Malachi’s sophomore year of high school was a turning point for him. While basketball practice was still a few hours away, he found himself hanging out in the teen section of the library. One day, he wandered over to Studio NPL, where Adam, a mentor, was giving photography lessons.
“I was really into photography at the time, but I had never used a camera before,” Malachi recalls. He was instantly drawn to the environment and began visiting more frequently, exploring the various resources Studio NPL had to offer.
Now a high school graduate, Malachi has spent the past few years exploring a variety of artistic endeavors through Studio NPL. While photography remains a focus, he also spends an hour each day playing drums and collaborates with Hannah, a mentor who works as a vocal coach, to sing and write songs.
“It’s reduced a lot of my stress. It’s been a place where I can hang out with the mentors, talk to people, and relax,” Malachi says.
As he prepares to start as an art major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Malachi credits Studio NPL’s resources and connections with helping him explore different projects and find his passion. Access to drawing tablets and photography equipment has been invaluable in shaping his artistic path. Malachi plans to pursue a career in video and photo editing, something he was exposed to during his time at Studio NPL.
“I intend to come back from college during breaks and over the summer to work here,” Malachi says, highlighting his commitment the place that played such a pivotal role in shaping his future.