Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners Spring 2026

We’re excited to announce the winners of the Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest! These stunning photos capture unique perspectives and unforgettable moments from our participants' study abroad journeys.

To dive deeper, we asked our winners two questions: What does your submitted photo represent to you? and How has your study abroad experience already impacted or changed you? Their answers revealed personal transformations, newfound perspectives, and unforgettable memories shaped by their experiences abroad.

1st Place : Saiyvionn Williams 2nd Place: Isaiah White 3rd Place: Kelci Cunningham

What does your submitted photo represent to you? 

Saiyvionn Williams: “This photo represents a moment that truly shaped how I saw both the world around me and my place within it. It captures not only the beauty of the landscape itself but also the sense of perspective I gained while being in a new environment. For me, it symbolizes stepping outside of my comfort zone and appreciating the world from a different point of view.”

Isaiah White: “This photo was taken while visiting Malta during my study abroad experience, and it represents a moment of exploration and growth. It represents curiosity, independence, and the confidence that comes from navigating the world on your own.”

Kelci Cunningham: “This photo is from a cultural and artistic institute in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, named Acervo da Laje. The founder of this organization, Jose Eduardo Ferreira Santos, formed this after studying youth violence and noticed that his community was only known for just that, its cultural history and memory was overlooked. The organization highlights the beauty and creativity that is in this periphery. Acervo da Laje is located in Porto das Sardinhas (Sardine Port). This photo represents the cultural history of this neighborhood, seafood is a major component of the diet for people from Bahia and there is a strong relationship between faith and the sea. The painting itself demonstrates how there is power in knowing where you come from as it helps honor traditions and strengthen a person's sense of belonging.”

How has your study abroad experience already impacted or changed you?

Saiyvionn Williams: “My study abroad experience has had a profound impact on me. It has helped me grow more independent, open minded, and adaptable. Being immersed in a different culture has deepened my appreciation for diversity and encouraged me to embrace new experiences with confidence and curiosity.”

Isaiah White: “Sharing my experiences as a Morehouse student and a creator within the C3 program allows me to represent a specific powerful intersection of Black excellence and modern digital artistry. Bringing the history and legacy of my home culture to a UK audience highlights the importance of global young black narratives in the film industry. My stories feel vital to share because they challenge stereotypes and provide a richer, more nuanced blueprint for what a young filmmaker can achieve.”

Kelci Cunningham: “Studying abroad has allowed me to witness cultures that I have only ever heard about through textbooks and media. Through my program, I have had the opportunity to visit a Quilombo and Indigenous community where I have learned more about how they preserve their culture and mobilize against the forces that are threatening their existence. It has taught me the importance of hearing stories from a first person perspective, oftentimes people research communities with their own assumptions and beliefs that overpower what the communities are trying to communicate. I have had the opportunity to sit down and listen to people share their stories, and that's one of the most important things in understanding their realities and ensuring that their voices are preserved. Studying abroad has also helped me be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Most of the people that I interact with don't know much English, and I don't speak much Portuguese, but I have learned that connection goes beyond language.  Laughter, smiles, and music is understood in every language. I have been able to connect with people through these experiences, allowing me to be more comfortable and adapt to new environments that I'll encounter in the future.”