When Slepyan and her husband David moved to Whidbey four years ago, she heard of a need at the Bayview School, and took the challenge.

A student at Bayview describes Slepyan’s contribution.

Shahla Omar, a Bayview High School Sr. writes, “Over the past four years, Judi has been a devoted volunteer three hours a day, four days a week, nine months a year.

“In addition to this, she comes in on non-school days, and will stay long, long (oh, so long) hours to help us get ready for a competition, or just to get that perfect print. Every day she arrives at Bayview with a warm smile and a friendly hello for every student and faculty member.

“She has one of the most generous hearts that I have ever encountered. Through the act of teaching a new craft, she has single-handedly changed lives, mine included. She has opened my eyes to a beautiful new world that I will never let escape me. I do not know what I would do without her teachings, her friendship, her kindness, and her patience. She could have been using this time for something possibly less stressful.

“But instead she chooses to be a mentor, a confident, a life changer, and a friend to us at Bayview,” Omar said.

Slepyan says she knows how important adults can be in a young person’s life.

“I had a favorite aunt, who genuinely enjoyed spending time with me, appreciated me through all the awkward stages of growing up and made me feel like what I thought and had to say was significant, even important. Looking back, she was a pivotal person in my life.”

Slepyan says at first she wasn’t sure she had what it took to reach kids.

She said she had to get over her own inadequacies and fears and focus on sharing her passion.

“I was surprised to discover how approachable high school age can be, if you are willing to put yourself out there. I love the fact that some of the ‘coolest’ seemingly ‘austere’ kids will go out of their way to say ‘Hey’ to me, no matter where.”

“Interesting thing about the ‘darkroom’ aspect of the photo program,” she adds.

“Sometimes it’s the place that can transport the greatest light. Many of us say things in the dark that we might not say in glaring light — we may approach being the philosopher that we all have within ourselves.”

Her voice begins to crack, and tears fall, as she tries to convey her pain in hearing about how some young people today have tremendous hardships to overcome, stories that would break anyone’s heart.

“I would only wish that I could impart to some that come across my path — how valuable and precious each of them are. If they knew, some of them wouldn’t treat themselves as they do,” Slepyan said.

“Last year I had a student that was pretty jaded. She had an assignment that called for a creative print that was to be enlarged to an 8-by-10 and paired with a quote. She chose to photograph an elderly man with his hands clasped together.”

Her quote: “God who has given me so much, please give me one thing more, a grateful heart.”

“Obviously I take away from these students more than I give. Each one has come to mean so much to me.”

Slepyan says in photography there are no mistakes. After a month’s work, one student completed a succession of 10 chicken prints, but then coffee spilled on some of them.

“We tried various techniques to remedy them,” Slepyan remembers.

“Then the student’s eyes widened, and she said: ‘I know, let’s put coffee on all of them.’

“We did, and they ended up looking like those old fashioned sepia-brown photos.”

“When that light bulb goes off and a student figures out for themselves a solution in their own way, on their terms, it is so gratifying, and a privilege to witness that ‘ah-ha’ moment, or when they like their work.”

She reflects on last year’s Spring Gallery.

“We took their best 8-by-10 shots and mounted them in larger frames. At first the students weren’t sure theirs were good enough. But when they saw their work hung, they were astounded.

“Wow, that is so cool to watch them get excited,” Slepyan giggles, covering her eyes with her hands.

Slepyan and David live in the woods, in a recreated 18th century style home. Authentically decorated, it’s surrounded by the sights and sounds of ducks, chickens and geese, and llamas wander around outside. Their two dogs, and the two cats, roam freely and join you on the dining room table.

How does one discover their personal gifts?

She says, “I think you have to go to a place within yourself and listen to your heart. This is more difficult if you are not in a supportive environment. It’s important to seek out a mentor or friend that will support you.

“It’s that supportive element that first alerts us to our talent. Sharing it along the way encourages and reinforces it.”

Sleypan says, “The Bible says we are commanded to love one another. We may express our love differently. My love is manifest in doing, sharing a skill or talent. The love language, our offering in this world is our distinctive gift.”

She says “but it’s only a gift, when we share it.