Teresa Xie's Photo Blog

In light of International Women's Day, I decided to do a photo essay on women, specifically asking the question: why do you feel proud to be a woman? On a day-to-day basis, women are subject to low wages, demeaning phrases, and unequal rights. However, these things don't define women, and how they view themselves. Here are 10 women, and why they're proud to be one.  Iris Xie "I'm proud to be a woman because of all my friends who I admire and are women. They are so intelligent and kind and I've never met anyone as unique or strong like them." Katie Stolze " I'm proud of being a women because women are breaking boundaries everyday in society. It makes me proud to be able to say I have a connection to that women. I am proud that I can show guys that I can play sports and hopefully will change their perspective on girls playing sports. I am mostly proud of the change I can make and the people I will be able to affect in the future...

In Chicago, the holidays are often viewed with a bright perspective. There are carolers on the streets, festive store windows, and jazz music is heard everywhere. However, for many, the holidays are spent in the freezing cold, with nothing but a cup full of change and a scrappy blanket. This collection of photos aims to show the two different sides of the holidays in Chicago. Macy's storefront window Carolers downtown Street musicians playing "All I Want for Christmas is You" Asado Coffee decorated for the holidays "For me, the holidays are about Christ. The word Christmas is 'Christ' and 'mas.' I used to be a preacher, so Christmas is very important to me. It's a story of family, friends, and the celebration of Jesus. Christmas is about celebrating Jesus most importantly! Jesus!"  *Mom did not want to be pictured* "The holidays have always been very important to me. I remember as a kid opening presen...

On March 11th, 2016, Trump's rally at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago got called off. However, it was only because the event became extremely nasty and violent due to an overwhelming amount of hate from both Trump's supporters, as well as his protesters. Here are some photos of those who took a firm stand without having to resort to violence.

social justice (noun): the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities Chicago is known for depicting its history and struggles through murals all over the city. Many of these murals deal with themes such as freedom, justice and equality. Bringing to light social issues, these murals are hard to miss and in a way become a crucial part of the neighborhood and community which they are part of. Sírvales - Jeff Zimmerman ((the right to receive an education)) Increíbles Las Cosas Q'Se Ven - Jeff Zimmerman ((roots of the immigrant community - the right to have equal opportunities)) Unknown ((the fight for equal opportunities)) Wall of Hope - Yollacalli Arts Reach ((the fight for equal rights and opportunities)) Gulliver en el pais de las Maravillas - Jonathan Swift ((breaking free from societal restrictions and barriers)) Unknown ((the right to equal education opportunities...

Aida Bašić: "Because of Islam, I am appreciative and thankful for everything that I have. My family's interpretation of Islam emphasizes the appreciation of family because God put you in your family for a reason. You only have one mother and one father and you should always cherish that." Faten Yousef: "My religion teaches me faith, and understanding the cultural aspect of it as well. I also respect the values I grew up with and following those values throughout my life." Khateeja Khan: "It teaches me to faithful especially through praying five times a day. It's important to me as a Muslim, because that's what we are required to do and that is what I believe in. Practicing my religion through peace is essential in my life." Rani Zayed: "I learned to have a lot of respect for my parents. Islam teaches us how to treat our parents and no matter what, to be there for them through hardships and tough times." ...