The Double Life of a Photographer and an Information Science Student

Written by: Ashley Neyra 🇵🇪

Headshot of Emily Araniva. (Emelyn Gomez)

Emily Araniva starts her day in her childhood home in Prince George’s County. She gets ready, gathers her things, and commutes to the University of Maryland. While balancing classes and working at Vigilante Coffee Company, she found a space where she could grow as a concert photographer at WMUC, UMD’s student-run radio station. 

Araniva is a first-generation Salvadoran student and the middle child of three daughters. She is majoring in information science. 

Her family didn’t fully understand the college process but supported her in the ways they knew how. 

“I feel really proud,” she said. “Graduating, I'm like, ‘Wow, I kind of did that myself.’ I'm very proud of myself.”

Independence and determination shaped much of her academic journey from the start. Driven by her curiosity and willingness to explore her career options during high school, Araniva enrolled in technology courses at a community college.

When it came to applying to college, guidance was limited. She learned to seek support on her own by researching programs, asking others for advice, and advocating for herself along the way.

Slowly driven by her passion for technology and coding, she discovered data analytics, enjoying how it allows her to be creative while still providing important information to others. 

Photo of the Araniva Family. (Courtesy of Emily Araniva)

As a commuter, building community on campus wasn’t easy. Between a busy schedule and work, she rarely had time to stay on campus for other things she wanted to join. 

Instead, she resorted to something she had enjoyed since she was little: photography. 

Araniva became a photographer for WMUC, documenting local concerts around the DMV for up-and-coming artists like Ravyn Lenae and Djo. This served as a creative outlet for the pressures of academics and work, a passion she hopes to continue after obtaining her bachelor’s degree. 

“I’m glad I took time to do a creative thing on the side to avoid driving myself crazy.

Photography has been my passion since high school,” she said. “I think I'm gonna get off my nine-to-five and go to a concert and take pictures—literally.”

As she prepares for life after college, she’s excited for what’s to come. Araniva plans to continue investing effort into both her career and creative passion projects within photography. She is also determined to provide herself and her family a future to be proud of. 

“Tu eres el ejemplo, sigue luchando” - Emily Araniva’s grandparents