"Beyond Horizons" invites you into a vibrant town flourished between majestic mountains, where a gentle river flows and connection knows no bounds. This captivating scene incorporates the spirit of collaboration and transformation that unfolds when we travel beyond our horizons.

In this picturesque town, diverse perspectives converge like the confluence of rivers, creating a rich tapestry of understanding and cooperation. Once daunting barriers, the mountains now stand as sentinels of strength and resilience, a testament to the power of reaching beyond our limits.

In "Beyond Horizons", we encounter the dynamic energy of international education. Students, teachers, and community members from far-flung corners of the globe gather, share, and learn from one another. Borders dissolve, and the world converges in this thriving hub of knowledge and growth. As we explore this haven of mutual respect and curiosity, our minds expand, and our horizons broaden. The river of knowledge flows freely, nourishing the roots of understanding. Together, we cultivate a garden of global citizenship, where every individual can flourish and reach their full potential.

"Beyond Horizons" is more than a town – it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and international education. As we venture beyond our horizons, we discover a world where every voice is heard, every culture is cherished, and every mind can soar. As we gaze beyond the mountains, we realize that the horizon is not a limit, but an invitation to explore, to discover, and to connect. "Beyond Horizons" inspires us to embrace the beauty of diversity and the strength of our shared humanity.

The text is the translated transcript of 5-year-old Hind’s phone call with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. She remained on the phone with them as she waited for someone to rescue her as she hid in her uncle’s car from an Israeli tank, surrounded by her six dead relatives that were killed by the same tank. The phone call lasted three hours before an explosion was heard and the call was dropped. Hind and her six family members’ bodies were recovered nearly two weeks later. The vehicle she hid inside had over 300 bullet holes embedded in it. The Red Crescent ambulance that was meant to take Hind to safety was found a few feet away from their vehicle and the two paramedics inside were found in a similar condition; they were killed and the ambulance destroyed. Over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in the last year, 16,765 of those Palestinians being children. This, however, does not include the 10,000+ still missing or buried underneath the rubble within Gaza. The children that have survived are left traumatized, orphaned, and/or amputees. Indiscriminate bombing and the use of white phosphorus leaves no place for safety within Gaza’s borders. 90% of the schools in Gaza have either been completely decimated or received significant damage. There are no Universities left standing in Gaza. There can be no collaboration of international education beyond borders if there are no schools for scholars and children to attend. January 29th, 2025 will mark a year since she, her family, and the paramedics were killed. This painting is how I mourn. This painting is made with the pieces of my broken heart for the Palestinian people. This painting is how I take a stand. 

This still life is of a freshly made cup of hot chocolate, and it was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. All the components one needs to make such a delightful beverage are here: hot water from a kettle, raw sugar for sweetness, and of course cocoa from a cocoa pod, an ingredient which must be transformed to be consumed. Cocoa is one of the crops Belize is known for and there are many cocoa farms which harvest and process these humble pods into a near ubiquitous treat, commonly included in gifts and celebrations with others. I had the opportunity to learn more about Mayan culture and agricultural practices in Belize during a preliminary study abroad trip with my family, led by Professor Buck Buchanan, a Geographer here at Lone Star Cy-Fair, and the host IZE Belize. I got to collaborate with my family as we each tried our hand at grinding the fermented and dried beans on the grinding stone. The reward for which was not only the excitement and knowledge gained from a new experience, but the rich and toothy cocoa paste ready to be added to a cup of hot chocolate afterwards. This product, chocolate, was to me very commonplace, but I learned to see and appreciate the specialness and importance the rituals' practice of preparing a cup of hot chocolate in this way is. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to engage with other cultures through travel and I feel very strongly about the benefits of study abroad trips. Teachers are the driving force behind education and can provide life-changing opportunities to students who are interested in engaging with a world bigger than themselves. They can also provide the means to enjoy a life-changing cup of hot chocolate too.

“Interconnected”, a charcoal drawing of many hands holding, serves as a powerful symbol of international education, embodying unity, collaboration, and the diverse tapestry of global perspectives. Each hand represents a unique cultural background, skill set, and worldview, illustrating how education transcends borders and fosters mutual understanding. In an increasingly interconnected world, the act of holding hands signifies solidarity among nations, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a shared journey.

International education encourages the exchange of ideas, encouraging students to engage with peers from different backgrounds. This interaction cultivates empathy and global citizenship, essential traits for navigating the complexities of today’s society. Just as hands come together to support one another, international education nurtures partnerships between institutions, promoting collaborative research and cross-cultural dialogue.

Moreover, the image reflects the importance of inclusivity, reminding us that every voice matters in the educational landscape. Each hand, whether large or small, symbolizes the value of diverse contributions. In classrooms around the world, students learn not only from textbooks but also from each other’s experiences, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives enrich the learning experience.

Ultimately, my piece, although simple, represents the strength found in unity and cooperation. It serves as a reminder that through international education, we are not just acquiring knowledge; we are building bridges that connect us, paving the way for a more understanding, collaborative, and peaceful world. This symbolic image captures the essence of what it means to learn together, transcending barriers and celebrating our shared communities.

"Beyond Horizons" invites you into a vibrant town flourished between majestic mountains, where a gentle river flows and connection knows no bounds. This captivating scene incorporates the spirit of collaboration and transformation that unfolds when we travel beyond our horizons.

In this picturesque town, diverse perspectives converge like the confluence of rivers, creating a rich tapestry of understanding and cooperation. Once daunting barriers, the mountains now stand as sentinels of strength and resilience, a testament to the power of reaching beyond our limits.

In "Beyond Horizons", we encounter the dynamic energy of international education. Students, teachers, and community members from far-flung corners of the globe gather, share, and learn from one another. Borders dissolve, and the world converges in this thriving hub of knowledge and growth. As we explore this haven of mutual respect and curiosity, our minds expand, and our horizons broaden. The river of knowledge flows freely, nourishing the roots of understanding. Together, we cultivate a garden of global citizenship, where every individual can flourish and reach their full potential.

"Beyond Horizons" is more than a town – it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and international education. As we venture beyond our horizons, we discover a world where every voice is heard, every culture is cherished, and every mind can soar. As we gaze beyond the mountains, we realize that the horizon is not a limit, but an invitation to explore, to discover, and to connect. "Beyond Horizons" inspires us to embrace the beauty of diversity and the strength of our shared humanity.

In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the twelve zodiac animals and is seen as a guardian spirit. Known as the “King of Beasts,” the tiger is often depicted with a majestic posture, intense eyes, and powerful paws, symbolizing courage, strength, and authority. Artists frequently highlight the distinctive markings on the tiger’s forehead, which resemble the Chinese character “王” (wáng), meaning “king,” to reinforce its status. This combination of symbolism and detailed design makes the tiger a compelling subject for art, representing both spiritual and protective qualities.

Chinese art has a long history of incorporating animal motifs, each symbolizing unique attributes and qualities. Among these, the tiger is especially revered, embodying power, bravery, and protection. Traditional Chinese tiger motifs have evolved through centuries, appearing in various forms of visual art, from ancient cave paintings to decorative motifs on fabrics, pottery.

In creating a traditional tiger motif using acrylic paint, artists can utilize this versatile medium to capture both the intensity and fluidity of the animal. Acrylic paint’s fast-drying nature allows for rich layering and fine detailing, which is crucial when rendering the tiger’s intricate patterns, especially its fur texture and striking eyes. The color palette commonly includes earthy tones, such as shades of brown, orange, black, and white, capturing the tiger’s natural essence while allowing room for vivid, stylized interpretations. I add some gold accents, a traditional Chinese technique that adds a divine quality to the figure, enhancing the symbolism of wealth and prosperity.

The background of the painting often features elements with swirling fire may surround the tiger, adding a sense of divine power or magical energy that elevates its role from mere animal to guardian spirit. 

Depicting traditional Chinese tiger motifs through acrylic art allows for a dynamic interplay of history, symbolism, and creativity. The resulting artwork serves as a vibrant homage to the cultural significance of the tiger while allowing contemporary artists to explore and reinterpret this ancient symbol in powerful, visually striking ways.