First Place; Maribel Lopez; The End Of The World
Before it was known that the world was round, this spot, known as “The End of the World,” was what convinced people that the world was flat. Located in Sagres, Portugal, I visited “The End of the World” on a weekend trip with the Seville Spanish program I’m partaking in. Not only was the view breathtaking by its sunset color sky and overall sheer beauty, but I was also breathless by the freezing North Atlantic breeze that blew in. The majority of the faceless silhouettes had their heads bowed and appeared to be marching toward the end of the cliff, aka the end of the world and for some reason I found it to be moving. I imagined what it would be like to actually think and believe there is an end to the world and that someday there may be.

Second Place; John Kuckelmann; Twisted
During one of our many drives throughout the country of Tanzania, more specifically the Morogoro area, we spotted this very unusual Mboa Mboa tree.  For whatever reason it had grown very uniquely and was so exceptional stopped to get a better look.  Upon closer inspection, the tree trunk and branches grew every which way, twisting and ascending into the African sky.  The picture was very fun to take but the experience here was the ability to take the time and spend nearly a half hour just enjoying nature and the uniqueness of a single tree.  With our busy, do-do-do, lives in America it is rare that we stop and “smell the roses”.  This is one of many examples where I was able to really enjoy life and not be so focused on doing something.

Third Place; Chelsea Jensen; Waters

While preparing for my trip to Japan I read a lot of books about Japan.  I wanted to prepare myself as best as possible.  But as many books as I read could not have prepared me for everything I was about to see.

Japan is a land of contrasts.  And with those contrasts comes the need to find balance.  Japanese, by the very nature of their homeland as an island susceptible to catastrophe, are taught from the beginning to appreciate nature and the beauty but know that it is momentary.  Everything fades.  

This photo was taken of Lake Katanuma in northern Japan, on the main island of Honshu.  While it appears beautiful and calm, everything is not as it seems.  This is NOT a lake to swim in.  It is one of the most acidic lakes in the world, formed from a volcanic crater. From a distance one can smell the sulfur that it contains.  So while it appears to be a tropical paradise, it has something else in store for the viewer.

Judges Honorable Mention; Kendra Reiter; Candles

Having the opportunity to travel around the world and experience a variety of vastly different landscapes and a number of starkly different cultures truly made me realize the transcending power of faith.  While touring with the Wartburg Choir I got to meet people of all different faiths and moral principles.  But, from Iowa, to Germany, to South Africa, and beyond, one thing remained central and constant: a unifying faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  This photo, taken in Germany’s largest Gothic Church, Ulm’s Munster, represents the unity of the Christian community across the world.  Each of these candles was lit as a sacred, silent prayer from the depths of someone’s heart.  Those prayers and the sacredness of that space transcend all barriers of location and language.  We are all candles, burning brightly through our own walk of life, but standing together in the common foundation of Christ.  I was able to stand in that place beside my Christian brothers and sisters of different nationalities, underneath a stained glass cross, and feel the overwhelming presence of God. God is everywhere, all the time. Christ lights our fire and in HIM we are one.

Student Choice; Dani Schroeder; Kaieteur Falls

The 741 ft drop of Kaieteur Falls is absolutely breath taking. Especially when you are lying on your stomach next to the falls, peeking your head over the edge of the cliff. You get a really good sense of just how small you really are looking down at the gorgeous valley. Lying there, taking everything in, I was saddened a little to think back to looking out the windows of the tiny 12-seater plane that must be taken to get to the falls and remembering the large areas of land completely void of vegetation. The experience of being in a place so amazing really made me realize the great importance of protecting the many endangered places in the world.

Aaron Shcutte
Elder at Malali
The beauty and rich history of Tanzania’s land and people can be traced along the face of this Maasai elder. While the land and people have changed over his many years, many Maasai traditions remain unchanged as represented in his dress and jewelry. The Maasai are one of the only 125 tribes of Tanzania to hold on to their tradition in an ever changing world.

On April 28, I set out for a land unknown with 12 other amazing people. I didn’t know what to expect or what I would experience in Tanzania. After an amazing three months and an unforgettable experience, I realize daily how much it has changed my life.

This picture is a constant reminder of the people of Tanzania. The vibrant colors represent the emanating colors of the land and people. I saw a land drawn from the grasslands of the wilderness to cities just below the outstretched mountains. I met people willing to open their homes and livelihoods to complete strangers. I was blessed to spend my time with the Maasai and people of Tanzania and can only wait for my next chance to return to that beautiful land.