A Story of Transformation

Salem (right) inspires his ASYV sisters to take up photography.

On New Year’s Day 2019, Salem Isezerano, ASYV Class of 2023, borrowed a camera from the Village’s Media Intern, an ASYV graduate, and began snapping photos for the very first time. “I don’t know how to express it, but photography makes me feel that this is real life, and that it’s the job for me for life,” he says. “It lets me express my thoughts.”

Last school year, we launched a new, more comprehensive gender equity program. In response, Salem started an informal club teaching his Village sisters photography. “I realized many girls at ASYV, across our country actually, don’t feel they can express themselves. I wanted to help them express their thoughts,” he says.

After graduating from ASYV, Salem returned to the Village as Media Intern, helping inspire the same passion for photography among his younger siblings that a former Media Intern once helped inspire in him. He also began building his career beyond our gates, shooting music videos and photographing weddings.

P.S. When asked what ASYV means to him, Salem answered by mentoring the kids in our Media Club to create this video. Check it out!