The college application process is a strenuous marathon filled with self-reflection, busy schedules, and stress. From letters of recommendation, resumes, and essays to SAT scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities, the Common App, an online application that most universities use for their submissions, requires delicacy in time and effort.

I have had the immense honor of photographing Llahir Soto-Luna, a senior at Riverside who completed his applications and got accepted into all the schools he applied to before the first semester of this school year is even over. What really impressed me is not the fact that he got into the colleges he applied for; I was impressed by the way he was able to balance everything out. As you watch this documentary collection of Llahir's life, I hope you will understand what I mean. By the way, other than the fact that these photos provide a great understanding about the busyness of a high school senior's life and the college application process, another reason you should watch it is because Panera Bread and Beethoven's 5th Symphony are involved.

It has been a pleasure on this photographic journey, and I have learned so much and have so much more respect for not only people who can use their photographic knowledge in service of society, but also for the people that are being photographed. There seems to be a special eye-opening slice of everyone's life.

All the best,

Rebecca He