Teaching at Medill: How Family, Photography, and Storytelling Intertwine
As I wrap up my first quarter teaching at Medill School of Journalism, I can't help but feel like this is just the beginning of something truly special. It's not the closing of a chapter but the start of a new journey that feels deeply intertwined with everything I’ve ever loved about storytelling, photography, and family.
Photography has always been at the heart of the Boyle family. It's a passion that runs deep, connecting us in ways that words often can’t. Three of my four sons have pursued careers in journalism, fine art, film and media work, each of them finding their own unique path but all rooted in the same love for capturing the world through a lens. Now, with Colin and me both teaching at Medill, it feels like we’re not just continuing that tradition but taking it to a whole new level.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. In 2016, Colin and I were featured in (what was then) DNAinfo, which felt like such a huge milestone at the time. That article celebrated our work as a mother-son photography team, and it was a moment of validation for the countless hours we had poured into our craft. Then, just a year later, we were featured by NOW THIS, and suddenly our story was being shared with a global audience.
Those experiences were pivotal—they set us on a path that led both of us to Medill, where Colin earned his Master’s degree in 2020 and I completed mine in 2023, following my undergraduate degree from Northwestern in 2003.
And now, here I am, standing in front of a classroom at Medill, guiding graduate students who are just starting their own journeys. It’s a surreal and deeply fulfilling experience, one that reminds me every day of how much I love what I do. Teaching isn’t just about passing on technical skills; it’s about sharing the awe and wonder that make photography so magical in the first place. It’s about helping my students see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.
One of the true highlights of this quarter has been the chance to bring some incredible friends and colleagues into the classroom to share their insights with my students. Rich Hein, Anne Ryan, Pat Nabong, and Brian Cassella—each of them brought something unique and valuable to the table. Watching my students engage with them, seeing the sparks of inspiration light up, was such a rewarding experience. It reminded me of how lucky I am to be part of such a vibrant and supportive creative community.
As I move forward, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life—one where I get to combine my love for photography with the joy of teaching. It’s an opportunity to help shape the next generation of visual storytellers, to guide them as they find their voices and start their own journeys.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m so excited to see where it takes me next and I’m so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me over the years. Together, we’ll continue to explore the beauty, the awe, and the wonder that make life—and storytelling—so extraordinary.
This is your new beginning! Great things to follow. You go girl.
It's great to hear about how your vocation has developed and how much you have loved it. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Congratulations!!