2025 Transformation Contest Winners' Entries
Welcome to the 2025 Transformation Contest Winners' Celebration!
Here you can read the full text of each of our finalists' entries. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the amazing work of these talented students.
- Karam Abilmouna, Senior, Behavioral Neuroscience
- Poem, "Between Two Shores"
- Decription: Karam is the author of Between Two Shores, a powerful poem exploring the journey from resistance to acceptance of his Lebanese heritage. Torn between two cultures, Karam once saw tradition as a barrier, but with time, he came to understand it as an anchor—connecting him to his roots while allowing him to embrace new opportunities. His poem beautifully captures the balance between heritage and identity, showing that true belonging comes not from choosing one shore over the other, but from finding strength in both.
- Ashley Prado, Senior, Computer Science
- Video Poem, "A Letter to My Future Self"
- Description: Through a powerful video poem, Ashley shared her journey of transformation—from feeling like an outsider in a new culture to embracing her roots as a source of strength. Her story led her to founding a nonprofit that empowers others facing similar challenges. Ashley’s work reminds us that belonging isn’t about where you’re from, but the community you create and the voices you lift along the way.
- Cristian Rodriguez, Senior, Crime Science
- Poem, "One Thousand Cranes"
- Description: Cristian is the author of One Thousand Cranes, a moving sonnet inspired by his journey to Hiroshima, Japan. While studying abroad, Cristian searched for answers to difficult questions about the city's past—and what he found was not bitterness, but beauty, resilience, and peace. His poem weaves together powerful symbols from his visit, including the eternal flame, the blooming plum blossom oleander, and the story of Sadako Sasaki. Through his words, Cristian reminds us of the enduring strength of humanity and the hope that rises even from unimaginable tragedy.
- Rihanna Bajnath, Sophmore, Political Science
- Essay, "Beyond Borders: Finding Connection Across Cultures and Conflict"
- Description: Rihanna wrote a powerful essay reflecting on her intercultural journey through a four-year relationship that crossed religious and cultural lines. As a West Indian Muslim exploring Jewish Israeli culture during a time of tensions, Rihanna’s story is one of breaking stereotypes, building understanding, and finding connection where others might see only division. Her essay is a testament to the power of empathy, education, and the kind of love that grows from truly seeing and valuing others across lines of difference.
- Jordan Saenz,Senior, Philosophy
- Melody Story, "Same Person, Different Notes"
- Description: Jordan composed an inspiring piano piece titled Same Person, Different Notes, a musical reflection of a life-changing journey to Lithuania. Through shifting tempos and emotional melodies, Jordan tells the story of cultural discovery, personal growth, and deep transformation. From the nervous excitement of arrival to the soulful moments of connection and reflection, his music captures what it means to step outside the familiar—and return not as someone new, but as the same person, seen in a new light.