“The Mighty Atlantic” by Jessie Goergen
Taken at Acadia National Park in Maine during the Discover Boston and Beyond course with Dr. Pam Mickelson, professor of business administration.

“On our last day in Maine, we made a quick stop at Thunder Hole located at Acadia National Park in Maine. Thunder Hole is a small inlet of rocks in which during high tide, the water smashes against them and it sounds like a clap of thunder. To the right of Thunder Hole is Otter Cliff and to the left is Sand Beach. We were there just before high tide so we did not get a chance to see Thunder Hole at its best, but the view was still absolutely beautiful!  I took this picture of the Atlantic Ocean at Thunder Hole that day because even though it was cloudy, the way the few rays of sunshine shone over the water made it look like it was sparkling.  I named this photo ‘The Mighty Atlantic’ because as you looked over the horizon, there were areas where you could see nothing but water. It appeared to just go on and on and made you feel so small. Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed about being able to see the ocean. I always wanted to see just how big and beautiful it was. Now I can say I have seen it, and someday I definitely will return to see it again.“

“Last Call” by Emily Lechtenberg

Taken in Colorado during the Rafting the Yampa River course with Susie Lubbers, assistant professor of education, and Dr. Leslie Werden, assistant professor and chair of writing and rhetoric.

“This photo was taken while loading the rafts on the third morning of the rafting trip. Each morning tents were taken down and gear was loaded up. Throughout the morning we heard, ‘Last call for coffee,’ ‘Last call for the groover (our toilet),’ along with many others. I was headed down to the river to brush my teeth and saw this gorgeous sight. The sound of the waves, the cliffs, and the guides loading up the rafts was the best way to start the morning. This photo sums up the best five days our group could have had together.”

“Thunder Hole: Bah Hahbah, Maine” by Kelsey Martin

Taken in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, during the Discover Boston and Beyond course with Dr. Pam Mickelson, professor of business administration.

“The photo captures one of the most spectacular sights on the North Atlantic Seaboard.  While visiting Thunder Hole at Acadia National Park, I climbed along the rocky shores of Maine to experience the sea crashing against the jagged shoreline. In the distance of the photo is the famous 110 foot high Otter Cliff - one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands north of Rio de Janeiro. Climbing from rock to rock down the coast was difficult, but it allowed me to capture not only the amazing view but also a snapshot of an experience in my favorite state on the trip, Maine."

“The Amazing Hike” by Lexie Matthey

Taken near Motueka, New Zealand, during the New Zealand 2011 course with Dr. Aaron Bunker, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. Jodi McKay, assistant professor of biology.

“This photo was taken while I was on a hike near Motueka. We had just gotten done sea kayaking prior to the hike.  I have never been on a hike that was so beautiful.  The views were amazing. It was hard for me to keep walking because I just wanted to stare at the views. The hike was five miles long, so I got many beautiful pictures and I had so much fun that day.  I will never forget all of the beautiful sights I saw on our hike.”

“Serene Summation” by Leah Nielsen

Taken on top of a mountain overlooking Queenstown, New Zealand, during the New Zealand 2011 course with Dr. Aaron Bunker, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. Jodi McKay, assistant professor of biology.

“On our final night in New Zealand, our entire group took a skyline gondola ride to the top of the mountain where this picture was taken. To me this gorgeous view of Queenstown represents the amazing times our group shared in this incredible country. It is the last memory I have where all members of the trip shared in a final breathtaking view of the mountains, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. I took this picture at the top of the mountain as we were enjoying the view before our luge ride.”

“Cadillac Mountain Sunset” by Megan Peters

Taken at Acadia National Park in Maine during the Discover Boston and Beyond course with Dr. Pam Mickelson, professor of business administration.

“I did all my research on national parks, and the one I looked forward to seeing the most was Acadia National Park. Not only does it feature beautiful beaches and an abundance of wildlife, but also it has mountains from which you can see forever. (At least that's how it feels.) We were able to see a lot of this beautiful national park, and I managed to capture this sunset photo on our first night at the park. Talk about a great way to start things out.”

“Nature versus Man” by Kelci Teut
Taken at Copán Ruinas, or the Copan Ruins, in Honduras during the Spanish Immersion in Guatemala course with Dr. Gail Ament, professor and chair of modern languages.

“While visiting the Ruins in Copan, we were able to see the ancient Mayan city with a tour guide explaining all of the past and present restorations to the site. Here we found a tree growing out of one of the ruined temples, showing that after centuries, nature still conquers man.”

“A piece of nature in an urban jungle” by David Young

Taken on top of a temple at West Lake Park during the May Term experience teaching at Hwa Nan College in Fuzhou, China.

“There is so little respect for the environment in China. But here the city has carved out a little piece of nature where people can go to get away from the harsh realities of the never-ending pavements. It is meaningful to me because I believe it is important to have a place where you can go and escape your everyday life.”