I was walking to class one day when I came across a poster that had Capitol Hill on the background. I walked past it then after a second, took a few steps back and read what was on it. I got really interested and went online after class to read about PLEN. Little did I know how much this seminar would educate, motivate and inspire me as a rising senior majoring in International Studies. The seminar was held immediately after finals week in my school but I was beyond excited and a little bit nervous about what to expect but by the end, I was more excited about the future and what it holds; the seminar really did exceed my expectations.
We learned so much in a short time and regardless of how tired I was by the end of the day, I would look forward to the conversations I would have with my fellow attendees. Sharing our thoughts on the panels and what we learned and just getting to know each other was a highlight for me. I also learned the value of networking and being very intentional about it. This was emphasized by most. If not all, of the panelists and I believe it is one of my biggest takeaways of the seminar. I am really glad I took those few steps back and read that poster because I learned a great deal and left the seminar more confident and motivated to work harder and achieve greater things.
Rita Ntagozera attended the 2015 Women in Global Policy seminar as a junior at Haverford College. She received a scholarship sponsored by PLEN Board of Directors member Lisa Kaenzig to attend the seminar.