The following blog post was written by students Haylee Fletcher, Traci Johnson, Tshering Yudon, and Brad Cameron about their experience at CGIU.
While sitting in an auditorium surrounded by 1500 people coming together to make the world a better place, we were so inspired and called to action March 21-23, 2014, at the Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Here is what we felt was most compelling about the CGI U Meeting:
Haylee Fletcher (Prescott Valley, Ariz.) – One of the most moving experiences at CGI U was seeing former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords defying the odds and walking unassisted on stage, waving and welcoming the crowd of commitment makers, pro athletes, refugees, and veterans on our Day of Action. Her dedication to success was inspiring, coupled with being surrounded by fellow commitment makers from around the world. This experience has only strengthened my devotion to TogetherNet. As commitment makers, we will encounter struggles and challenges as we work to make the world a better place. Because of CGI U, we now have the strength and inspirations from our fellow commitment makers, incredible panelists, and the Clinton Foundation to encourage, support, and motivate us through our challenges and successes.
Traci Johnson (Beech Grove, Ind.) – Looking back at the CGI U experience, the most memorable moment was when we shared TogetherNet with fellow commitment makers and received such empowering support and feedback. I met students doing projects so similar that I became reinvigorated to not only continue with the goals of TogetherNet, but also make it a stronger project through partnerships. I will never forget the drive, passion, and strength of the attendees. I cannot wait to further develop these relationships into long-lasting collaboration.
Tshering Yudon (Thimphu, Bhutan) – It was the second day of continuous mingling, conversing, and being swept by a feeling of awe and exhaustion all at once. I had endless thoughts running through my head as I entered the room to attend the session on fundraising. Although I was eager to talk about my project Shingira, a children’s book that uses a community-based learning approach, I was more excited to learn about other projects. I realized that I had the potential to partner and be a resource to many of the commitment makers. One of themes at CGI U was the importance of measuring impact, and I noticed how many of the students were not familiar with evaluation skills and tools. As I handed out my business card to a gentleman from Nepal, I wrote down program evaluation by my name so that I could send him some resources and possibly partner with him.
Brad Cameron (Conway, Ark.) – My commitment is to improve computer science education, which was categorized as a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education commitment. My STEM mentor is a software engineer developing computer science education programs for students in California. He is incredibly knowledgeable about what I want to do and has committed to assisting and pushing me and the other 60 STEM commitment makers toward accomplishing our visions of change in education. Thanks to CGI U, I am able to learn from and share with my mentor and the network of fellow STEM commitment makers. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that students are prepared for careers that drive innovation forward.
We would like to express our gratitude for all the support the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service has provided us to transform our ideas into real-world action. Like the commitment makers, phenomenal speakers, and the Clinton Family at CGI U, we have 100 passionate people dedicated to public service who have come together at the Clinton School to develop the skills and knowledge to affect positive social change.