Choices

Photograph taken of Margaret Mitchell's display of pictures at exhibition of the Sony World Photography Awards 2018

Do we have choices in life or are some predetermined or made for us? How much is the place we put ourselves in, or where we are put by others influence the choices we make? These are some of the questions posed by Margaret Mitchell with her collection of photos titled “In this place” recently exhibited in the Contemporary Issue section for the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2018. Margaret describes “In this place” as a personal and yet universal story of family, love, loss and survival. Her series of photographs tell the story of her sister’s children over 20 years living in an area of housing, income, health and opportunity deprivation. She questions how society operates, about the role of opportunity and environment and about issues around (in)equality.

And at a recent gathering for Mass at my son’s school, ahead of his state examinations I was invited as a parent to write a heartfelt letter to him. His future remains unknown and yet he is paving the way towards his success. Blessed with inspiration and opportunity he must make his choices.

There is a certain urgency in me

I mustn’t rush,

You were placed in my arms

Seemingly only yesterday

And now you stand so tall!

And you make me proud.

Proud as you shape yourself

With new knowledge

And a drive to achieve!

Have confidence my boy

Take courage for what’s new

With every failure there is learning

With every strive there is hope!

You strive!

You will achieve!

And I will watch and guide you

But it’s you my boy

You shape your story

I will read!