Hannah EastPhoto Essay -- Beauty through Working Hands

Each photo represents a different occupation, and more importantly, a unique person. The quotes are the direct words of each person on how they started their particular job, why they do what they do, what they love about their job, etc. Poem at the end added and written by Hannah East.

Beauty through Working Hands

“I remember my mom was always cooking when I was little, and I loved helping. Now I like to cook because I enjoy making good food to make others happy.”

- Lavern Wade (Head Cook at Baptist Camp)

“The reason I joined is because ever since I was little I wanted to serve. I

used to look up to people in uniform. Now, I can be that role model for someone else,

like they were for me.”- Roman Ramirez

(U.S. Soldier)

“I actually wanted to go to nursing school for the knowledge. I hated going to the doctor and not knowing what they were talking about. And

now I love being able to really explain every-thing in detail to help people understand and

make them feel more in control and comforted by their grasp of their situation.”

- Katie Waldrop East (Registered Nurse)

“I like the sense of accomplishment you get from building something. No matter how many times I have to start over, or how many times I smash my finger, when it’s all finished and you step back to

see your work… it’s all worth it.”- Ben East (Carpenter)

“I’ve just always loved art and I’ve tried my hand at several different types of it. I’ve

done glass blow-ing, I painted

before, and now I do this.”

- Elliott Murray (Tatoo Artist)

“It’s in my blood.. my dad did the same and his dad before him. I’ve always farmed even before I retired from the rail-road. I like working with my

hands.”- Wesley East (farmer)

God bless the hands that are calloused and scarred,Hands of craft, healing, and guard;For it is by their contribution of labor,

That generations to come, by their example, will not waver.

“I became a teacher after my kids were all grown up and moved away. I love being around young people. And I like to make education fun and interesting to them.”

- Monika Dunlap (Professor)

“I learned to play the piano because I loved singing praises to the Lord. My family would

sing at churches all the time when I was growing up and eventually I started a trio

with some girlfriends at school. So I would play and sing gospel songs.”

- Jane East (Pianist)

“I love working with my hands. And I’ve been doing this for 20 years now, and I

still love it.”- Perry Eichelberger

(Mechanic)