These last few weeks at school have been jam packed. As it always happens at the end of a semester, everything I'm involved in came to a head at once. I'm finishing up my final exams for the rest of this week, but I thought I would take some time and post a quick photo story I worked on over Thanksgiving break for my last assignment in my first photojournalism class. 

I spent some time with Rick Robinson, a native of Piqua, Ohio, who works at Barclay's, a fine clothing retailer. In his free time, he is a professional juggler. Mr. Robinson began juggling about 30 years ago after researching the skill at the local library. Through the years, he has honed his skills and taken his acts to over ten countries to entertain crowds of people. He practices most days of the week around 6 A.M. at the YMCA before putting on a shirt and tie to start his day working at Barclay's. 

Rick Robinson spins four rings around various parts of his body while balancing on one foot and spinning a ball during an early morning practice at the YMCA in Piqua, Ohio, on Saturday, November 30, 2013.

While balancing one club on his chin, Rick Robinson juggles three clubs at the Piqua YMCA.

Rick Robinson bounces a ball off his head repeatedly while spinning a ball with each hand.

Rick Robinson practices a bouncing-ball routine near the racquet courts at the Piqua YMCA.

Rick Robinson jokes with customers David and Donna Bucher of Troy, Ohio, at Barclay's, located in downtown Piqua, Ohio, on Friday, November 29, 2013. Rick has been working at Barclay's as his primary job for many years and focuses on selling menswear.

Rick Robinson dresses a mannequin at Barclay's.

Rick Robinson arranges clothing on the showroom floor at Barclay's, prepping for afternoon Black Friday shoppers. 

Rick Robinson eats Thanksgiving dinner with his mother, Jean Robinson, at Rick's home in Piqua, Ohio on Thursday, November 28, 2013. Rick is one of Jean Robinson's two sons. Rick jokingly calls himself, "the bad son", much to his mother's disagreement.

Having turned this story in for class, I got a lot of valuable critique. Although I wasn't thrilled with how this assignment turned out, it was a wake up call to me. It clearly let me know where I need to improve. Knowing my weaknesses is the first step to making myself a stronger visual storyteller. I really look forward to the rest of my time at Ohio University, there's so much to be learned.

I'm looking forward to refreshing myself over break and anticipating to what is to come this next semester.