Letter from 2007 Global Scholar AJ Reitter

September 11, 2007

            This summer, I was fortunate to attend a well organized and intellectually stimulating camp known as Global Scholar. The camp was put together through the wonderful organization known as Americans For Informed Democracy. The president of AID was also the director of our camp, Seth Green. This incredible leader, with help from other counselors and interns, established an intellectually challenging and yet somewhat relaxed environment for our camp to take place in. Set on the beautiful campus of Washington and Lee University in Virginia, we enjoyed many activities ranging from lectures and discussions, to fun games of ultimate Frisbee and even a belly dancing class.

            Each morning began with an outstanding breakfast courtesy of the talented cooks at Washington and Lee University. Following this, our morning meeting was held. Here, we discussed current political issues and topics crucial to our quickly globalizing and interdependent economic world. After the meeting, we would hear stimulating and intriguing lectures from incredible individuals ranging from current professors to former U.N. Ambassadors. Immediately following the lecture, we would break up into small discussion groups. Our groups were very diverse, as was everyone attending the camp. In these groups, we would discuss our thoughts about the lecture and the issue that the lecturer addressed. Most of the lecturers would even pick a discussion group to observe and participate in following his/her lecture. Lunch followed with food representing many cultures. After lunch the students had an hour of free time. Ensuingly, our college or leadership workshops would be held. The individual workshop depended on which track you had chosen prior to the start of camp; the college readiness track or the leadership and development track. Following the workshop would be another lecture and again, a discussion group afterwards. Thereafter was dinner, and then the night was essentially free for us. There were optional classes or activities in the evening such as sporting events, firework shows, ghost tours, and dancing classes. We were also free at this point to sign out and go into the surrounding town of Lexington, Virginia. There we could enjoy fresh homemade ice cream, see a movie, or go shopping. Every night we had required reading which we were not tested on the following day, but helped us to better understand the topics which we learned about and discussed.

            There was one day of the camp where we traveled to nearby Washington, D.C. to hear some great lectures. While we were there we participated in a competition we called “Campaign Idol”, where we formed groups and created our own global campaigns. The campaigns were judged by members of the Atlantic Council.

            This was an outstanding and stimulating program for anyone interested in history, politics, or any type of international relations/diplomacy. I personally had an outstanding time at the two week camp and made some great friends while I learned about global issues. I heard many points of view which I had not considered previously and met people from all over the country, and the world.

            I’d like to thank the Mid-Hudson World Affairs Council for their generous $750 scholarship. I was also fortunate enough to be awarded a $500 scholarship from the Global Scholar Program itself. These scholarships provided me the opportunity to attend the program at a minimal cost to myself and my family. Anyone who is interested in the topics I mentioned above or is interested in possibly attending the camp should visit www.globalscholar.org for more information. 

AJ Reitter