A year ago at this time, my mom was ragging on me about filling out the application for the McConnell Scholar Program by the January 15th deadline. If you were to tell me then that by the end of my first semester of college I would have introduced myself to Speaker of the House John Boehner, discussed Tocqueville with a New York professor in Williamsburg, or listened to Senator McConnell praise the progress of South Korea over dinner, I never would have believed you.
In my first few months within the McConnell Scholars Program, I have learned much more than I ever expected to about politics, history, and literature. Just as much as the readings and lectures, though, the simple conversations I have had this semester opened me up to so many new ideas. The people within the program are some of brightest and most idiosyncratic people I have encountered, and I am constantly amazed by the things I learn from them.
I’ve heard that one of the greatest parts of the college experience is the conversations you have with the people you meet. Though it has only been a few months, the profound, eye-opening discussions with those within the program prove the truth of this statement.
Whether I’m chatting with a fellow scholar, discussing my academic goals with Dr. Gregg over lunch, or listening to Rick Pitino’s words of wisdom about staying focused, I am inspired anew by each conversation that I have.
And the best part is that I know there are so many more to come.