Zoe’s Semester in DC with SEGL
After completing a semester at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington, D.C., CHS junior Zoe J gave a presentation sharing her experiences and the profound impact the program had on her life.
Zoe’s daily metro commute felt like a journey into the heart of American governance and culture. Living next to the Supreme Court gave her a perspective that blended education with real-world experience, making her time in Washington, D.C., an unforgettable chapter in her life.
One pivotal moment for Zoe was her interaction with Linda McMahnon, where she honed her skills in engaging with those who hold differing viewpoints. This experience was instrumental in cultivating her ability to appreciate diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful civil discourse. She also met with international activist Carl Wilkens, who was the last American left in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. Zoe expressed how profound this meeting was for her, and how it encouraged her to look more into advocacy. She also has the opportunity to go to Rwanda this summer to study under Mr. Wilkens.
Zoe’s academic endeavors included a notable presentation at the State Department, which offered her invaluable feedback. She also tackled seven classes, three of which were Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enhancing her writing and analytical abilities. The primary source discussions reminded her of being in humanities classes here at CHS.
The program offered immersive experiences which deepened her understanding of global issues: field trips, Model United Nations (MUN) activities, simulations, (including one in which she acted as the US Secretary of Defence), and Odyssey Day, where she spent a whole day in DC by herself. She even slept in line on the street one night so she could witness a case at the Supreme Court for a real-world glimpse into judicial processes.
Zoe lived in a diverse cohort, and she was the only student from the South. She also found herself navigating a social setting where wealth was common among her peers. They were cell phone free for the whole semester, and their wifi time had limitations as well. But Zoe found that the restrictions fostered forming stronger interpersonal connections with her peers.
The program encouraged students to grapple with critical ethical questions, such as “Can you make a difference as one person?” and “What do we owe each other?” For Zoe, these questions prompted significant self-reflection. She learned the importance of staying true to her morals while remaining open to change and considering others’ perspectives.
Though she gained confidence during her semester, Zoe found re-adjusting to her previous environment challenging. Her published op-ed does stand as a testament to her newly found voice and self-assurance. During her presentation, Zoe repeatedly stressed realizing the value of civil discourse. She learned that maintaining an open mind and accepting diverse opinions are crucial, and that disagreements do not necessarily signify the end of the world.
We are happy that Zoe’s experience at SEGL was full of rigorous academics, personal growth, and ethical exploration that has left a lasting impact on her worldview and aspirations. But we did miss her, and are glad to have her back.
If you’d like to read the check-in she shared with us mid semester, please click here.
