This past weekend I was able to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While there, I was able to connect with Tillman Military Scholars Amanda Thomson, Elizabeth O’Herrin and Cameron Waites, and attend with fellow Tillman Scholar-ASU Tyler Eltringham.

TS-ASU Tyler Eltringham, TMS Amanda Thomson, TS-ASU Priya Nathan and TMS Cameron Waites arrive at GWU for CGI U.

The experience was beyond amazing and the Tillman Scholar presence was strong as it has been at the past four conferences. Over 1,000 students from all 50 states, 82 countries and more than 300 universities were in attendance this past weekend.

During the Saturday sessions, I attended a panel on Education Reform, which helped inform the direction I am heading next with a position in Teach for America. Other sessions followed the topics of climate change, poverty and global health. I also attended one of the offered skills session, this one on how to raise money for an idea/project.

Tillman Scholars-ASU Priya Nathan and Tyler Eltringham on campus at George Washington University.

CGIU is a great way for an individual who has an idea to turn that idea into action. All of the panels (featuring individuals such as Usher, Kristen Bell, Jon Stewart and Madeline Albright) were informative and helped to drive home the importance of any idea to change a community, no matter how big or how small. Plus, as attendees, we got to interact with President Clinton and learn about what he is doing to change the world after his service as our President.

TS-ASU Priya Nathan (left) serves alongside President Clinton at the CGI U Day of Service.

Not only did we attend the conference sessions, we snuck in some time for Georgetown Cupcakes and some sightseeing in our nation’s Capitol City. And participated in the CGI U Day of Service, where we had the opportunity to serve in D.C.’s Ward 7 alongside President Clinton, current NFL WRs and Rhodes Scholar and Army veteran Wes Moore.

Donté Stallworth (New England Patriots WR), Anthony Armstrong (Washington Redskins WR), TMS Elizabeth O'Herrin, Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens WR) and TS-ASU Priya Nathan at the CGI U Day of Service.

This weekend was an amazing trip with memorable experiences (I got to shake President Clinton’s hand and discuss his vegan diet!) and opportunities to connect with fellow Scholars around the country!

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