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| Jonathan Michael |
By Jonathan Michael, Class of 2013
As we start this new school year, I have to take a moment to admit that not only does it feel strange to be a senior but it is bittersweet after realizing I will soon leave the university and the McConnell Center. Nonetheless, there are many exciting things to look forward to this year; with guests such as CIA Director David Patraeus and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, this is bound to be one heck of a semester. But, as usual, it is not just about the special guests that come to the Center, my experience as a McConnell Scholar is about the seminars and lectures that I will be able to participate in. Covering a range of topics, including different historical events, laws, rights, books, theorems, etc., I look forward to discussions of F.A. Hayek’s Road to Serfdom, 1948, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter. Additionally, one my fellow classmates, Adam Dahmer, will be giving a lecture on Celtic history, which should definitely be an interesting afternoon.
While the semester continues to fly by, the little things will start becoming more important. Little events such as going to the Weber Lounge to print off papers, and visiting the staff just to say, “Hello,” will become more meaningful as we go along. These things are nothing to get sentimental about, but rather a way to realize how blessed Scholars are to be in this program. I will continue to bring up our trip to China because it was truly a life-changing experience. Even though it has passed and now the next class is starting to prepare for their turn, the trip proves to be a pivotal event in the life of a Scholar. Dr. Hua is an essential part of the Center and even though we only interact and learn from him in such a short period of time in our four years, he definitely has left a lasting impression and insights to the country across the Pacific that many of our top leaders could use today.
With the addition of the new freshman class and the return of the rest of the Scholars, this year should prove to be one of the most exciting years yet at the McConnell Center.
Jonathan Michael, from Louisville, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He is studying psychology and political science.