Greetings, my name is Edward Boches and I am a street and documentary photographer, a volunteer, and sometimes journalist. Formerly I was a copywriter and creative director at an ad agency called Mullen and ultimately a professor of communication at Boston University.

A few years ago, upon retiring, I made it a point to start meeting and photographing a stranger every day — someone different from me and from outside my regular communities — to learn a little about them, and to make a simple, human connection.

And so I talked to blue collar workers, farmers, unhoused rough sleepers, people who are trans and non-binary, Trump supporters, pro-lifers, and many more. What I learned was that despite our differences in color, race, age, income bracket, gender identity, etc. we often had more in common than we realized. We cared about family and loved ones, access to health care, education, the environment, and helping others. Our beliefs were often different, but listening and engaging helped me to understand why.

Today, we live in a country where the forces of media, social media, and politics all strive to divide us. It’s about the algorithm, clicks, links and advertising. But it’s not about who we really are or have the potential to be: kinder, more considerate, empathetic, community-oriented human beings.

And so I thought I would make my experience of meeting a stranger every day public, share some of their stories and what I’ve learned about myself in the process, in hopes that others might take up the practice and experience the same rewards that have enriched my life.

While it may seem like a crazy idea, I am even hoping that perhaps, with some momentum and support, we could make Meet a Stranger Every Day a holiday or a dedicated week. Where for once, the politicians and media that divide us might actually encourage us to find some common ground, simply by turning toward the person standing or sitting next to you and saying, “hello, how are you doing?”