By Kelly Nix
Tom Lew is the cameraman for the film crew we mentioned recently in Journeys. He visited Children International's operation in the Dominican Republic with his team members, Colin Hornett and Leah Cudmore, and was so touched by what he saw that he instantly decided to become a sponsor.
“It was hard to imagine anybody living in the circumstances I was witnessing.”
Tom Lew captured images of poverty…and was captured in return. He now sponsors one of the children he traveled to photograph. Photo by Darrenn Williams.
My name is Tom Lew. I've lived in New Jersey my whole life. I recently graduated from college, and now work in New York City producing web content for Miss Universe. My responsibilities include shooting videos and photos of beauty queens, running live webcasts of our events, social media campaigns, and everything related to online media.
I work with Colin Hornett at Miss Universe. We've collaborated on a number of video productions both inside and outside of work. Colin approached me about helping to shoot a few videos for Children International in the Dominican Republic. He had worked with the organization previously and spoke very highly of their work. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity.
I had never been exposed to extreme poverty before visiting the Dominican Republic. I've seen poverty-stricken areas in photos and on TV before, but being there in person was entirely different. It was hard to imagine anybody living in the circumstances I was witnessing.
Fortunately, not every surprise was negative. What impressed me most about my visit was how surprisingly joyful the children were. The village we were shooting in lacked even the most basic necessities for living, and yet the children living there were all smiles. Experiencing this made me reflect on my peers back at home who chronically complain about things like having to study for an exam or waking up to go to work.
I feel people in more affluent circumstances are obligated to help give the less fortunate a chance at something greater. People are often hesitant about donating to a cause, because the money disappears and you never know what becomes of it.
Tom and Colin Hornett (left) frame a shot in the village of Manolito, Dominican Republic, while a curious crowd watches in the background. Photo by Kelly Nix.
I was fortunate enough to be able to experience firsthand the efforts and success of the work Children International is doing. I left that trip feeling fully confident that by supporting the organization, my money would do great things.
I have been blessed with many opportunities in my life, and I wanted to sponsor a child so that he or she could have a chance as well. My sponsored child is named María, from the Dominican Republic. I very much enjoy the photos and letters I receive from her. It's nice to see her doing well with my support, and I hope to visit her soon.
I would advise anybody thinking about sponsoring a child to do so out of love, not pity or guilt. Speaking from personal experience, sponsoring a child will not only change his or her life, but it will bring great meaning into your own life as well.
Sincerely,
Tom Lew
