Transformation Contest

Win a Trip to Explore Global Careers in D.C.

Open to all FIU undergraduate students.

Every person experiences moments of transformation that forever change the way we see ourselves, our community and our world. This contest invites you to reflect on a moment of international or intercultural transformation that has shaped your life. Share your experience and inspire others through your creativity, whether through visual, written, or informational media. No prior artistic experience is required—this contest is about expressing your unique transformational story in the way that feels most meaningful to you!

Eligible Media Formats include but are not limited to:

  • Comic art
  • Digital art
  • Drawing, illustration or printmaking
  • Film or animation
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Personal essay, memoir
  • Poetry
  • Short story
  • Music
  • Fashion or fabric art
  • Dramatic script
  • Dance
  • Speech

Experience the Transformation Fly-In:

The contest winners will embark on a guided trip to Washington, D.C., where they will participate in several informational and networking sessions with government agencies, think tanks and non-profit organizations.

Interested in learning more before you apply?

Join one of our Transformation Contest information sessions to get essential details about the contest, explore inspiring examples from past submissions, and receive guidance on how to craft a compelling entry that will make you a competitive candidate. These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on expectations before submitting your work. Hosted every Spring semester.

 

How to Participate:

Contest opens every Spring semester, and it asks you to share your transformational international or intercultural experience by unleashing your creativity through any visual, written, or informational media.

  • Written works, including essays and stories, should be no longer than 2 printed pages.
  • Audiovisual submissions should not exceed 4 minutes. Longer entries will not be considered.
  • Submissions in languages other than English are welcome but must include an English translation.

Important Notes:

  • On the submission form, provide a brief explanation of your work and your motivation to participate in this fly-in.
  • Original songs, poetry, and spoken word performances can be submitted as text or video.
  • Due to logistical constraints, in-person performances cannot be accommodated.

Transformation Contest: Policies and Requirements

  • Undergraduate Status: Must be a current undergraduate degree-seeking student at FIU.
  • Non-Graduating Senior: Graduating seniors in Spring 2026 are not eligible for this contest.
  • Previous Winners: Previous Transformation Contest winners are not eligible to participate.
  • Academic Standing: Participants must be in good academic standing with the university to be eligible.
  • Original Work: Contest entries must be your own, original work.
  • Application Deadline:  Opens again in Spring 2027

Judging Process

A panel of FIU faculty, staff, and alumni will evaluate the submissions based on clarity, creativity, originality, and the impact of the message.

Trip Details:

The number of selected students and the trip duration depend on funding. The trip occurs during the week after spring term (April 27 – May 3). Don't miss this opportunity to share your story, connect with global leaders, and experience the world of international careers!

2026 Transformation Contest Winners

2026 Transformation Contest Winners!

Explore the inspiring journeys of our 2026 Transformation Contest winners. Each of their entries showcases dedication, resilience, and the power of global learning. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the amazing work of these talented students.

 maria headshot

Maria Gutierrez, Senior Sociology/ Women & Gender Studies 

Poem, Full Nothingness

Maria shared a poetic reflection inspired by her study abroad experience in Nepal. Her work explores learning as a process of vulnerability, curiosity, and self-discovery, highlighting how intercultural engagement can transform one’s understanding of self and the world. 

Chaitanya headshot

Chaitanya Raj Shah , Sophmore Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 

Audiovisual

Chaitanya presented an audiovisual piece exploring identity and intercultural experience. His work captures moments of discovery and connection, showing how global engagement can reshape how we understand ourselves and others. 

Hnin headshot

Hnin Eaindray Tun, Freshman Mechanical Engineering 

Essay, More Than Just a Puzzle

Hnin shared an essay reflecting on her intercultural journey, using a Rubik’s Cube as a powerful symbol of problem-solving, patience, and personal growth. Her writing highlights the process of adapting to unfamiliar environments, building confidence, and transforming through global experiences. 

Juan headshot

 Juan Villa Cardona, Sophmore International Business

Essay, From Invisibility to Global Leadership: My Transformation at the Blue Table

Juan’s essay reflects cultural identity and belonging, illustrating his journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming a leader within a multicultural community. His work emphasizes the strength found in embracing diversity and fostering a sense of global family. 

2026 Edition Recipients

  • Maria Gutierrez, Poem
  • Chaitanya Raj Shah, Audiovisual
  • Hnin Eaindray Tun, Essay 
  • Juan Villa Cardona, Essay

2025 Edition Recipients

  • Karam Abilmouna, Poem
  • Ashley Prado, Video Poem
  • Cristian Rodriguez, Poem
  • Rihanna Bajnath, Essay
  • Jordan Saenz, Melody Story

2024 Edition Recipients

  • Jesus Antonio Aracena, Art
  • Nayla Ugardes, Video Essay
  • Sofia Nava Marron, Poem
  • Susan Aghedo, Essay

2023 Edition Recipients

  • Natalie Martinez, Poem
  • Nataly Dragoi, Essay
  • Romayrie Anastasia Lego

2022 Edition Recipients

  • Rachel Mayo – Multimedia
  • Zidane Mcdonald- Poem
  • Rita Kanazeh- Multimedia
  • Tulsi Kiran – Essay
  • Kevin de los Cuetos - Sketches

2021 Edition Recipients

  • Camila Castillo, Illustration
  • Denisse Carranza, Digital Art
  • Laura Vega, Video
  • Maria Camas, Poetry, Gone
  • Prachi Lalwani, Essay
  • Scarlett Chirino, Photograph

2020 Edition Recipients

  • Patricia Garcia - Essay
  • Fritzmagda Martial - Poetry, Ramen Noodles
  • Kamisha Kumarasi - Essay
  • Quincy C. Gordon Jr. - Poetry, Islan' Boy

2019 Edition Recipients

  • Sabrina Diaz
  • Alejandra Marquez Janse
  • Melanie Rodriguez
  • Ashley Ruttenberg

2018 Edition Recipients

  • Galilhea Calderon 
  • Mckenley Howard 
  • Rahel Gebretsadik Geremikael 
  • Alejandro Larios Venegas

2017 Edition Recipients 

  • Angelo D’Ercole 
  • Elemelech Risse 
  • Steve Delicat 
  • Camila Robledo 

2016 Edition Recipients 

  • Nannette Boza 
  • Maria Pulido-Velosa 
  • Victoria Mendez

2015 Inaugural Edition Recipients  

  • Semira Sanchez 
  • Abbeygale Sen-Chee