By Kristin Coveney

Off the top of my head, GES allowed me to pursue my deepest interest in international affairs that the university’s academic offerings did not fully support. Separate from the bureaucratic and static course offerings, the Summit lets us run with our natural curiosity and I think therefore I learned more as a member of GES than as a student at Northwestern. This meant we learned about topics underrepresented at NU but also about processes and skills that traditional academia ignores. I was able to practice and refine my graphic design and communications skills learned in summer internships. That ability to continue my professional development between summers absolutely made me the (apparently!) strong applicant I was come graduation as well as the competent and confident employee I am today. (This, I think reflects how outdated the university system is in general.) Lastly, the strong community of students united by a common interest and intellectual drive (this is what distinguishes GES and the social justice community from all other student groups on campus) gave me friendships I’m certain will continue long into my life.