A Blog on McConnell Center Life

During the Fall 2009 semester, McConnell Scholar Trey Pippin studied abroad in England. Thanks to the McConnell Center's generous special grant, he was able to make the most of the great opportunity. The McConnell Center has allowed many students to have the opportunity to study abroad since it was created in 1991. Below is a post from his personal blog. This weekend, I found myself in London. Home of Big Ben, Jack the Ripper, Her Majesty the Queen, and the London Bridge (among MANY other things). It is a town of so much history and my trip was only a quick glimpse into those pieces of time. We rolled out from Harlaxton College bright and early on Friday morning. The bus ride to London is absolutely despicable and couldn't have been more miserable! Coach busses ride rough and they have such tiny leg room, they aren't much fun. We arrived in London after we had a pit stop at a place with a Burger King- FINALLY AMERICAN FAST FOOD!!! The excitement for the "home cookin...

As my sophomore year in college has recently ended, I begin to reflect on the past school year and look forward to the next one that is approaching. My second year has definitely been a change from my first; without a doubt this past spring semester has been the hardest one yet. In the fall I decided to pledge a sorority, hold an SGA executive staff position, serve on multiple boards, become active among the Greek Community, attend different events on campus, all the while trying to stay committed to both of my scholarship programs and keeping my academics up. I then made the ‘wise’ decision to take 22 credit hours in the spring on top of everything else. However, it wasn’t all a disastrous year because by the grace of God I made it through the year successfully maintaining a GPA high enough to continue with both of my scholarships. In a way I am thankful for having a pretty difficult year because I have learned tremendously about my convictions and myself. It also has made ...

I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of individuals. We have grown as friends, classmates and leaders. I believe the most encouraging aspect of the McConnell Center is that we are surrounded by people who challenge us to grow. We learn about leadership in the classroom and in books, in seminars and in lectures, but none of this means anything if it isn't applied in the "real world." The McConnell Center provides scholars with the opportunity to practice many different aspects of leadership. One of the most exciting ways is through a new program that will begin next year. Scholars will be encouraged to host local leaders in the Center and organize the event themselves. We will be responsible for developing an idea, contacting the necessary people, making the proper arrangements and publicizing the event; every aspect of planning the event will fall squarely on the scholars. I hope it will provide each of us a glimpse of the realities of the world after colleg...

In March, the McConnell Scholars read Ray Bradbury’s work Fahrenheit 451 . Bradbury established a world which emphasized happiness and entertainment while dulling the spirit and intellect of its people. Most people understand Fahrenheit 451 as an anticensorship novel, but a more precise analysis of the work reveals the idea of censorship as a voluntary act. The society developed by Bradbury favored security and stability over intellectual growth. The search for happiness and pleasure stunts the morality and sense of community within this culture. Subconscious dissatisfaction swells within the individuals this society, and the rate of drug abuse suicide climbs. The protagonist, Guy Montag, spent his life working as a fireman who burned books. The culture of Fahrenheit 451 socialized Montag to view books as evil objects. Books offend minorities and encourage people to access their lives, but the negative emotions a book may inspire run counter to the goal of happiness within th...

The McConnell Scholars analyzed Plato’s The Apology on April 12th, 2010. The Apology embodies Plato’s recollection of the trial of Socrates. Of all the works of Plato, The Apology provides the most evidence of historical accuracy. The trial of Socrates began with a reading of the charges. The court accused Socrates of impiety, corrupting the youth, and using rhetoric to strengthen weak arguments. Socrates refuted these charges by explaining that he utilized philosophy to serve the Gods. The Oracle at Delphi proclaimed Socrates was the wisest man in all of Greece, but Socrates doubted this prophecy. To test the truth of this prophecy, Socrates sought out the great men of his country. He discovered that politicians know nothing, poets know only their divine gifts, and mechanics attempt to apply expert knowledge in one field to all fields. Socrates testified before the court that his wisdom results from the fact that he knows he knows nothing. If Socrates ceased practicing phil...

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of India, visited the McConnell Scholars and the University of Louisville on April 12th, 2010. Dr. Kalam served as the president of the world’s largest democracy from 2002 to 2007. He stands as one of India’s most beloved and renowned figures. Kalam spent the majority of his professional career as aeronautical engineer developing the space and missile programs of his country. His nickname as the “Missile Man of India” exemplifies his advocacy for the development of a strong nuclear weapons program to aid India in its growth as a world power. As a politician, Kalam reached the highest office of his nation by supporting expanded access to education and information technologies. He is known as a leader with compassion for the voiceless. In 1997, Dr. Kalam received the Jewel of India, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The “People’s President” of India met the McConnell Scholars for a luncheon in Grawemeyer Hall. The former president d...

As an upcoming Senior, my class trip to China is coming up very quickly - in exactly two weeks, we'll be on a plane to Beijing.  I'm sure I speak for most of my class in saying that I am both excited and nervous at the same time.  Dr. Hua has prepared us very well for our trip, but a lot of questions still remain. I am reminded during this lame duck period between finals time and flight time of my past experiences traveling.  After last semester's trip to Greece, I have learned a thing or two about travel.  A few of these things were logical enough - pack more socks than you need, hold onto your passport like your life depends on it (to some degree it might!), get all of your immunizations of time - but a few require a slightly longer look to see clearly. One of those important, subtle lessons that I feel is worth sharing is this - don't let your expectations of travel define your trip.  Going to Athens in August of last year, it would have been easy to see ...

Over the past semester, there have been many exciting things going on around the Center. As usual, we hosted some wonderful individuals that made us all think, question, and change. While I enjoyed speaking with all our guests, there were two in particular that stand out. Our visit with Secretary Clinton was an amazing experience that I will always remember, and our seminar on Ayn Rand's Anthem with Dr. Gohman provided an interesting discussion. Even though theses events were on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, political policy and dystopian worlds, although I'm sure Dr. Gregg can find a way to make them relate, both significantly added to my educational experience. Secretary Clinton's visit, while abrupt, was one that I greatly appreciated. Hilliary Clinton is someone that I have looked up to for most of my life. She is an amazing role model who has accomplished so much in her life. On a more educationally valuable note, I was please that she decided to d...