Posted: November 1, 2018
Northwest College student Randy Quarles embodies the spirit of Trapper Pride—even when times were tough, grit, determination and an adventurous spirit allowed him to find his calling and discover a second home in the NWC Photographic Communications Department. Quarles is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and set to graduate in May 2019. Afterward, he plans to embark on a 2,515 mile journey where he can put his photography skills—among many others—to the test.
How did you know NWC was a good fit?
I originally began studying at Northwest College in 1999. I had a tough time in school and ended up getting a job offer. I worked for USGS and the oil field and started making big money. Both companies ended up folding, though, and they said they’d send me to school for two years. When I came back to NWC, I remembered that first experience I had with the professors. They were amazing. But after struggling with school again, I started working in the oil fields a second time. Shortly after, I joined the army and served for nine years. I came back to NWC because of the professors, to pursue photography and learn how to be creative.
How did you find your passion in photography?
I first became passionate about photography when I was in Iraq. I remember taking photos of children among rubble, and despite all the chaos surrounding them, they were beautiful. When I’m behind the camera, everything changes for me. I fell in love. Before Northwest, my whole life was about fast. I would get up in the mornings and run, then go to PT, then work, never stopping to slow down, always grinding. One day, I was up the South Fork near a canal and waited to get a photo from noon to nine at night—a big difference from my previous life. When I began learning how to live differently and think creatively, I watched a documentary on the speed of light and thought “isn’t it funny that the speed of light slows down to create art? You just have to wait and shut down the world for a little bit.”
What are your plans after graduation in May?
After school, I’m going to hike the Continental Divide. I want to interview people along the trail and learn about them and their stories. Afterward, I plan to write a book of all the interviews titled Divided. Everyone has different motives for hiking the Continental Divide. I want to learn where they fit in this world.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Be sure to not overlook being happy. Make sure this is what you want to do because when the work of something becomes overwhelming, the joy is what keeps you going. Also, no matter what’s going on, get help. Talk to someone—seek help and don’t quit. Even if you’re failing every class, don’t quit. And finally, help people with their homework—even if you don’t know what you’re doing. Talking through it helps reinforce what you’ve learned.