After watching some "American Idol" and "America’s Best Dance Crew," my curiosity to see what Arizona State University (ASU) students have to offer flourished.
After asking a few people about their hidden talents, I received weird looks, leading to awkward pauses.
But then I came across DJ HARDWOOD. Or more commonly known as Noah Oropeza, a freshman marketing and graphic design student with a knack for pool.
He may not play alongside the pros hanging at Sparky’s Den, but DJ HARDWOOD belongs to the one and only Dill Pickle, a pool team with a pickle as its logo, and is aiming to be a part of the intramural billiards team in the future.
Bringing a creative edge to the table.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
DJ HARDWOOD standing by his partner in crime.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Behind the scenes.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Magnified.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
After DJ HARDWOOD, I met a ninja.
Third year Art Drawing student Jordan Grimaud belongs to a group of flying ninjas (almost!), Flow Ninja Parkour Team.
Parkour, as Grimaud defines it, is the art of movement through the environment. It is the ability to move from point A to point B with quick and smooth movements.
Having joined the group since summer, 2012, Grimaud says that drawing and parkour is his life.
This ASU ninja is awaiting his 21st birthday to be able to join the American Ninja Warrior.
Ghostly movement.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Strength.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Doubles.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
The ninja himself.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Taking a leap of faith.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Safe landing.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Then came an artist who can give makeup artists a run for their money.
Art Studies student Michael Burke does tattoo art, and has been at it for two years now.
“There is no better way to spread the love of art than it being illustrated on the people around me,” says Burke.
Burke's forearm tattoo.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Burke prepares for the creation of art.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Getting it done.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Burke documents his work.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Burke shows his previous work.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Lastly, I met with a bowler whose 162 left-handed strike is recipient of many compliments.
Graphic Design student Jessica Flanagan bowls because her work happens to be in Sparky’s Den.
Other than bowling Jessica plays guitar, likes cats and has the word “poop” tattooed on her lower lip.
Flanagan, excited, before a match against herself.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Close up.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Just another ordinary day.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Preparing to strike.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Concentration.Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
We students walk among some of the most talented people, but for most of our lives, their talents will go unnoticed, unheard of and unseen.
I would never had thought these four students had any of these talents or were even talented, which is awesome! Who gets to say what is talent and what isn’t, anyway?
In the end, I have made new friends, had new experiences, and had tons of fun.
Reach the photographer at ptohonni@asu.edu or via Twitter @purplekittehbum
