On The Frontier - Frank Church 2013 Part 3

There is a familiar line that can be pulled from a famous author that states the following, "parting is such sweet sorrow....." This is the emotion that described the council members during the third and final day of the Frank Church Symposium. It's a strange feeling to have: on one hand, you become so excited that you'll finally have the chance to sleep past six a.m. and get some semblance of a life back, but on the other hand, you are bidding farewell to an amazing group of people who really have changed your life and helped you to see the bigger picture. Even though I've been involved with the council for the past four years, I really do think that this symposium was my most favorite - and by this symposium, I mean the delegate group and most of the members of the council who made everything possible - I love you all to pieces :)

As usual, we began our day with breakfast at the Red Lion Hotel. By this point, we had all become quite close and enjoyed some very great conversations. Meghan brought spud nuts for the delegates to enjoy (only those of you living in Idaho will understand what this means) and they seemed to really enjoy them. I also had the opportunity to speak with Chandra about potential opportunities for applying to graduate schools.

After breakfast, we headed to the university for the final day of the symposium. The day began with the 2013 Richard Foster Memorial Lecture, presented by Dr. Chima Korieh of Marquette University. Dr. Korieh spoke in his presentation about the developing influence of the Islamic world and how western perceptions of the eastern world are what cause the divide between nations and the potential for conflict. Dr. Korieh also spoke about the need to continue understanding that, since over 40% of the Muslim population can trace its origins back to Africa, this is where the United States should be focusing its military policies and practices.

We then began the final panel discussion: The Future of the Changing World. Our panelists spoke on a wide variety of topics, ranging from the future impacts of nuclear weapons, drones, and cyber warfare to the continued implementation of healthcare and policies aimed at providing affordable medical coverage. Dr. Higley wrapped up the symposium by stating that there was one major concept that came to mind: the idea that social change comes about as a result of a want by the people to see a change in their community. I found this to be completely true and her words will resonate with me for such a long time.

Zandra then concluded the symposium and we all headed to our favorite Friday lunch restaurant: the Portneuf Valley Brewery. Not only does the place serve amazing beer, it also has fantastic pizza, sandwiches, and sasparilla. An amazing discussion was followed by tearful goodbyes and hugs as we sent the delegates on their way back to the hotel.

The memories of this symposium will resonate in my heart forever. Below is a picture of me, Meghan, Kristina, and Donna (it's one of my favorite pictures of all time):

This second picture of me, Meghan, and Donna is another of my favorites. I'm so very grateful to have a wonderful professor such as her and to have a professor that continues to inspire her students each and every day!

Writing the last words of this blog is proving to be a bit difficult. I don't know if that can be attributed to the fact that this was my final symposium and I'm now having to say goodbye, or the fact that we had such an amazing group of delegates this year that I don't want to let go of the memories. Regardless of which it actually is, I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with these individuals who continue to inspire and motivate me each and every day. Some day soon I'll join them in the realm of the Ph.D'ers!!!