Fourth of July Photo Contest 2019
Fourth of July can be one of the most magical day for our participants during the summer. The day is filled with joy, bringing the community together in celebration, it offers everyone a chance to reflect on America’s founding ideals, and if we’re doing those justice, and it ends on the best bang with fireworks galore. We asked our participants to share a photo of their Fourth of July, along with either their favorite memory from the summer or what makes them feel the most liberated. We are happy to announce that Breen Elliott is our winner! His photo captured the beauty and excitement of the day and his answer painted a picture of a perfect Fourth of July day, showcasing that sometimes the simple moments can be the most memorable, and we must enjoy each second!
My favorite memory so far has to be the 4th of July itself, but mainly because of the lead up. It had been my birthday 2 weeks beforehand and had thought I'd had the perfect night with my roommates,my girlfriend brought me home a cake from Zabars and we went to the Crocodile Lounge for pizza and beers, simple but perfect. Little did I know that two weeks later I'd be dragged all the way from Astoria on the Q train to Prospect Park. We walked in the hot sun, taking in all the Independence Day decor, strolling past strong smells of beef on barbeque and listening to the low hum of family and friends laughing and talking about the festivities. One of our roommates brought us along to one of the houses on the road and the door opens to one of my best friends welcoming us all in upstairs, I followed them blindly but everyone seemed to know that something was going on. We traveled up 6 flights of stairs and our friend, who was staying in the house, opened up a door and suddenly we were basking in New York evening sun and a small pizza party had been laid out with cans of 'Rita's and fries. I was so surprised and delighted to see everyone, and we sat and watched the sun go down. But the best was yet to come. As we waited for the official fireworks in the distance, we heard that shooting sound close by and we all stared up as beads of light burst onto the dark blue sky. Firework, after firework was lit and it was like we had our own private show above our heads. It was one of the most insane sights, the colors splashed across the sky and everyone was yelling and laughing. It was such a sincerely special moment, and my favorite memory so far since being here.
Breen Elliot / SWT / New York, NY
A spontaneous day trip to Coney Island with a couple of my group of friends. We struggled through what felt like a 10 hour subway ride but as soon as our feet touched the boiling hot sand it was so worth the journey. We sunbathed, swam, practised our handstands and finished the day off with a crazy rollercoaster ride and a quintessential dinner at the all American diner Applebees. Exhausted and elated we snoozed on the subway back to Astoria. All in all a brilliant day had.
Olivia Novaes / SWT / New York, NY
My favorite summer memory here in the US is when I spent my birthday and 4th of July in New York. I’ve seen how important the US independence day is to the Americans. Spending 4th of July in New York is a one of a kind experience because I’ve seen people from other states and countries come together and celebrate as one.
Francheska Claire De Guzman / APT / Orlando, FL
Right now my favorite memory of America is that when i went to red rocks in colorado which is a beautiful view. And i love the nature of America the mountains, the people, the view and all of it was really amazing! Thanks for this awesome opportunity that you give us. We’ll gonna treasure it forever! :)
Mark Emmil Barcena / SWT / Denver, CO
This picture was taken on 4th july, 2019 (the American Independence day). I travelled to the national park Wekiwa Springs with some of my friends at my work place. We decided to jump on the kayak and sail to explore the nature and the river which alligators and marine lives exist. It was so amazing and exiting at the same time because all of us needed to be observent around for the alligators swam near by. We took the ride on the river for 4 hours slept, ate, sang, and had a nice talk there on the kayak. It was a nice trip in of the month because I had a chance to Interchange the cultures, perspectives, and ideas with people from different places and backgrounds. Apart from the river, we also went to hike along the natural trails in the forest and finally found the place for camping which will be our next trip destination. Can't wait for it!!! I will keep these memories in my heart forever. Thx.
Hirunrat Somdoung / SWT / Myrtle Beach, SC
My favorite memory in America so far is the welcoming of the 4th of July at Civic Center. I was supposed to graduate this June 2019 and witness the most fulfilling fireworks from the Baccalaureate Mass I thought I could’ve seen, but this detour led me to experiencing the 4th of July fireworks in ways I never imagined. That night, I was reminded how a new opportunity opens up when an old door closes and so I have to keep the fire burning. ❤️
Kathrina Mae Lopez / SWT / Denver, CO
Seeing others here in USA that is not afraid to show their flaws (skin) without judgement because of liberation that set us free is making more beautiful and give us peace and I will adopt this culture.
Alecks Andrea Gella / APT / Park City, UT
I got to wear everything I want without thinking others will say. I feel to be young and free and enjoy life the way I want it. I really do enjoy 4th of July.
Michelle Joy Paz / APT / Orlando, FL
Photo was taken last June 30, 2019 the celebration of July 4th Independence Day in Baltimore Country Club here in Maryland. America themed tables and chairs was arranged by Food and Beverage Team. The culinary team prepared for 2,500 pax American Food like Fried Chicken, Burgers, Hotdogs, Corn, Mac and Cheese, Corn, the famous crabe cake of Maryland, and many more. Working in BCC is fun a lot of people, culture and of course recipe to know that i can share when I go back in my home country. This is the memory of my summer and July 4th in America. Many more to experience here in America in this one year internship. Thank you WWCE!
Keith Joaquin Enriquez / APT / Baltimore, MD
My favorite memory from my summer in America so far is the 4th July celebration in Baltimore Country Club. Yes, we worked that day but we were so free, took a bunch of pictures with the managers and co employee and got free ice cream. Saw a lot of Americans wearing what they like in a decent way to express their freedom. And the most highlight of the night was the fireworks display and the skydivers. It was really awesome! Truly God Bless America! 🇺🇸
Isabela Jane Partosa / APT / Baltimore, MD
Being able to be who I truly am without getting judged by other people. That is when I feel most liberated.
Krztyn Dupet / APT / Orlando, FL
“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave” 🇺🇸🇺🇸 It is beyond my wildest dream to experience one of the most influence nation and experience the endless opportunity. America is known as the land of opportunity, where one could achieve anything they put their mind to, no matter who they are. I myself already witnessed how these opportunities made me a better person. I’m from the other side of the world but I’ve got the chance to access to these kinds of opportunities, that I’ve never experience in my whole life. This is what known as "the American dream". One of the many reasons America is such a great country is the diversity you see all around. My American Dream is the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and successachieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. Travelling in the USA Would means the world to me I can’t express enough how grateful I am, this is just the first step for something bigger and better. This opportunity shows me that sky’s the limit and I will run and raise the flag of opportunities that I earned here in the United States of America and I’m Proud that I’ve got the chance to live my dream. Happy 4th of July America! And God Bless AMERICA!
Kim Tristan Ramoso / APT / Orlando, FL
Unfortunately i don't have favorite memory because all things that I have done or that I have seen I enjoined. Since our first trip to bowling to yesterday that I was at the movie theater. I love every single trip we have ever gone. I really liked Silver Dollar City. It was amazing 😀 and also to see the fireworks so close was one of the best thing in my life. But also I went the aquarium 🐟 I was excited because a saw a SHARK!!! Definitely it is being the best summer of my life 😉 I want to come back. Thanks for everything.
Rosmeri Vicioso / SWT / Springfield, MO