Student Events
Judy Genshaft Honors College Photo Competition
The Honors Photo Competition is an annual contest co-hosted by the Judy Genshaft Honors College Tampa Student Council. The competition encourages students to use photography to capture the Honors experience as they see it.
This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淓xperiencing Honors,鈥 highlights the Honors College experiential learning requirements emphasizing the importance of learning beyond the classroom.
Experiential learning covers a broad range of categories, such as:
- Career and leadership experience
- Community service
- Creative and artistic experience
- Global experience
- Research
2026 Honors Photo Competition Timeline
Submissions open early February and students from all three USF campuses are eligible to participate. To enter, students must submit a photo that aligns with the theme, along with a short story or description (250 words or fewer) explaining how the image represents an experiential learning category.
There is no limitation to the amount of photos a student can submit, however, each student is eligible to win only once.
Honors Photo Competition Grand Prize
The winner will receive a $150 Honors scholarship, and their photograph will be shared across Honors marketing channels and/or displayed in the Judy Genshaft Honors College building.
2026 Photo Competition Winner
The Prints of my Sole

Madiha Reza - Seoul, South Korea
鈥淭his image becomes the first page of my visual diary 鈥 a moment where landscape, memory, and belonging meet.鈥
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鈥淗ere is where I have walked. Here is what remains with me. And here is space for what is still to come.鈥
As a Gilman Scholar, I was fortunate enough to witness Seoul鈥檚 natural beauty, sip tea with Dr. Lee and my peers beneath giwa鈥憈iled roofs, and discover how Korean traditions resonate with elements of my own Bengali heritage. I鈥檓 deeply grateful for the chance to experience such a rich and vibrant culture.
This image becomes the first page of my visual diary 鈥 a moment where landscape, memory, and belonging meet. What I carry forward is not only a collection of vivid experiences, but a growing desire to keep exploring, learning, and finding myself in places far from home, yet strangely familiar.
2026 Photo Competition Finalists
Unfolding Lisbon

Brandon Lopez - Lisbon, Portugal
鈥淭his moment represented something more than just a few friends eager to roam the city before the streets filled with people 鈥 it was a moment of genuine curiosity and cultural exploration where we connected what we had learned in our class with the physical world in front of us.鈥
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As my roommates and I decided to explore the morning streets of Lisbon, I knew I had to capture this moment of awe as the sunshine gleamed on the golden buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. This moment represented something more than just a few friends eager to roam the city before the streets filled with people 鈥 it was a moment of genuine curiosity and cultural exploration where we connected what we had learned in our class with the physical world in front of us.
The newly established Honors Portugal Physician Observation program built up an abundance of inquisitiveness and excitement within our inaugural cohort. Learning about the Portuguese health care system, culture, and history as a group brought about an in-depth immersion when in the country. I came to learn the value of cultural immersion in comparison to online learning. The in-person experience of exploring a foreign country is a unique way of learning.
I believe this photo embodies our cohort鈥檚 collective ambition 鈥 the eagerness to walk down every street, see the monuments we鈥檇 seen online in-class and accompany the physicians we were excited to shadow. This program showed us how to approach unfamiliar environments and how to comfortably approach the uncomfortable. I believe this is a hallmark of what global citizenship means in the Honors College as it strives to create versatile and naturally curious students, creating an impact that stays with them beyond graduation.
United in the Piazza

Antonio Orbe Coka - Milan, Italy
鈥淔rom where I stood, I could see the cathedral above us, the movement of the crowd, and the way complete strangers were brought together by a shared anticipation for the match.鈥
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I took this photo in front of the Duomo in Milan during my study abroad trip in the summer of 2025, just as the city began to gather for the UEFA Champions League final. I had originally gone there with no plan other than to walk through the square and admire the architecture. What began as a few voices coming out of the metro slowly turned into thousands of people filling the piazza. From where I stood, I could see the cathedral above us, the movement of the crowd, and the way complete strangers were brought together by a shared anticipation for the match.
At that moment I stopped moving and simply observed. The square was no longer just a historic landmark but a living example of culture, identity, and community. Seeing myself as one person within that massive crowd pushed me out of my comfort zone and changed the way I experienced the city. I was not just visiting Milan 鈥 I was engaging with it and learning from the people around me.
My experience in Honors has encouraged me to approach learning in this way. This moment became a perfect embodiment of the experiential learning the Honors College promotes. It deepened my understanding of global culture and showed me how stepping into unfamiliar environments allows for meaningful connection and personal growth. Standing there reminded me that education is not limited to the classroom. It happens when we slow down, reflect, and allow new environments to challenge the way we see the world.
USF Excellence

Krishnavamsi Chundi - Tampa, Florida
鈥淭his moment captures exactly why I began this project 鈥 to celebrate the career-driven excellence of current USF students and inspire future students to take the first step in their own journeys.鈥
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I took this photo during my Creative Project, Students in Action, a portfolio of photos capturing the 最新天美传媒 student body in areas of Research, Internships, and Volunteering.
This picture captures the often unnoticed dedication that takes place in a student's college career 鈥 from late nights in the lab, to crazy and hectic deadlines, to learning something totally new. USF students constantly push themselves beyond their comfort zones in pursuit of academic and career-focused growth.
When I first took this picture, I felt a sense of admiration for all the students who tirelessly strive towards excellence in their career fields. This moment captures exactly why I began this project 鈥 to celebrate the career-driven excellence of current USF students and inspire future students to take the first step in their own journeys.
In Stillness, There is Learning

Sophia Basso - Tampa, Florida
鈥淎rt becomes a bridge between science and emotion; it invites connection.鈥
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In this moment at ZooTampa, I realized experiential learning does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it asks us to slow down. Photography taught me to notice what others pass by; the curve of a neck, the layering of feathers, the way sunlight transforms texture into story. Through my lens, observation became interpretation. The flamingo was no longer just an exhibit; it became a reminder that beauty and biology coexist.
Creative experiential learning challenges us to engage deeply, not just visually but thoughtfully. By choosing to frame this moment, I practiced patience, intentionality, and perspective. Art becomes a bridge between science and emotion; it invites connection. This image represents how creativity allows us to experience Honors beyond the classroom, transforming a simple visit into an act of awareness.
In stillness, there is learning. In observation, there is growth. And in capturing this moment, I discovered that art can be a powerful form of understanding.
Framed by Time

Emily Meeker - Hamburg, Germany
鈥淪tanding in a place shaped by global conflict deepened my understanding of history, culture, and resilience.鈥
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During my first Judy Genshaft Honors College study abroad experience in Germany, I visited the ruins of St. Nicholas Church in Hamburg, once the tallest building in the world. The church became a tragic landmark during World War II, serving as an orientation point for bombers. Allied air raids destroyed much of the structure, causing the roof to collapse, yet the 147-meter tower miraculously survived. Today, the ruins stand as a powerful memorial to the devastation of war and the importance of remembrance.
As our group learned about its history, I remember looking up at the towering remains, feeling a quiet sense of awe. We left to head toward our next stop, but I paused to look back one more time as we walked away. Through an opening in the trees, the tower suddenly aligned perfectly with the sky above, framed by the vibrant greenery. In that brief moment, I captured this photograph.
For me, this image represents my Honors experiential learning taking place beyond the classroom. Studying abroad in Germany transformed historical events from distant concepts into lived experiences. Standing in a place shaped by global conflict deepened my understanding of history, culture, and resilience. I came to reflect upon how the surviving tower of St. Nicholas Church was framed by new growth, symbolizing how learning abroad allowed me to see both the weight of a country鈥檚 complex past and the hope that grows after learning from it.
2025 Photo Competition Winner
Jasmine Haroun

Jasmine Haroun 鈥 Kyoto, Japan
"This moment reminds me of what the Honors College has pushed me to do: Slow down, pay attention, and approach new experiences with curiosity."
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I took this photo while standing in the middle of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove during my Honors study abroad trip to Japan. I remember looking up and just being struck by the quiet 鈥 the kind that makes you stop and actually notice where you are. The towering bamboo felt both surreal and grounding, and I wanted to capture that feeling.
This moment reminds me of what the Honors College has pushed me to do: slow down, pay attention, and approach new experiences with curiosity. Studying abroad was not just about seeing a new place; it was about learning to observe differently, to reflect more intentionally, and to be comfortable with the unfamiliar.
This photo matters to me because it marks a shift in how I see the world and my role in it. Looking up at the bamboo felt like a pause in the middle of constant movement. It gave me a moment to take everything in with clarity and presence. That mindset, encouraged by Honors, has stayed with me long after I returned from Japan.
2025 Photo Competition Finalists
Amelia German

Amelia German 鈥 Wiesbaden, Germany
"The lighting was perfect, and I felt drawn to capture the moment. I wanted to preserve both the sight and emotion it stirred in me. This is just one of the many unforgettable moments I experienced through study abroad opportunities offered by the Judy Genshaft Honors College."
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I looked up and immediately knew I had to take a photo. Stepping into view, I saw the most beautiful church. The lighting was perfect, and I felt drawn to capture the moment. I wanted to preserve both the sight and emotion it stirred in me. This is just one of the many unforgettable moments I experienced through study abroad opportunities offered by the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
My path at the Honors College began when I joined a class called Germany Beyond the Classroom. This class provided a unique experience, introducing students to the country and language prior to traveling to the partner university. The journey led me to step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to connect and engage with people of different age groups and academic disciplines, promoting personal growth and facilitating interdisciplinary interactions. It was an experience that not only deepened my understanding of global cultures, but also expanded my perspective on building meaningful connections with others.
Another reason this trip was so memorable for me is because I have always felt a strong pull to visit Germany. With the last name 鈥淕erman,鈥 people constantly ask if I speak the language. I always laugh and say no 鈥 although I think it would be pretty ironic if I did. This photo was captured during that study abroad experience, a moment I will carry with me forever. It reminds me of the power of curiosity, the value of cultural connection, and the importance of embracing the unknown.
Mantram Mulchandani

Mantram Mulchandani 鈥 Exeter, UK
"Suspended within the Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral, Luke Jerram鈥檚 鈥楳useum of the Moon鈥 installation offered a breathtaking moment of pure wonder, vividly captured in this photograph from my time in England."
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Suspended within the Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral, Luke Jerram鈥檚 鈥楳useum of the Moon鈥 installation offered a breathtaking moment of pure wonder, vividly captured in this photograph from my time in England. This unforgettable scene unfolded during the very first official excursion of our study abroad course in Exeter, appropriately titled 'Wonder, Wander, and Belonging,' thoughtfully guided by Dr. Young.
As a key part of our immersive exploration of wonder and place central to the course themes, our cohort spent time studying both the history of the cathedral itself and this stunning art installation. It served as a perfect embodiment of the dynamic experiential learning encouraged by the Honors College; we first explored independently, absorbing the unique atmosphere created by the juxtaposition of ancient faith and contemporary artistry, before a comprehensive guided tour deepened our collective historical and cultural understanding, allowing us to connect intellectually with our surroundings.
Sharing this mesmerizing sight with my entire Honors cohort right at the beginning of our semester was truly special, building a community foundation that set a collaborative and supportive tone for our entire journey together in Exeter. This visual vividly represents the kinds of unique, perspective-shifting opportunities the JGHC has curated for its students abroad, thoughtfully blending academic exploration with cultural immersion, fostering intellectual curiosity, and building a supportive sense of belonging among Honors peers navigating a new world far from home.
Katelynn Paciorek

Katelynn Paciorek 鈥 Chiefland, FL
"This photo is related to a water quality monitoring project that assesses water quality post-storm, an urgent issue during hurricane season in Florida ... Honors has truly given me a love for research, which I aim to show through this photo!"
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This photo was taken at Manatee Spring in Chiefland, Florida during a water quality research sampling trip with Dr. Spellman's lab in the USF School of Geosciences. USF and the Judy Genshaft Honors College have allowed me to explore my passions in interdisciplinary ways, build my research and writing skills, and connect with people that have been a key part of my USF and Honors experience.
Because of the support I have received through Honors, I have sought to expand my knowledge and experience through conducting research at 最新天美传媒 in my field of interest, water quality. Specifically, this photo is related to a water quality monitoring project that assesses water quality post-storm, an urgent issue during hurricane season in Florida.
My experience taking various Honors classes have allowed me to improve my research skills and my experience in Honors student organizations, like the USF Climate Teach-In, have allowed me to grow more passionate about the environment. Honors has truly given me a love for research, which I aim to show through this photo!
Umama Saifuddin

Umama Saifuddin 鈥 Tampa, FL
"It felt like something out of a dream 鈥 the timing so perfect, the scene so peaceful, it almost didn鈥檛 feel real. The way the turtle moved, slowly and deliberately, almost felt like it was acknowledging us too. There was something so peaceful and humbling about that interaction, as if the world had paused just long enough for us to notice and marvel at its quiet magic."
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This is a photo taken at the Florida Aquarium during an Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) excursion trip. My friend and I were sitting by a large, round looking window, casually posing for a picture, when out of nowhere, a curious green sea turtle swam right into the frame. It felt like something out of a dream 鈥 the timing so perfect, the scene so peaceful, it almost didn鈥檛 feel real. The way the turtle moved, slowly and deliberately, almost felt like it was acknowledging us too. There was something so peaceful and humbling about that interaction, as if the world had paused just long enough for us to notice and marvel at its quiet magic.
That moment perfectly captures what the Honors LLC has brought into my life: a sense of belonging, curiosity, and adventure. Living on campus has been meaningful, but being part of the Honors LLC has added depth to that experience 鈥 through spontaneous late-night conversations, inspiring and organizing excursion trips like this one, and a community that truly values growth, exploration, and connection.
Experiences like these have helped me feel rooted, inspired, and constantly in awe of the world around me 鈥 and I carry that wonder with me into everything I do.
How to get involved
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