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As I Reflect Upon My Freshman Year

Taryn Cantrell
By Taryn Cantrell, Class of 2016

At the close of my freshman year, I look back at the experiences I had over the past year and am so thankful for the amazing opportunities I have been given.  Most of these extraordinary opportunities were presented to me by the McConnell Center.  The most memorable experience of this past semester was meeting Senator Marco Rubio.  Not only was he extremely well spoken and personable, but his passion also radiated through each word he spoke. Senator Rubio is a remarkable politician, and I foresee him advancing his career by running for great positions of power.  Even though the McConnell Scholars identify with different political parties, Senator Rubio presented each of us with great lessons that we could apply to our lives.  Senator Rubio was such an inspiration, and I can only imagine the remarkable leaders I will have opportunity to meet in the future through the McConnell Center.  It's truly something I look forward to!

Taryn Cantrell, of Pikeville, Ky., is a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.  She is studying environmental engineering and political science.