Justin Lai

Perhaps Justin would not yet realize the impact he would create when he founded the website TeenagePhotographer.com in 2011, which intended to provide a place to help aspiring teenage photographers to learn to photograph with passion. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Justin grew his site, secured a sponsorship with Adobe, and launched the Annual Teen Photo International Photography contest. Hundreds of submissions from 16 different countries were judged by editors of PopPhoto and TIME Lightbox. Justin donated all proceeds to the Josephine Herricks Project, a charity that rehabilitates those in need through photography. While he has contributed over 500 volunteer hours as a CAMP counselor for special needs children and has an excellent academic record, he knows his path in life will involve using his skills in media and innovation, along with a major in Symbolic Systems, to effect creative solutions for modern day issues. Justin hails from Austin, TX and plans to attend Stanford University in the fall.