The Spring 2014 Photo Contest provided residents an opportunity to share their experiences at ISH and allow the community to view their time at the House from a residents’ perspective.
The contest covered four categories: Discovering Washington, New Friends, Our Facility and ISH Programs and Events. Photos were selected based upon quality, description and uniquely capturing the experience of an ISH resident.
We are pleased to present the photographs that were selected in each category.
Overall Winner:
“A Festive Violin Practice”, Luan Dong (China)
Description: Resident Jakub Hlavka Practice Violin at the Great Hall Decorated for Christmas
Discovering Washington Category:
“8 ISH sleepers from 7 countries experiencing homelessness together”, Neena Dominic (India)
Description: On 21st March, along with our fellow ISH residents, we signed up to sleep out .We wanted to empathize with the homeless people, especially youth. This was part of a campaign to raise funds for a homeless shelter called Covenant House. We experienced unbearable discomfort sleeping on the pavement in this climate and understood the difficulties associated with homelessness. We also learned new things about homeless people in US. We learned that not all homeless youth are uneducated, drug addicts or even Americans. Some homeless youth included helpless and tortured youth from other countries who sought asylum in America. After learning this, our respect and adoration for America further increased. As we sat down later to discuss the night’s events, we shared our individual perspectives. Since we belonged to different countries, our discussions emerged with diverse perspectives and understandings. Such diversity can happen only in ISH community. We thank ISH board members for this amazing opportunity.
New Friends Category:
“A Moment for the Books”, Marina Hutton (Canada)
Description: This photo was taken at the Middle East Dialogue 2014, which ISH residents were invited to attend free-of-charge. Upon leaving, we were given books to share with other ISH residents. At this event, we had the opportunity to have some conversations with a very inspiring women – this photo was taken of our post-conference excitement. I have learned so much from these 2 girls, and have experienced a strong bond with them that I will forever treasure. This photo captures the essence of friendship and shared experiences at ISH.
ISH Programs or Event Category:
“Lecture on the Ukrainian Crisis by Ukrainian Resident Switlana”, Josh Ettinger (USA)
Description: When the Ukraine crisis unfolded, our Ukrainian resident, Switlana, gave us an insider’s perspective on the crisis and some historical background on her country.
Our Facility Category:
“The New World”, Nicolas Marquez Pizzanelli (Uruguay)
Description: 2014’s room renovation of the main building. One of the best room’s in the house, for its architecture and atmosphere. An empty room but a whole new world for its occupants.
International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.