American Universities International Programs Ltd.

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Contact: BrocheAroe Fabian Marketing & Communications Coordinator AUIP marketing@auip.com Tel (US): +1.706.621.7843 Tel (New Zealand): +64.3.377.4644

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2016 AUIP Photo Contest Winners: “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes”

Christchurch, New Zealand – American Universities International Programs, Ltd. (AUIP) announces its 2016 Photo Contest “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes” winners. This year’s theme, “walk a mile in another’s shoes,” refers to trying to understand another’s perspective prior to passing judgment, and is derived from an 1895 poem written by Mary T. Lathrap titled Judge Softly:

Just walk a mile in his moccasins before you abuse, criticize and accuse. If just for one hour, you could find a way to see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.

(full text below)

A survivor of the American Civil War, Lathrap openly sympathized with people not of her race or socio-economic standing. Taking her example as inspiration, AUIP encouraged study abroad program alumni to submit photos using the hashtag #AUIPWalkAMile in these two categories:

1. In Another’s Shoes (people) 2. Walk a Mile (places)

The photo contest was open to all AUIP program alumni as well as AUIP university faculty and staff who had attended AUIP programs. Photo submissions were the entrant’s original work and must have been taken abroad during an AUIP program in Antarctica, Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand. Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, along with a People’s Choice prize in each category.

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: marketing@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

First Place Prize: $250 Travel Voucher sponsored by STA Travel, Dolphin Encounter, and Stonestreet Coaches Winners:

In Another’s Shoes: “Abel Tasman hike” by Morgan Mulé, traveling on the New Zealand: Sustaining Humans and their Environment program in Summer 2016, from the University of Florida

Walk A Mile: "For The Love of Penguins" by Amanda Bluhm, traveling on the Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Ecosystem program in 2015, from Clemson University

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: marketing@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

Second Place Prize: GoPro Hero Session Camera sponsored by Lady Elliot Island and Pinewood Lodge Winners:

In Another’s Shoes: “Remarkable Friends in Remarkable Places” by Brandon Swanzer, traveling on the New Zealand Sustainability program in 2015, from The Ohio State University

Walk A Mile: "Otago Peninsula” by Michala Garrison, via an Instagram submission from @heymickie_, traveling on the New Zealand Sustainability program in 2015, from Frostburg State University

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: marketing@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

Third Place Prize: PRYNT Phone Case sponsored by Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments and DownUnder FarmStays Winners:

In Another’s Shoes: “Singing with the Ducklings” by Kelly McCone, traveling on the New Zealand Sustainability program in 2015, from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Walk A Mile: "Would rather be walking a mile across this bridge in the most beautiful place in the world (Mount Aspiring National Park)” by Sarah Coleman, traveling on the New Zealand: Sustaining Humans and their Environment program in 2015-2016, from the University of Florida

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: marketing@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

People’s Choice Award Prize: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass sponsored by Hospitality Plus NZ Winners:

In Another’s Shoes: “Sisters in the Antarctic” by Madeline Houser, traveling on the Antarctica Sustainability program in 2015, from The Ohio State University

Walk A Mile: "Sunrise at Cape Tribulation” by Mariah De Los Santos, traveling on the Baylor in Australia program in 2016, from Baylor University

About AUIP: For over 40 years, AUIP has been providing programs that combine rigorous academic study with opportunities for experiential learning outside of the classroom. By combining study at prestigious universities around the world with field and community based activities, AUIP offers students unique ways to explore the culture and natural environments of the country they are visiting. AUIP offers an ideal combination of outstanding academic quality, true cultural immersion, extensive extracurricular and leisure activities and the social opportunities of a university environment.

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: marketing@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

Thank you to all of the sponsors for the AUIP 2016 Photo Contest!

The original title of the poem was Judge Softly, later titled Walk a Mile in His Moccasins. Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps, or stumbles along the road. Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears, or stumbled beneath the same load. There may be tears in his soles that hurt though hidden away from view. The burden he bears placed on your back may cause you to stumble and fall, too. Don't sneer at the man who is down today unless you have felt the same blow that caused his fall or felt the shame that only the fallen know. You may be strong, but still the blows that were his, unknown to you in the same way, may cause you to stagger and fall, too. Don't be too harsh with the man that sins. or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain. Unless you are sure you have no sins of your own, and it's only wisdom and love that your heart contains. For you know if the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you, as it did to him when he went astray, it might cause you to falter, too. Just walk a mile in his moccasins before you abuse, criticize and accuse. If just for one hour, you could find a way to see through his eyes, instead of your own muse. I believe you'd be surprised to see that you've been blind and narrow minded, even unkind. There are people on reservations and in the ghettos who have so little hope, and too much worry on their minds. Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I. Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions and see the world through his spirit and eyes before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions. Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins and remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders. We will be known forever by the tracks we leave in other people's lives, our kindnesses and generosity. Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.