Seeing Life Through the Lens

            JaVaun“Java” Robinson came to Worthington Christian in sixth grade. His experiences up until his senior year have shaped him into the hard-working man he is today. While Robinson plans to study cybersecurity at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, his interests go beyond his academics. Because of this, he sees life differently: Through the lens of a camera.

            Growing up around sports cars fascinated the young Robinson. His passion for automobiles accelerated as he experienced top speeds on the highway, gazed at Porsches at car meets, and witnessed the amount of detail owners put into the vehicles. Robinson's curiosity quickly grew into a hobby. That hobby quickly turned it into a job at MercedesBenz in Easton. He enjoys detailing and tuning up the luxury cars that are sent in.

Robinson doesn’t just tune up cars, however, he also captures them through the lens of a camera. He takes photoshoots of cars on the side. Robinson is driven by the field of photography. He currently runs two social media pages. One account flaunts photos of high-end vehicles he finds at car meets. The second page focuses more on the simplicity of human life, such as a simple walk on the sidewalk. His talents behind the lens have gained him a vast following. Everything he has achieved within the photography world has been self-built and earned.  However, his connections and relationships with people are the driving force being his pursuit of success.

Robinson may have pushed himself to capture life with his camera, but his parents have taught him what it takes to work hard and succeed in life. “My parents came from Jamaica where they had nothing,” Robinson remarked, “To see where they are at now inspires me to work my tail off each day”. Furthermore, their commitment to Christ after coming from practically nothing has cemented in Robinson a heart for Jesus. His parents have taught him that nothing should be taken for granted. Everything is a gift from God and should be treated as such.

Robinson is one of the most motivated people I have ever met. He is always looking for that next opportunity, that next window, that next step. Robinson is constantly pushing his limits within the world of creativity. He never stops for a break. Robinson is always flooring it, with his eyes through the lens.

            Robinson’s advice to the underclassmen of Worthington Christian is to take more college classes. He admitted that the college classes were a grind, but in the long run, it pays off. “CCP classes count as college credits and can help lift the pressure of freshman year”, Robinson advised. “If you’re willing to grind it out, I promise it will be worth it.”

~ Tommy Anthony