“Ever since I first picked up a camera, I’ve felt like I have found a way of expressing myself.”
Bryan Lopez-Roman is a senior at Kensington Health Sciences Academy (KHSA). His days are busy with classes, studying, working after school in housekeeping at the University of Pennsylvania — and now, much to his delight, photography.
“I like capturing memories and moments, and that’s what art is — expressing yourself and showing the world parts of you,” said Bryan who hopes to turn photography into a career after graduation.
Bryan started exploring photography two years ago, and now it’s how he fills all of his free time. He is now a KHSA yearbook photographer and is enrolled in an art class outside of school through Congresso as well.
At first, photography was a hobby to Bryan. He remembers the exact moment when he realized photography could be his career. He was on a walk with Community Schools coordinator Antonio Romero, giving out flyers to promote an upcoming event at the school, when they walked by the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival, which is a unique visual spectacle. Antonio pointed out that Bryan could someday be a professional photographer at community events.
“He really got into it and I could tell that he had a fire for it,” said Antonio.
Suddenly, Bryan says, everything clicked. And it’s not surprising that Antonio helped him make that connection.
“He always tells people to go forward, and that’s why he’s a role model,” said Bryan. “I’m passionate about film and graphic design too, and he’s always helping me. And most of all he’s showing me how to use my passions to help out the community.”
Antonio ensures students are succeeding outside of the classroom, and Bryan says he’s most thankful for that. Last summer, Bryan was one of two KHSA students Antonio helped connect to a summer internship in the Penn Architecture program. He loved the program, and was proud to show Antonio photographs of the work he was completing.
As the school’s coordinator, Antonio ensures that KHSA is packed with resources for students, including events like Second Saturdays and an evening last month celebrating students’ cultures and talents. These events are a great opportunity for Bryan, who enjoys attending the events but especially enjoys photographing them.
“My friends at school think everything [Antonio’s] doing is amazing,” said Bryan. “I knew about him the second he entered our school because he’s always around, and involved. It’s so cool.”
Bryan says he would recommend the Community School experience to all Philadelphia students.
“If you’re a student looking for more opportunities, Community Schools staff are always supportive and always trying to get students to connect more, socialize, and tell them what they’re thinking,” said Bryan. “Community Schools aren’t just about what’s inside, it’s about what’s outside too. Mr. Romero brings that to us.”
