Special Experiences
I've been lucky enough to attend some truly special conferences and programs that have shaped my thinking and experiences. Scroll through and learn about these programs and what they meant to me. Plus, take a look at some photos from the experiences.
I am always looking for new ways to get more experience outside of the classroom or the workplace. Do you have one you think I might be interested in? Contact me.
American enterprise institute
The American Enterprise Institute, a Washington DC think tank, plays a major role in my academic life. While I have philosophical or political disagreements with the views of some of their scholars, it is that same quality that makes it such a great organization. They promote diverse views and hold no institutional positions. Their scholars are free to opine on political issues as they see fit, not as the institution does.
The AEI Summer Honors Program is a selective program for university students engaged in politics, law, and policy. Each summer, they host 16 different seminars taught by leading researchers, thinkers, and scholars. I attended a June 2021 seminar in Constitutional Law, taught by John Yoo, a former Department of Justice official. The debates in the course's discussions were incredible, and it was an incredible experience to be able to discuss issues of national importance with such a dedicated group of students interested in law and politics.
I later joined the American Enterprise Institute's Executive Council program at Indiana University. We host events on campus with nationally recognized AEI scholars, professors, and commentators. At those events, we promote lively debate, going out of our way to encourage those who disagree to attend. Additionally, we serve as the main recruiting force at Indiana University for AEI's national academic programs, such as internships and research programs.
Northern Virginia, June 2021 (SUMMER HONORS PROGRAM)
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, 2021 - PRESENT (EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PROGRAM)
At the AEI headquarters in Washington DC for a politics conference
Al NEUHARTH FREE SPIrIT AND JOURNALISM CONFERENCE
WASHINGTON DC AREA, June 2019
The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an annually held, prestigious, and selective program for budding journalists entering their final year of upper school. Only 51 students across the country are selected (one per state + Washington DC).
As part of the program, I met with other student journalists, attended lectures with top-tier professional journalists, argued a moot court case in front of a federal judge (pictured left), and met NBC Political Commentator Chuck Todd (I would go on to be featured on his show just one year later.).
