By Sojung Park

1. How long have you been part of GES and what was your favorite part about the experience?

I joined GES (it was IYVS at the time) when I was a sophomore (2006-2007). At the time I knew very little about international development, so GES became my teacher–the people, the experiences, the summit, and the opportunities. My favorite part was that everyone and everything shaped one another, pushing and pulling until something smarter, more responsible, and more beautiful emerged. Iron sharpened iron, and I found that by the end I was a person with a more clearly formed worldview and with a community of people around the world who were passionately committed to pursuing responsible thinking.

2. What do you wish you had known when you first became part of GES?

I wish I would have known the post-college options in the field, so that I could have more specifically catered my undergraduate experiences to fit these careers.

3. What is the most important lesson you learned from the experience?

I learned that everyone can become powerful and meaningful contributors. There are no boundaries and limits to the contribution that individuals can make as long as there are structures and resources to help incubate and grow both the individual and their ideas. I learned that when people really commit to an idea, if it is a summit that brings young innovators together or a new way to teach public health, real waves and real lessons emerge. And I learned that responsible idealism can be practical, and beyond that is necessary.

4. How do you think your involvement in GES impacted your career/career decisions?

GES transformed the way I thought about careers. Not that I had a clear vision as a freshman in college, but GES introduced me to people and fields I previously thought did not exist. GES “converted” me, if you will, and I now have made career decisions that hopefully lead me down a path that will allow me to make meaningful contributions to development and justice. Further, the people I met at GES have led me to my current jobs and have encouraged me to make the decisions I have.

5. Any other stories you would like to share with the GES community?

There are just so many that come to mind! I remember the day after GES sitting with one of my roommates (also a GESer) and discussing how we wished that all the communities we were part of could be like GES. That those fascinating conversations, the solidarity of common interests, the close friendships that emerge after only a day of knowing one another, the easy laughter, and the bottom line coolness of everyone, could be part of what we experienced everyday. But these post GES blues have motivated me to help grow the other communities I am part of and GES has given me a platform and example to launch from.