Leon Jones’ full-time job provided little personal satisfaction. He wanted something more fulfilling, so he enrolled at Johnson County Community College to consider his options. In the end, he turned a hobby into his career focus.

“I came to JCCC with no real expectations and no goals,” Jones said. “I just wanted to sharpen my skills and explore a hobby. What I discovered were opportunities to become not just a good student but also a well-rounded student.”

From writing to art classes, Jones said JCCC professors allow students to express creativity within assignments.

“I uncovered new personal strengths that made me a better person,” he said. “The instructors became my friends, and the friends I made became my family.”

Before attending JCCC, Jones spent several years as an air traffic controller.  Even though the job paid well, it never satisfied him.

Photography, though, was something feeding his soul.

“I’ve always heard good things about the photography program here, and the college in general,” Jones said. “The proximity and cost also sold me.”

Working with film photography is Jones’ preferred artistic method for capturing an image. He gets creative using alternative ways of processing films. One of his more notable works is an image of trees printed on metal. 

"No one here at JCCC has done that before that I know of, so I was very proud of that,” he said.

One of Jones’ photos – an artistic self-portrait – also appeared on the cover of the 2010 edition of Mind’s Eye, a magazine annually produced by the college that features art and literary pieces. 

As for where Jones gets his inspiration, he said, “Nothing specific. I am drawn to abstract things, and I like to take normal, everyday objects and try to make people see them in a different way.” 

This fall, Jones is taking one class to complete JCCC requirements for an associate’s degree in liberal arts. He also begins his studies at the Kansas City Art Institute. Ultimately, Jones would like recognition as a fine art photographer.

“My dream is to have complete creative freedom – from staging and directing a shoot to processing the film and producing the finished image,” he said. “I’m excited to turn a photography hobby into a rewarding career. JCCC provided the focus I needed.”