Jaki Bradley, dramatic art and journalism. In Harbin, China, Jaki took this photo titled Ice City: “During the World Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China, the city literally transforms into a winter wonderland. Despite temperatures that reach -30°, thousands of tourists bundle up to see the full-size buildings made of blocks of ice. The festival also includes ice-skating shows, cafes where you can warm up, and an ice-block KFC where tourists can buy fried chicken!”

Claire Chu, health behavior and health education. In San Juan, Teotihuacan, Mexico, she took this photo titled Teotihuacan and a Sombrero: “As we walked up to view the ancient pyramids that were built in the pre-Columbian era, I came upon a young girl holding the hand of her father who wore an extremely large sombrero with ‘MEXICO’ scrawled across the front.  I found it to be a great blend to represent this beautiful country—Teotihuacan and, of course, a sombrero.”

Grace Farson, art history. In Bhaktapur, Nepal, she took a photo titled The Thinker: “While wandering the streets  of Bhaktapur one day at dusk, I walked past this sight. I instantly fell in love with the textures, colors, and people of this old city. This image shows how time seems to stop in certain areas in Nepal. This elderly man was outside of his house, exactly as he is seen here—just thinking.”

Anabella Palacios, city and regional planning. In San Blas, Kuna Yala Islands, Panama, she took a photo titled Keep my Place Cleaning: “An hour-and-a-half combi and a forty-five minute boat ride south of Panama takes you to a piece of heaven on Earth called San Blas. This is an archipelago in the Caribbean inhabited by the Kunas, a strong-knit aboriginal community that has managed to maintain their island’s beauty, their identity, and customs at the peak of a modern, fast-changing Panamanian society. Hundreds of people visit this place every year. In order to preserve the natural environment, the Kuna people, through their signage, ask visitors to take the litter they generate during their stay with them when they leave. The Kuna have a matriarchal social order where the inheritance of land passes through women. I took this picture while I visited Panama in 2010 for my Applied Field Experience as a Rotary Peace Fellow. I love her colorful molas (clothing), her expression and the meaning of simple messages to take care.”

Matthew Stevens, international business. In Da Nang, Vietnam he took a photo titled Number 152: “This summer I had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks conducting research at an orphanage in Da Nang.  While walking through a Vietnam War memorial, one of the orphans, Binh, put his hand on a wall with names etched into it. With the help of a translator I learned that number 152, Huynh V. Khanh, was Binh’s uncle. Oddly enough my uncle also fought in the war, but he survived. Realizing, without words, that I was upset, Binh put his arm around me and said, ‘friends’. This simple word explains the compassion of the Vietnamese people.”

Rose Aslan, religious studies. In Palangan, Iran, she took this photo titled, Window onto the Past: “Most people associate Iran with mullahs, nuclear weapons, and oppression of women, yet there is more to the country than its government. It is home to incredibly diverse ethnic and religious minorities. In the Summer of 2010, I traveled to Iran to study Persian language and literature, and during my time there, I took a solo journey around Iran to explore some of its cultural offerings. Motivated by my interest in Kurdish culture, I managed to make it all the way to a tiny Kurdish mountain village called Palangan near the Iraqi border. The village is so isolated that most inhabitants only speak Kurdish and the only way to get there is by foot. Framed by the opening of a house, I wanted to capture a glimpse of the village, which hugs the side of the mountain, offering a window into an ancient life that still exists in rural Iran.”