Evan Duran: Looking Out the Window

I’ve always been fascinated by history. Where did we come from? Who was the first person to set foot on this soil -- and why? As a child, my dream was to photograph the world. I was always looking in old family albums and asking, “Who is in that picture? What are they doing?”

Then, when I was 18, I was in an accident that left me with third-degree burns over 40-45 percent of my body.

After my injury, I thought I’d never be able to become a photographer.

I tried several different jobs. I worked in retail, restaurants, and even as a part-time valet. I was trying to feel like a productive member of society, but I was really looking for something that made me feel like I could make a difference.

I thought about all my time in the hospital. All the time I spent looking out the window, thinking I was missing out, and wondering what was going on in the world. Finally, I had an idea.

If I picked up the camera again, I could help all the patients still looking out the window. I could show them there’s a whole world out here waiting for them.

So I embraced the outdoors.

I bought a mountain bike. I bought a truck. At 21, I learned how to snowboard. I took up hiking. I joined multiple soccer teams, including one with my older brother. I even taught myself to ride my bike with no hands.

I was outside -- like people have been for generations -- and it felt great. I experienced the mountains, the trees, and the wind on my face again. Immersed in nature, I even forgot about my scars and my burns.

But to achieve my goals, I had to face many of my fears.

In 2001, I was invited to attend the first Young Adult Program at Phoenix World Burn Congress in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This meant getting over my fear of flying.

I got on a plane, went to Phoenix World Burn Congress, and in the years that followed, got involved as a photographer with many burn survivor organizations.

Since then, I’ve explored the Mayan temples in Yucatán, Mexico. I’ve spent six days in the Utah desert, rafting down the Green River with a group of burn survivors. I’ve traveled and taken pictures throughout the United States and beyond.

At 18, I thought I would never achieve my goals, but I could not have been more wrong. If anything, my burns pushed me even harder. I wanted to prove to myself -- and everyone else -- that I could do anything, no matter how hard I thought it was.

Thanks to an amazing hospital staff, the support of my family and friends, and the peer support of other burn survivors, I’ve been able to pursue my childhood dreams. Today, I’m a professional photographer traveling the world.

I can honestly say I’m a better person because of the challenges I’ve overcome.