Swingin’: Latavia Nelson, eighth grader at John Hopkins Middle, plays with her son, J’aire George. ”It changed my life in a lot of ways,” she said about giving birth to her son at 14. Credit: LATAVIA NELSON

Swingin’: Latavia Nelson, eighth grader at John Hopkins Middle, plays with her son, J’aire George. ”It changed my life in a lot of ways,” she said about giving birth to her son at 14. Credit: LATAVIA NELSON

Swingin’: Latavia Nelson, eighth grader at John Hopkins Middle, plays with her son, J’aire George. ”It changed my life in a lot of ways,” she said about giving birth to her son at 14. Credit: LATAVIA NELSON
  • LATAVIA NELSON
  • Swingin’: Latavia Nelson, eighth grader at John Hopkins Middle, plays with her son, J’aire George. ”It changed my life in a lot of ways,” she said about giving birth to her son at 14.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a professional journalist or photographer is one thing, while seeing it through the eyes of an elementary, middle or high school amateur can evoke very different emotions.

Surprisingly, the work of a young spirit, unhindered by strict rules and structure of professional work, can sometimes move you in such a more powerful and authentic way.

This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2012.