My Summer of 2026
This summer, I experienced two completely different worlds: the untouched wilderness of northern Minnesota and Canada, and the bustling political heart of our nation’s capital. From canoeing through remote waterways to walking the halls of Congress, Summer 2026 was an unforgettable journey.
My summer began with a 1,000-mile drive from Murray, Kentucky, to the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. Although the 16-hour drive was long, I had the opportunity to stop in Chicago and explore the city for the first time with one of my best friends. Eventually, we made our way north, leaving behind the busy streets and familiar comforts of civilization for the wilderness.
For two weeks, I spent my days canoeing and hiking more than 150 miles, clearing trails in service to the U.S. Forest Service, wading through Canadian waterfalls, and immersing myself in nature. There were no engines or motors allowed, very little contact with other groups, no bathrooms or showers, and certainly no shortage of mosquitoes. Life was stripped down to the essentials: paddling, hiking, setting up camp, and enjoying the quiet moments in between.
For much of the trek, I found myself alone with my thoughts. I journaled, reflected on my first year of college, and considered how much I had grown. Those quiet moments strengthened my appreciation for the McConnell Center and the opportunities it has provided me. After two weeks in the wilderness, I began the 1,000-mile drive back to Murray. Along the way, I stopped in St. Paul to visit the Minnesota State Capitol, explored Minneapolis, and made a trip to the Mall of America. Going from the solitude of the wilderness to riding a SpongeBob-themed roller coaster was certainly a unique experience.
But my time in Murray was brief. After only one day, I packed up again and made another 800-mile drive to Washington, D.C., for my summer internship with the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Working in the nation’s capital gave me a firsthand look at congressional oversight and the institutions that shape our country.
Yet, even amid the monuments and halls of government, my thoughts often returned to the wilderness. I remembered watching the weather change across the landscape, with sunlight illuminating the water on one side of my canoe while rain fell from a lone cloud on the other.
In Washington, I witnessed the nation celebrate its 250th anniversary with the largest fireworks display in human history. The celebration was impressive, but it reminded me of nights in the wilderness, lying beneath a sky untouched by light pollution, where the stars seemed to shine endlessly overhead.
Experiencing these places so close together gave me a deeper appreciation for both. Washington showcased human achievement through its architecture, institutions, and the enduring experiment of American self-government. The wilderness revealed the beauty of God’s creation, largely untouched by human development.
My summer came full circle with another 800-mile drive back to Kentucky for the McConnell Scholars retreat, one of my favorite times of the year. Reuniting with people who have become like family gave me the opportunity to catch up with friends and trade stories about our summers.
Looking back, Summer 2026 challenged me physically, deepened my appreciation for public service, and reminded me to appreciate the world beyond my everyday responsibilities. From the quiet waters of Canada to the halls of Congress, each experience offered a different perspective that I will carry into the year ahead.
Ezra Foote is a sophomore McConnell Scholar in the class of 2029. He is studying political science.
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