Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners
We’re excited to announce the winners of the Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest! These stunning photos capture unique perspectives and unforgettable moments from our participants' study abroad journeys.
To dive deeper, we asked our winners two questions: What does your submitted photo represent to you? and How has your study abroad experience already impacted or changed you? Their answers revealed personal transformations, newfound perspectives, and unforgettable memories shaped by their experiences abroad.
1st Place : Reid Hewitt 2nd Place: Sydnee-Marie Edusei 3rd Place: Ashley Saddler
What does your submitted photo represent to you?
Reid Hewitt: I took a solo trip to Egypt, which gave me a greater sense of confidence as a traveler but also the magnitude of diversity and culture in the world. As a black traveler, I was extremely intimidated initially in Egypt due to the stigma of being black in a predominantly non-black country. I did face prejudices during my time there, but I also found a sense of confidence I don’t think I would’ve developed if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. My entire study abroad experience has taken me out of my comfort zone but has provided so many amazing opportunities, from the insightful classes I’ve taken to the people I’ve met and the places I’ve visited.
Sydnee-Marie Edusei: My submitted photo means so much to me. This photo shows a Ghanaian woman in her element, doing skilled labor to survive. She is filling a Chorkor oven with fish to be smoked and eventually sold. It is a way of life for many Ghanaian women that provides income and allows them to take care of their families. Looking at the environment within the photo you can tell that it is not a lavish area, but the people of Chorkor are rich in many things we take for granted. They are rich in kindness, community, love, and strength. This photo, to me, represents the heart and strength of Ghanaian women.
Ashley Saddler: Vinh Hạ Long means a lot as it is one of the best areas I’ve been to studying abroad. It has various aspects of Vietnamese culture. Within this trip, I found a great opportunity to share one of my passions which is photography.
How has your study abroad experience already impacted or changed you?
Reid Hewitt: Studying abroad has transformed my way of thinking and awareness of other cultures and the world. Living in a different country has made me think more critically about my life, from food, arts, and culture to my daily routine. I feel grounded and am so thankful for this amazing experience to embrace a different culture.
Sydnee-Marie Edusei: Through my study abroad experience, I am going through a process of Ghanaian socialization. I am learning how to greet people in Twi from strangers to elders, and I understand the importance of certain beliefs, values, and ideals. I am more social and less passive when I am walking to class or certain destinations. I am learning the importance of community and how the individualism I have learned from American society isn’t always the best. I have been humbled, by not having luxury amenities/items and sometimes going days without cell service. I have a deeper understanding of the legacies and impacts of colonialism and what that means for us as disaporians in the fight for freedom. Most importantly, I am learning patience.
Ashley Saddler: Studying abroad has transformed me as a person by experiencing learning a completely new language and experiencing the barriers and difficulties. I have worked hard to overcome this challenge by going back to the basics and tackling how to properly pronounce the vowels and common phrases. I have been making more connections, seeing new places, and I look forward to my improvements in speaking tiếng việt in order to communicate better.