Stockton- At Lincoln High School, there are so many people who brighten our campus with their positive energy, dedication to their work, and consistent presence. Many of these individuals are faculty members who give their all every day, helping students feel safe and supported. But these staff members often go beyond the responsibilities of their official roles. Many of them travel, coach, do photography, attend Lincoln events, or have other passions they pursue.
Although most of us don’t see what they do outside of Lincoln High School, many staff members are involved in remarkable activities. One such person is Buddha, also known as Uncle Buddha on campus, one of many amazing campus supervisors who helps keep students on track. He’s always ready with a smile or a high five, no matter the day. While Buddha sounds like it would be pronounced BUD-DHA it is actually pronounced BUB-BA. He is well known both on and off campus by many students from many different schools. But Buddha doesn’t stop there. In the little free time he has, he also does photography for numerous Lincoln events and even events at other schools. He has his own Instagram where he shares these photos, many of which capture sports events, cultural performances during events such as International Night, rallies, and dances. What stands out most is Buddha’s generosity: the photos he takes are free for students. Unlike most photographers, he doesn’t charge for his work. If asked, or if he knows an event is important to a student, he does his best to attend and capture the moment.
Buddha’s passion for photography began with a simple, heartfelt goal: capturing memories for his niece and nephew during their time at Saint Mary’s. What started as a gesture of love quickly evolved into a deeper appreciation for photography and the joy it brings, not only to him but to the students he photographs. His journey is a testament to how small, personal beginnings can blossom into lifelong passions. Over time, Buddha expanded his work beyond Lincoln High School, photographing events at other schools as well. This broader involvement has allowed him to connect with students from diverse communities. He values these connections and embraces the opportunity to make a difference beyond a single campus, building relationships and memories across schools.
While photography remains a central part of his life, Buddha has explored other meaningful activities too. He used to coach football and other sports, and even picked up crocheting at one point. However, as life evolved, especially after getting married and becoming a father, he’s found less time for these pursuits. Still, photography remains a thread he holds onto, capturing moments when he can, even if not as frequently as before. Reflecting on his journey, Buddha offers advice to aspiring photographers: trust your own vision. He recalls how he once doubted his work, thinking his photos weren’t good enough. But in those moments, he still found beauty in what he captured. His message is clear: photography is personal, and what matters most is how you see the world through your own lens, not what others think.
Buddha’s story is more than just about taking pictures, it’s about finding purpose in creativity, staying connected to community, and holding onto passion even as life changes. Each photographer sees the world differently, and that unique perspective is valuable. A photo doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful, if it meant something to you when you took it, that’s what matters. Buddha has had many meaningful experiences with photography and continues to pursue it as much as he can. He enjoys attending events and capturing beautiful moments that might otherwise be missed. He truly makes an impact on our campus—not only by helping keep students safe and focused but also by making them feel seen. Though many people know Buddha by name, he might not know yours. As he explained, in order for him to know your name, you have to introduce yourself. He’ll still greet you with a smile and a high five, but a simple introduction helps make that connection. So, go ahead and introduce yourself to Buddha. You might just end up in one of his amazing photographs.
