Ms Starlee Datu-on, an HTIC undergrad in the College's Liberal Arts' program, recently won a New York Times' photo contest. Her photo appears in the paper's July 26 Sunday edition.

Contest participants were asked to submit a photo that could express their college freshman year experience. Starlee's winning photo is attached with her accompanying comment below. Congratulations Starlee!

"This picture was taken on the 9th floor of our school at my 'thinking spot.' Our school is one single building located in Honolulu, right within walking distance of Waikiki beach.

"After coming from Orlando, Florida to Honolulu, Hawaii, I initially felt that Hawaii is a very insular place. Everything seemed to emphasize Hawaii and being 'local,' and after coming from a flat place like Orlando, the tall buildings and mountains made me feel suffocated, which was ironic considering I was living in a 'paradise.' When I first arrived, we had a school event where the students went to Ala Moana Beach Park. While at the park, all I could see were mountains. I remember thinking 'If only those mountains weren't in the way, I could see the sky.' By being on one of the balconies of our school, I had 'breathing room.'

"Of course, now I don't feel as 'suffocated' and have grown to love my school and Hawaii...but I still like to go to my thinking spot."