2024 INTERNATIONAL PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS

FIRST PLACE MY MASON STORY

MY MASON STORY

FROM INDIA GAYATHRI

The photo was taken on mason day i n George Mason Uni versi ty . The photo hol ds memori es for me as I was i n my fi rst semester of the spri ng i ntake 2023 I was new to thi s country and i made good fr iends from mason . Me and my fr iends went to th is mason day and had lots of fun it was ra in in g con tinu a lly the wh ole day an d nigh t,we go t int o crazy rides an d t ried a l l th e game s , th e can di es were yum my and enjoyed the m us ic concerts too ove r al l it was r e al ly f un mome nt a nd o ne of my fi rs t t ime att ending an eve nt in Geo rge Ma son .

FROM SOUTH KOREA JIHWAN HONG

SUNRISE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY THAT WARMS MY HEART

My photo i s of a stunning sunset with a beautiful array of pink and orange hues streaki ng across the sky, reflected perfectly on the surface of a calm body of water . See ing th is v iew, al l th e stres s I ha d accumulate d fro m leavin g m y countr y an d comin gtoa ne w, huge Unite d State s, adju sti ng to i t, taki ng class es in E ngli sh inste ad of my nati ve langua ge disappear ed. My fi rst semes ter at GMU hel ped me g row furt h er. Be ing an internati o nal stud ent at GMU m eans experien cing the be aut y of diffe rent cult ures and perspect ives coming toget her, like th e c olors of the sky mixi ng together.

FROM INDIA AKHIL RACHURE

CRICKET CONNECTS CULTURES: FROM THE STREETS OF INDIA TO MASON

Bri nging a piece of my hometown where cricket is more than j ust a game; i t' s a passi on that bri ngs peop le together . When I came to Mason, I brought th is love for cr icket w ith me. I strong ly be l ieve tha t spor tisa beautifu l t hin g whic h u nite s everyone , regar dles s o f wher e yo u com e from , you r r e li gio n, financi al backgroun d, e t c. Wh en I fir st ca me to t he U S, mo st of t he frien ds I ma de he re we r e ju st b y play ing cric k et. W hen my ot her frie nds as k - " How do you k now so m any p eopl e? " - CRIC K ET is the answer.

TAPESTRY OF ANCESTRY

FROM CHINA HAOLING WANG

Draped in the traditional dress of my homeland, this i mage is a homage to the li berty and boundless skies synonymous with Tibet . As a person of half-Mongol ian descent, the ensemble I wea risan emble mofmy heritage , interweavin g th e thread s o f freedom , culture , and the enduring connection to my lineage beneath the vast Tibetan sky.

A WALK TO REMEMBER

FROM SPAIN JESUS GOMEZ DIAZ

Three GMU students cross Brooklyn Bridge headi ng to the Big Apple. The iconic views from the Bridge show us who v isit, the ta llest organisms, who seem t o breath e an d screa m i n th e city , callin g fo r ou r attention . Thes e giant s ge t bigg er as we ke ep walkin g, leavi ng behin d, wi th ea ch ste p, a ny dou bt abo ut t he greatn ess of New Yo rk , a c ity of in fin ite stor i es. Fo r a c ou ple of da ys, we w ere fortunate enough to witness and participate in those fascinating, endless stories.

FROM CHINA CHENGHAO DU

SQUIRREL AND LINCOLN MEMORIAL

The climate crisis stands as a pivotal challenge of the 21st century, demanding collective action. At the Lincoln Memorial, amidst the bustle of tourists, the fearless squirrels pausing to pose for camera s symbolize a harmony with nature we strive to reclaim. This scenario reflects the nation's commitment to i ts net-zero emissions goal, reminiscent of President Lincoln's legacy of transformative leadership. Just as Lincoln steered the United States into a new epoch, the country's current efforts in environmental stewardship aim to guide humanity into a sustainable future.

LUNAR DREAMSCAPE

FROM SOUTH KOREA LUNA KIM

At Artechouse DC, before a celestial tapestry, I find my inspirati on beneath a moon that saw human ity 's leap . This year has ignited my dream to blend tech and art, aim ing for a future wher e suc h harmon y foster s glob a l unit y an d progres s . Here , i n th e na tion that reache d th e star s, I'm i nspi red to help craft a world as boundless and bright as the cosmos that cradl es us.

FROM PAKISTAN BATUL IDRIS

LOOK OUTSIDE THE WINDOWS

W in dows are like open opportunities waiting to be glan ced at. Usually, people don 't take those opportunities because it's easier to take t he door, it's safer because you know w here you land. 2023- 2024 has taug ht me to come out of m y comfort z one and c onfr ont my fears. This year I not only w ant to glace at w indows but jump through them, live in the momen t an d be bold. I wan t to appreciate the windows of life more.