- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVIII, No. XXII - December 1, 2005 -
Two students return from West Point with inspiration
The Record
Rising at 5:30 a.m. each morning, senior Anne Bowman and junior Cody Fischer prepared for a day at West Point Academy this past month.
Bowman and Fischer were selected by the Public Policy Learning Community on campus to visit West Point for the 57th Student Conference on U.S. Affairs.
"SCUSA brings together 200 college delegates from around the world to discuss U.S. foreign policy," Fischer said. "This year's theme was ‘U.S. Responsibility and The Global Community: Interests, Opportunities and Ethics.'"
At the conference the students broke into groups to discuss certain issues.
"Each roundtable was facilitated by prominent government and private sector experts within their topic area," Fischer said.
Bowman, who studied abroad in Japan this past year, was able to discuss U.S. foreign policy with Japan in her discussion group.
"After studying abroad ... Japanese politics really interested me," Bowman said. "I went in with a specific viewpoint. It was interesting to hear and consider other people's ideas too."
Both students found the experience to be awarding.
"It was fun being with peers. And an opportunity for intellectual growth," Fischer said.
Bowman enjoyed the opportunity of living among cadets.
"It was a culture shock," she said.
"It was a chance for growth because I was really challenged," Fischer said.
"Here, I always complain about having to stay up late," Bowman said. "I walked away from West Point thinking maybe I don't have it so bad. The students there were so inspirational."
Twenty student delegates from schools all over the world were represented at the conference.