamed a lot and thought about what his friend had said earlier. Charlie daydreamed while thinking that his friend's words might be true too. But, Charlie also kept taking pictures in every corner of the city he passed.

Arriving home, when Charlie opened the door, he saw his mom and dad sitting in the living room as if they were waiting for him to return.

"Sit down first, son," said his father.

"I apologize for my attitude this afternoon, after Mom and Dad discussed it, it looks like you won't be going to college this year. Our economy is not good, where will we get the money to continue your studies at that famous university. Besides that, the major you want doesn't have many job prospects. 

For now, you just need to earn extra money first, Mom and Dad are the same. If you have enough money next year, you can go to an ordinary university with a less expensive entrance fee, then you can take a major with broader job prospects, such as management, or law". Charlie's father continued

Charlie was silent. His eyes were teary, he wanted to be angry but he realized that in front of him were his parents. So Charlie just kept quiet and went straight to his room while closing the door with a loud voice. Charlie wanted to be angry but he held back and ended up shedding tears while shouting covering his mouth with a pillow. Shortly after crying for a long time, Charlie fell asleep until morning, 

Upon waking up, Charlie immediately got ready to go to his workplace. Discouraged but not defeated, Charlie sought solace in his passion. On the way to the office, while waiting for the bus at the bus stop, Charlie took out his cell phone to take some pictures of his surroundings. 

His love for photography stemmed from his great curiosity about the world. Despite his economic limitations, Charlie's determination to master the art of capturing moments never waned.

When Charlie pointed his cell phone to the corner of the city, he was awakened by a photo spot around there. He immediately approached the place and read the notice board there. And sure enough, Charlie found an announcement in the form of a photography competition at the university he wanted with prizes in the form of millions of rupiah and scholarships.

After seeing the announcement, Charlie seemed to rediscover his zest for life. His expression, which had been gloomy, now turned into a cheerful smile. With a strong spirit and determination, Charlie shifted his focus. The usual route to work turned into a hopeful detour to his school. Administrative tasks became stepping stones to competition. His once-dimmed aspirations revived, prompting him to participate and earn a scholarship that could pave his way into the world of professional photography.

In this newfound hope, Charlie found the strength to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. The competition was not just about winning; it symbolized the opportunity to break through the barriers that were holding back his dreams. It is a testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for photography, a testament that whispers of possibilities amidst the limitations of reality.

Charlie's determination surged as he prepared for the upcoming photography competition. Each day was a balancing act between work, saving money, and refining his craft. He poured his heart into capturing the essence of life through his lens, seizing every opportunity to hone his skills.

As the deadline for the competition loomed, Charlie found himself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions. Doubt and fear occasionally crept in, but his unwavering passion fueled his perseverance. He spent countless nights editing, selecting, and perfecting his submissions, each image telling a profound story of resilience and hope.

Finally, the day arrived for the competition submissions. Charlie stood amidst a diverse array of photographers, each with their unique perspectives. Nervousness tugged at his heart, but his belief in the power of his photographs fortified his resolve.

The exhibition day dawned, and Charlie's heart raced as he gazed upon his works displayed alongside those of seasoned photographers. Each image reflected his journey, the struggles, the joy, and the unwavering spirit to chase his dreams against all odds.

The judges deliberated, scrutinizing each photograph for its depth, emotion, and storytelling. Charlie's heart pounded with anticipation, his fingers crossed as he awaited the results that could potentially alter his future.

"Third place goes to..." The announcement echoed through the hall, sending a surge of tension across the room. Charlie's heart skipped a beat, hope and anxiety intertwining within him. "Charlie!" The resounding call stunned him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he stepped forward to receive the accolade. His photograph, capturing the raw beauty of resilience amidst adversity, had earned him recognition and a substantial reward.

Among the applause and congratulations, Charlie felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This victory was more than a prize; it was a validation of his dedication, a testament to the power of unwavering determination in pursuing one's dreams

The scholarship offered alongside the award opened doors to the university he had dreamt of, where he could delve deeper into the world of photography. It was a triumph that not only granted him access to education but also signified a step closer to his aspirations of becoming a professional photographer.

Charlie's journey, marked by challenges and unwavering passion, taught him invaluable lessons. It taught him that setbacks can fuel determination, that limitations are opportunities in disguise, and that dreams, when pursued with relentless fervor, can materialize against all odds.

With gratitude in his heart and a renewed sense of purpose, Charlie embarked on this new chapter, ready to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead. His story became a beacon of hope for many, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in pursuit of dreams.