Teen Refocuses Her Life with Camera Lens

It is said that creativity comes from adversity. Samala Williams’ life speaks to that theory. 

A 2012 graduate of Portsmouth High School, Samala’s growing up years were filled with adversity. That can make a person grow up hard, grow up angry, grow up without a focus, without a plan. Trouble usually follows and life for kids dealing with these issues sometimes spins out of control.

That seemed to be Samala’s fate until some key people steered her in a different direction - a direction she resented at first; a direction she didn’t understand was in her best interest. In June 2010, she began a year-long residency program at the Chase Home for Children in Portsmouth; it was there that she began to realize her potential and discover ways to set her dreams in motion.

“Everyone here helped me. They helped me with school and I realized that I really like school. I started getting on the honor roll and I  graduated in June with Highest Honors. I’m really proud of myself!”

Looking back, Samala remembers, “At first I hated it here. I hated the rules. I hated people always telling me what to do and when I had to do it. I stomped around and threw lots of tantrums. Other kids came and went. After a few months, I realized that I had been here the longest and I was the oldest. That’s when I got it figured out – just do my chores, do my homework, and I’d have no problems. It really was simple. And everyone here helped me – once I let them.”

Samala discovered her passion for photography at Portsmouth High School. Her teacher, Michael Winter (who is also a professional photographer) saw the spark and encouraged her to take advantage of all that PHS had to offer – and she did! She took every photography course available using the 35mm Nikon that Than Meyer, program director at the Chase Home, gave her. “I take a lot of different kinds of pictures but I love to work in high contrast black and white. I love doing my own developing and the high school has a really great darkroom. It’s my favorite part. It took me a while to figure it all out but now I know how to get my pictures perfect. It’s awesome watching the print come out from the blank paper. Unfortunately, now that I’ve graduated, I have to have my photos developed by someone else, usually Rite Aid.  I really miss the experience.”  

Her favorite photograph is of her mother. “She was looking for something and had a very serious look on her face. I took it in profile. She didn’t even realize she was being photographed so it is a candid shot. This one actually won an honorable mention in a photography contest.”

Now knowing the path she wants to take, Samala applied to and was accepted at the Maine College of Arts in Portland, Maine. Because of her academic achievements, great work ethic, and her skill as a photographer, she has earned some scholarships but not enough to cover all her expenses. “I’m just going to keep working to earn the rest because I really want this. I know it’s going to be tough but I’m going to do it!” she said with a look of absolute determination in her eyes.

One of the scholarships she earned was awarded in a special ceremony at the Chase Home – the place she started laying her foundation for success. On August 23^rd, Board of Trustees member Peter Torrey awarded Samala the D. Colin Troy Scholarship established by Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor in honor of Mrs. Taylor’s deceased son. Applicants for this scholarship must provide educational history, work experience, and a brief essay explaining why the student wants to attend the school and how this will help the student achieve his/her goals.

In her essay, she outlined her reasons for choosing MECA:

“Maine College of Art has been where I’ve wanted to go since tenth grade. I love art and connecting the stories behind it. MECA is located in Portland, Maine, close to the center of the downtown where it is booming with life and energy. With sounds, smells, and people carrying their stories, I want to be a part of that. Especially because I’ll be close to home. Going to MECA will help me achieve independence without feeling overwhelmed and stranded as well as help me improve the skills I need to become a photographer for my career choice.”

While presenting the award, Katy McDermott told Samala how proud everyone was of how far she had come and wished her well in her new venture. “But don’t forget to come back and visit us! Often!”  Samala thanked Katy and Peter for all the Chase Home did to get her on the right path and for the financial help.

School for Samala starts soon and next week she’ll be moving into her dorm. “I still have lots of stuff to get. I’ve been getting a little bit at a time. It sure costs a lot to go to school so this money is going to really help!”

Look out art world! Samala Williams is on her way!