Photo Story: The Freckled Bee

The Freckled Bee in Salem, November 25. Despite the winter weather, and the pandemic, people are still out and about supporting and shopping small businesses downtown. 

Established in 2019, The Freckled Bee carries shirt sizes from newborn all the way up to 5X, including other boutique garments as well. Located on the corner of Liberty and State street, they can make most anything while you wait, which is very convenient for the out of town shoppers and impatient people alike. The Freckled Bee also makes custom engraved cups, cutting boards, wooden signs, jewelry, car decals, UV printed cups, baseball hats, beanies, and much more. Almost everything in the store is made by the owners, Diana and Brandy. They have something for everyone and any occasion. Open from 10-6 Monday-Saturday and 10-4 Sunday's, The Freckled Bee is a great place to find one of a kind pieces and keep our communities small businesses thriving. 

The Freckled Bee, November 25, showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement that has caused quite the national uproar this year. 

This small business is not backing down and their stance is clear. With calls on their business line with death threats and nasty remarks, both owners have decided to keep their business a safe place for minority groups and continue to support different progressive movements. Both Diana and Brandy chose to paint the inside of the store windows after people kept wiping it off. Brandy shares, "We've gotten trolled a ton, we've had one of our employee's called the "N" word by someone walking by, and that is just something we will not tolerate." On the other end, they have seen so much support and they constantly have people thanking them for making it a place of inclusivity. The business owners decided to keep their controversial human rights printed shirts visible in the windows at all times. All people are welcome in, but they have no room for hate.

Shaiann Helton (19) organizes and gets ready to print custom shirts in the back room on December 3. She says, "I've been working here for about a month, and I am still getting the hang of things." This time of year is extremely busy for the business, especially the holiday t-shirt orders. 

Not only do they do custom walk-in orders, The Freckled Bee utilizes a secondary company created by Brandy Decker, called Spill the Beans. You will find this brands insignia on the left hand corner of all the shirts made here. Brandy started her t-shirt brand back in 2007. As she made shirts for her sons, her friends soon started wanting to order. Spill the Beans gained popularity quickly with it's forward thinking prints, and slogans that are unforgivably honest. Now, Spill the Beans has over 32k followers on Instagram. From an online Etsy store, to now, Brandy brought her company front and center to this downtown Salem storefront.  

Diana Cureton (47) getting ready to make her signature cape and mask outfits she sews for children, and adults alike. These make great gifts for young kids and those young at heart. 

Diana is part owner of The Freckled Bee and specializes in all the garments in need of a sewing expert. She even makes embroidered logos for other small businesses in the area, including On Any Sundae ice cream shop in Salem. This business owner and mother of five discusses how it's been owning a small business in the middle of a global pandemic. "The small business relief funding has definitely kept us afloat. And our landlords here that own the building have been a huge, huge, help." She continued, "They didn't have to do as much as they did, and that goes for all their tenants." Diana describes the whole downtown area joining forces during this time. "One of the positive things that has happened to the downtown area, is that the small shops and business owners have really come together in support for one another and we have gotten closer. It's really going to build a much stronger community"... "I'm really proud to be apart of it, I wouldn't want to do anything else." 

Alec Smith (20) organizes and restocks shelves as an employee of The Freckled Bee November 25. Alec says, "I love working here, everyone is awesome and we all get along knowing we are making a difference." 

Alec worked on a project with the owners that included him making an original design for custom engraved cups for the Trans Lives Matter movement. Along with their mission, The Freckled Bee has a wide array of toys and activities for newborn to school age children. Melissa and Doug is one of their featured brands that align with the stores vision of equality for all and standing together against racial

Brandy Decker (36) part owner of The Freckled Bee poses proudly for a portrait on December 3. 

Brandy is a mother of four a boys and proud business owner of  The Freckled Bee. Balancing family life and work seems to come naturally. She has overcome nursing one son through grad school, holding her teaching job, and working her side business, turned full time job, all simultaneously. She knows her dedicated time is precious and well spent. Brandy explains, "I work hard here so I can be home on time for dinner and to see my kids." Decker continues, "There will be weeks where I don't come home at night, at one point I was up to 800 open orders, and that is just part of the sacrifice to pursue my dream and support my family."

In a time of  national division, and a global pandemic, The Freckled Bee strives to dedicate their time and efforts to having a diverse work crew, a diverse selection of goods, and a diverse vision of our world to share with those willing to listen. 

Lynsey Addario Book Report

         Lynsey Addario’s approach to photojournalism is pure magic. She has a way with people, especially women, helping them feel as comfortable as possible in front of her lens. She documents life as it is with little posing, letting the subjects lead the shoot; a personal touch that gives her an upper hand when photographing warzones and victims alike. She takes each of her subjects into account with the utmost respect and gratitude. Whether it’s covering up nd diverting her eyes for Iraqi men or documenting rape victims in Africa, Lynsey is able to take on different roles in order to capture the truth of events around her.  I appreciated her entire book, from her upbringing to finding the balance of supporting her family and her dreams. She is an astounding person. 

Women go by many titles their lifetime like daughter, mother, wife and business woman. When I got to chapter 7 “Women Are Casualties of Their Birthplace”, I was not only consumed in disbelief by the stories she was told, but her passion to keep going back to these destructive places to get the stories of women who wouldn’t be heard or seen otherwise. When she visits the Democratic Republic of the Congo it’s moments like this when I understand why she has this passion for her career as a war photographer and the untold stories of war such as this. When she’s able to tell a story through her lens it connects to these Congolese women's words of recollecting the most traumatic time of their lives, revealing the titles they now carry; rape survivors and warriors. “The stories were unbearable. As a photojournalist, I felt there was very little I could do for the women in the DRC but record their stories. I hoped awareness of their suffering might somehow save them”. Her job as a photojournalist is to bring awareness to things we wouldn’t normally see, nor want to see. And that is extremely important to interpreting our own lives and putting things into perspective, as well as propelling society forward and making sure their stories don't go unheard.

Lynsey received her first grant to document gender-based violence and rape as a weapon of war in DRC, and raised money to help these women get surgeries for their fistula repairs. She also knew when to stop and put her camera down to help a dying woman. She didn’t have to, but she felt compelled because of her relentless empathic spirit to personally drive a woman to the hospital in her vehicle. I believe that is what separates her from ordinary photojournalists and extraordinary ones. I never would have been exposed to this story and others if it wasn’t for Lynsey doing the work. Her dedication is humanitarian work through and through. She is setting the new standard for photojournalists and women alike, and that’s why I think more people need to read this book; not just photojournalists. 

 I believe everyone could learn from Lynsey's relentless efforts of truth seeking and storytelling. I can relate to her more times than not throughout the book, but I don’t think I would have half the courage she has to keep wanting to go back (especially after being kidnapped multiple times). During this term when I was photographing I was able to make those I was photographing feel comfortable like Lynsey does. Obviously I wasn’t in any immediate danger like she was or dealing with victims, but I still hung around uncomfortable situations longer than I ever have before reading this book. Trying to tell a story behind the images I gathered to accurately report what was happening around me. 

Some of my favorite images include the series of transgender prostitutes in New York, 1999 between pages 82 and 83. She’s documenting history and giving the public a peak into their personal lives and it’s really about how she sees people we may never see otherwise. Another image that stands out is Bibiane crying solemnly, between 210 and 211. In the telling of her story on page 148, this raw emotion Lynsey captures in the portrait image lets the reader feel how Bibiane felt in the moment of her telling Lynsey about her life. Just losing a child, financial struggles, and being abandoned by her husband after he learned she had been captured and raped repeatedly by three men. Not only becoming pregnant by her rapists, but those horrible men then leaving her HIV positive. The unimaginable in one image. 

“It’s What I Do” is knowledge I will carry with me into my professional life and beyond. Even though I am not pursuing a career in the journalism field, I am taking Lynsey’s written tools and strong storytelling images to better understand the difference between my limitations and what beliefs may be limiting me. 

Free Shoot Week 8: Salem's Riverfront Carousel

  

Salem's Riverfront Carousel up and running on November 20. Located along Salem's waterfront, this indoor attraction is a hit year round. Despite Oregon's two week "shut down" they are open and ready for riders of all ages. With explicit routes laid out for the public to follow, the Carousel employee's maintain the utmost sanitation and social distancing standards following the CDC's guidelines. Only twenty four people are allowed in at a time. There is only way in, and one way out. Of course, don't let that stop you from walking back around the building and getting back on the horse!

Riverfront Carousel windows getting a Christmas "makeover" by one of the many volunteers, November 20. The volunteers are the heartbeat of the operation, they're what keeps this historic monument up and running. During these cold winter months, you can find sanctuary indoors here at the carousel. Open 10-5, Thursday-Saturday. 11-5 on Sundays. 

Operations Director for Salem's Riverfront Carousel, Bryan Eldridge (43) says "I am looking forward to the turnout of the annual Santa meet and greet." This special event spans from November 27th- December 24th. As seen in the picture above, this year looks a bit different than years prior. Santa will be behind Plexiglas and six feet back from participating children sitting on the bench in front. Bryan's multiple conversations with the CDC ensure that every step of the way him and his team know exactly what to do, and what to expect while operating during a pandemic. They will allow one group at a time, no larger than six, and sanitize every surface necessary before the next group enters. Accompanied with the in person meet and greet, The Riverfront Carousel also offers a virtual Zoom chat with Santa, and a recorded Zoom video. Unfortunately, all spots sold out quickly. However, they are still accepting letters to the North Pole. You can send it directly to the big man himself, and that service is free online through their website or in person. Submit your letter to Santa by December 17th and receive a personalized letter in return!

My Neighborhood

A man in a Marines hat, who wants to remain anonymous, stands armed in front of Oregon's State Capitol on November 7. The main structure of the current building was completed in 1938. Two wings were added in 1977. Made of Vermont marble, the building is a landmark example of Modernist Art Deco design. At the very top is a bronze statue of the Oregon Pioneer. Unfortunately, it is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic response. However, you can take a short, online voice guided tour at www.oregonlegislature.gov. The quotes inscribed in the marble are translated from Plato’s Republic by Dr. H. B. Alexander of Scripps College. The one inside the capitols' main rotunda reads as follows: “In the souls of its citizens will be found the likeness of the state which, if they be unjust and tyrannical, then will it reflect their vices, but if they be lovers of righteousness, confident in their liberties, so will it be clean in justice, bold in freedom.”

A "Stop the Steal" Pro-Trump rally takes place outside Oregon's State Capitol on November 7. Hundreds of people gather from all over Oregon to express their concerns about voter fraud claims set forth by President Donald Trump himself, in wake of Joseph Biden Jr. being announced "President Elect", making him our 46th President, the day prior. The rally was declared an unlawful assembly by night fall. 

Pictured far right: Republican activist Michael Cross converses with three armed men on November 7 during "Stop the Steal" rally in front of The Oregon State Capitol. Cross is getting ready to make a speech to the crowd he's assembled alongside "Oregonian's for America" and "Proud Boys" to protest the current election results, including his own, and collects voter fraud affidavits from attendees.  Cross lost in the race against Ellen Rosenblum for Oregon Attorney General on November 3. The other three men wish to remain nameless. 

 

Free Shoot: Election Day November 3, 2020

Marion County Elections booth, set up on State street, offering an official drive by ballot drop for people casting their vote November 3. The county safely and effectively set up a slow lane as votes are passed from vehicle to Election Official workers and then into locked boxes awaiting their safe arrival to be accounted for. 

Lez (41) left and Jeffery (36) right withstand harsh autumn weather as the wind and rain pick up on November 3. The county hired the organization Lez and Jeffery work for, Creative Security Inc., CSI, to ensure every vote that is cast is handled properly by well trained security guards. This company has been around since 1963 and only allows members to disclose their first names while on the job. 

Lez (41) with Salem's CSI gathers a sealed voters envelope handed to her through a car window as she passes back an "I Voted" sticker in return. While "I Voted" stickers may look different depending on the state you are voting in, they all have the same underlying connotation; letting everyone know you are actively participating in shaping these United States we live and raise our families in. 

   

Normal Life During A Pandemic: Fred Meyer Jewelers

Justina Lund (27) helps Albany native Douglas Beam (71) pick out a new wedding set for his wife on October 27 at Fred Meyer Jewelers in Albany. Beam explains, "I was looking at her hand noticing her original set, and after all these years, I figured it was time to get her the diamond she deserves." Fred Meyer Jewelers is located inside the Fred Meyer store off of Santiam Highway. 

Goldsmith's Vu Nguyen (54) pictured left, and Michael Nguyen (23) pictured right, have a combined experience of 30 years in the business. Primarily, this father son duo repair, refurbish, and create one of a kind fine jewelry pieces. Vu inspects all the work he does carefully through the microscope before customers pick it up at Fred Meyer Jewelers on October 27, and son Michael watches his process and expertise. These goldsmiths now work off-site due to social distancing compliance, but come in three days a week to pick up repairs and drop off completed work. 

Goldsmith Vu Nguyen (54) looking through the scope at his next repair subject on October 27, making sure he knows exactly what he will need in order to complete the repair. If additional repair is needed that a sales professional did not discuss with the customer, the customer is notified at this point,  before he takes it in and starts the repair process. Vu has spent 23 years practicing and perfecting his art. 

Photographer of The Week: Eve Arnold

     Photographer of the Week: Eve Arnold

    Eve Arnold (maiden name Cohen) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 21, 1912. She was one of nine children and first became interested in photography in 1946 at a photo-finishing plant working for Kodak in Fair Lawn New Jersey. Over six weeks in 1948, she learned photographic skills from Harper's Bazaar art director Alexey Brodovitch at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. Eve primarily shot her photos with a Pentax camera using natural light, most of her work displayed exactly what she could do with the available light in her environments. 

    Eve Arnold started working for Magnum Photos in 1951 doing mostly freelance work, and became the first female member in 1957. Magnum's founders included Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa whom were considered the greatest reportage photographers of that era. 

Her style is documentary photography with little to no emphasis on posing; capturing imperfect moments that emit true emotion and character of her subjects. One of her first books called " The Unretouched Woman"(1974), really showcased a lot of her attention to detail in the moment it was happening, naturally. This book really gave the world an expansive look into what it means to be a woman, through another woman's lens. Eve notoriously captured raw "aging moments" of actress Joan Crawford's life, as well as non famous subjects like nursing mothers out of England. 

More infamously, Eve had the opportunity to work alongside Marilyn Monroe for several years, even traveling with her to be on set of a film called "The Misfits." Eve was able to capture Marilyn's true nature and expressions through this work, letting everyone get a glimpse into what life was really like as a famous Hollywood starlet. 

Eve was also known for her ground breaking work covering the Civil Rights Movement. She captured delicate moments of the first non segregated schools, The Nation of Islam and Malcom X, along with the Nazi's of America, all portraying real historical events happening during the 50's and early 60's. Eve, being of Jewish descent, was brave enough to get up close and personal with a few of the NOA's men during a Black Muslims meeting held at The International Amphitheater in Chicago; Feb 25, 1962. She wrote that George Lincoln Rockwell, member and leader of the NOA  told her "I'll make a bar of soap out of you", as she continued to shoot. She replied back with, "As long as it isn't a lampshade". In her photo essay she released later that year in Life Magazine she wrote about how men would also spit on her, as well as put cigarettes out on her sweaters while she was documenting these meetings. Can you imagine?

credit: Magnum Photos (link below) 

https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/politics/eve-arnolds-time-with-malcolm-x-and-the-nation-of-islam-in-her-own-words/

Despite all that work she had done, her real claim to fame was in 1979 when she had her first major solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. She received the National Book award for "In China" and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Magazine Photographers subsequently following. She travelled around 40,000 miles over a period of five months working in the countryside, city, and remote areas of inner Mongolia and Tibet capturing how life was actually lived.

In later years she received many honors and awards including being made a Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society, and elected Master Photographer by New York's International Center of Photography (the world's most prestigious photographic honor). She published twelve books, including one in which she received the Kraszna-Krausz Book Award in 1996. To top her list off, she was granted many honorary degrees by the University of Saint Andrews, Staffordshire University, and the American International University of London. As well as being appointed to the advisory committee of The National Museum of Photography, Film, and Television in Bradford, UK.

My favorite quote from Eve in a 1990 BBC interview," I don't see anybody as either ordinary or extraordinary, I see them as simply people in front of my lens." Eve was months short of her 100th birthday when she passed on January 4, 2012 at the age of 99.

SOURCES:

her first maEve Arnold • Photographer Profile •. (2020, May 5). Magnum Photos. https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/eve-arnold/

Eve Arnold/Magnum Photos. (2020Photograph: Eve Arnold/Magnum Photos. (2020, March 26). Eve Arnold’s most memorable shots – in pictures. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2012/jan/05/eve-arnold-memorable-photographs

, March 26). Eve Arnold’s most memorable shots – in pictures. The Guardian.

Eve Arnold. (2009, February 27). Jewish Women’s Archive. 

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/arnold-eve

Malcolm X: Photographs of the 1960s Activist and Leader by Eve Arnold. (2020, January 20). LIFE. https://www.life.com/history/malcolm-x-and-the-nation-of-islam-eve-arnolds-quietly-powerful-portraits/ 

Environmental Portrait & Mug Shot

Following in her eldest brothers' footsteps, Jasmine Meline became the first woman in her family to join The United States Navy at the age of 20. Growing up in the small town of Coos Bay, Oregon, Jasmine always had her sights set on bigger and better things. She quickly became an Honor Grad in boot camp, rose to the top in her class in both A School and her surgical tech class. At her first duty station, she made Blue Jacket of the Quarter. Her morale was tested as she got assigned to a new chain of command. As she advanced her success seemed intimidating to her male superior. "At times it felt that I was being treated differently than the men, given less important duties that were, in fact, in my job title as The Assistant Leading Petty Officer of the Special Delivery Unit. That title made me second in command. He would avoid giving any leadership roles to me, and seemed awkward around women in general." Jasmine offers us insight through a woman's perspective of the stigmas that still surround women in the military. Nevertheless, these things never got in the way of her performing her duties and contributing to her unit in significant ways. "The Navy doesn't give you what you want, it gives you what you need", says Meline. 

Jasmine Meline (26) Navy Medical Corpsman and Surgical Technologist reflects back on her five years serving the United States Navy and becoming apart of the Naval Hospital of Oak Harbor, Washington's Special Delivery Unit on October 19. Primarily delivering cesarean sections for active duty military members and their spouses, Jasmine also performs life saving surgeries such as mastectomies for cancer patients, and hand function regeneration for someone suffering from sepsis. Jasmine is returning back to Oregon State University this year to pursue her passion in physical therapy stating,  "Before I entered the military I wanted to be a physical therapist. Becoming a surgical tech gave me the foundation I was needing and I quickly learned that I want to help people avoid surgery as much as possible; I am willing to do anything to keep them off surgery table." Jasmine remains in the inactive reserve while continuing her studies. She resides in Corvallis, Oregon while she adjusts back to life as a civilian. 

Jasmine Meline (26) finds comfort and familiarity with training in a gym setting on October 21. She describes it as, "a way I learned to take care of myself mentally, not just physically." This is crucial for her processing frustrating and raw emotions not only inside the Navy, but outside as well. Weight lifting has been the constant for her transitioning back into life as a student, and civilian. Jasmine plans to keep this part of her routine for as long as she is able to. 

 

Around Town 2: Willamette Valley Music Company Salem, OR.

A beautiful autumn day October 17. Open Saturday's from 12:00pm-4:00pm (weekdays 12:00pm-6:00pm) Willamette Valley Music Company is near the junction of State and High Street in Salem, OR.  Established in November 2011, Willamette Valley Music Company specializes in repair, selling instruments, and supplying orchestra sets for bands and amateurs alike. All employees have a plethora of information to share, as well as first hand knowledge and experience for the modern day musician. 

 Salem local Rosalyn Zundel (29) takes a breather outside her place of employment, Willamette Valley Music Company on October 11; deciding to keep her mask on even outdoors. She has been clocking in and out for two years and loves every minute of working in the music industry. Her favorite musical genres include classical and instrumental music, though she does enjoy bopping to pop hits on the radio. "It's hard for me to passively listen to music because I was brought up around music, and studied it in depth at Western Oregon University. Actively listening and dissecting a song is all I know how to do." Zundel also plays the French horn (pictured below).She has been playing since she was a young girl. One of her greatest inspirations for picking the French horn comes from a composer by the name of John Williams. "If I could describe the French horn in one word, it would be brave," Zundel exclaims. 

An elegant French horn, October 17. Available for purchase at Willamette Valley Music Company.

Rosalyn Zundel (29) greases clarinet corks as part of her daily routine on October 17. As you can imagine, many of the instruments take tremendous upkeep to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction when trying and purchasing new instruments. With the COVID-19 pandemic the company is taking extra precautions, newly installing what is called a UV sanitation room for their repair shop. You are able to still try out the instruments in a private room six feet away from the employee verbally assisting, they are properly sanitized after use.   

Greg Hickam (15), left,  is a regular here at Willamette Valley Music Company. Hickam is in the middle of purchasing a Michael Brecker jazz music book for the saxophone. Rosalyn Zundel (right) is handing him back his extra change, demonstrating safe social distancing practices behind Plexiglas to ensure customers' safety as well as her own.

Around Town: Historic Downtown Salem, OR.

People out and about on this sunny afternoon, October 6, walking the historic streets here in Salem. 

Friends of two years Brien Durham (left) and David (right) meeting up for a mid day break, October 6. They both have been coming to their downtown hang spot since the 80's for coffee and comradery.

Speedy Ryan catching some rays on October 6, with a smile on his face. He claims to be a jack of all trades,  filling his days with odd jobs and time to just be himself. 

Humans of LBCC

 

                                                                           

                                                                          

  In this photo: Natalie Pelc, Porter Pelc &Tyler Pelc getting married by Natalie's favorite uncle. Flower girl Mia Fleck in lower corner. 

This is my family. They are what mean the most to me. I met my husband almost eight years ago the summer after I graduated high school. We instantly connected and by the end of the summer we decided to do long distance, for an entire year! It was difficult to say the least, we had no clue what we were doing, but we both knew we worked for a reason. He graduated from OIT two years after we met, I finally decided to go back to school when we moved for his externship, and so when we moved to the Monmouth area in 2015 I started taking classes at LBCC. This is my first term back since 2016. Tyler has always been so supportive of my dreams, anything I told him I wanted to do he was on board 100% of the time. Last October we got married in front of our closest friends and family. We were also lucky enough to share it with our son Porter, who is almost three. And yes, I had to hold him most of the ceremony. If there is anything I have learned during this pandemic it's that life is too short to not slow down from time to time. The time we have spent together has gone by so fast, and continues to fly by at a faster rate than ever before. Maybe that is what happens after you have kids, because you see time pass right before your eyes. This is my family, and I am so glad to have them by my side through life.

                            

Introductions are awkward, but important.

    Introductions are right next to being sung happy birthday for me. Awkward and redundant, but necessary. I've never been really good at one particular thing, in grade school class introductions I can remember using really boring factoids like, "I don't drink milk", "I can't roll my "R's" and so on. I was always envious of the kids who came up with really cool facts about themselves. 

    And here I am, years later, introducing this new adult version of myself. I can't say much has changed, I still don't like milk, but I know that I have grown and continue to grow as I chase my dreams. If there is one thing I have always thought I was in tune with, it's people. Talking to them, listening to them, sharing experiences. I took every Psychology class LB had to offer, and yet I was trying to force myself into a medical career that would never bring me real satisfaction. This year has allowed me to take a step back and reevaluate everything important to me and what I hope to leave behind as my legacy. Pursuing my career in Psychology is just getting started, but I finally feel confident in my decision that this path will lead exactly where I am meant to be. 

    Growing up in a small town on the Southern Oregon Coast I was always taking pictures of the outdoors on my phone, and sometimes friends' cameras. I have been known in my friends group to always get the perfect angle, whatever the stakes, and take way too many pictures. Now that I have a small family most of my amateur photos taken on my IPhone consist of our son Porter, our dog Charlie, my husband Tyler and our many adventures. 

    This class is something I never thought I would take, but I'm glad I did because so much of the human experience as we know it is captured in photographs and reporting. Although it might seem like it's just another prerequisite, photojournalism has the power to influence minds, put faces to stories, and give life to what is happening outside of our current situations. The dynamism it has to spread empathy is limitless, and that happens to be one of my personal goals. I am hopeful I will learn about how photojournalist's shape the way we view our world, the responsibility that comes with that virtue, and how in our own stories we have an obligation to always remain true and factual to who we are so others feel comfortable to do the same.