Ronan graduate shares experiences
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By Brenda Richey, MSU Flathead Reservation Extension 4-H Youth Instructor
During November, Two Eagle River School and Ronan High School general assemblies were joined by Shane McMillan, international freelance photographer and filmmaker. McMillan graduated from Ronan High School in 2004 and from the University of Montana in 2010 with double Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and German Language and Literature. McMillan currently resides in Berlin, Germany where his photography and documentary work focuses on telling the stories of the daily lives and struggles of war time immigrants and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
McMillan shared with more than 500 students, faculty and staff the lessons that he learned growing up on the Flathead Reservation and how they applied to the lessons he has learned living and traveling abroad. McMillan encouraged youth to look through new lenses. Even during difficult times there is something beautiful waiting to be seen. McMillan explained many identity and cultural issues teens face on the reservation are faced by teens in other counties. McMillan urged youth to look beyond what is immediately visible and forge new pathways of interest.
McMillan recalls one of the best pieces of advice ever given to him was given by a tribal elder. That advice? “Child, this is the time to listen.” McMillan has taken these words with him and applies it every day. He shared this advice with the youth at both schools and added his own piece of advice to it: “Find something you care about and find a way to make it better; in your work, through your work, or as a result of your work. Your passion can be your career, your company, a social issue, your family, your community; but whatever it is, just get after it.”
To follow his work, “like” his Facebook page at Shane Thomas McMillan - Photographer & Cinematographer
