Dan

Dan, 22, studies radiology and is currently doing an internship at a hospital in Bratislava. He grew up in eastern Slovakia and played hockey for fourteen years before having to step away to focus on his studies. These days his hobbies are playing the drums and sketching artwork, both of which give him a creative outlet after long shifts.

He has traveled a fair bit already—through northern Africa, hiking in the Austrian Alps—and he would like to see more of Asia in the future, especially Japan and China, and one day rent a scooter to explore Bali. One of my friends who helps with recruiting posted an ad, and Dan replied to it. We started with a phone call, then met for a beer. Right away he came across as polite, friendly, sincere, and very outspoken. He asked thoughtful questions about the photoshoot process, wanting to understand exactly what it would involve. I explained everything plainly, without holding back, and he listened carefully, then said he was enthusiastic about going ahead.

I had a good feeling about him from the start—he seemed smart, trustworthy, and outwardly like a healthy, confident, fresh-faced young man. The photoshoot itself went very smoothly. He picked up directions quickly, I never had to repeat myself, and the whole session felt relaxed and pleasant for both of us. It was an inspiring and very enjoyable session.