Georgia International Leadership Conference 1/23/2009 to 1/25/2009 at Rock Eagle 4H Center, Eatonton, GA

The GILC, which is designed for International Students and U.S. Students who have studied abroad who are currently enrolled at Georgia colleges, universities & technical schools, was a wonderful success this year! Each year, Emory University, through the respective ISSP and CIPA offices, funds up to 8 students to attend this conference.

From Emory, we (ISSP and CIPA)  were fortunate to have as participants this year: Lakshmi Chandrashekar, Tracy Xiaohan Wang, Roseanna Yi Chi Chao, Dan Voravut Tangpisuthipongsa, Anneka Reid,and last but certainly not least,  Ines Mitrojorgi.

With a kick-off keynote speaker, Judge James W. Oxendine, Senior Judge for Gwinnett Superior Court  addressing the issue of  “ “Recognize the Past and Realize the Future…”,  we were off to an inspiring and emotional weekend!  The team building sessions the first evening were amazing and very bonding – the bonfire and game “events” (MAFIA?)  afterwards were unique indeed!!! (Ask the GILC-ers about MAFIA – it was a big hit!!!)

The next day was spent attending various workshops ranging from “Living Abroad: In Harmony with Differences or a Clash of Culture?”  and “The Role of Future Leaders to Build Sustainable Energy Systems” and “Intercultural Art”, to a very interesting Cross-Cultural Simulation workshop called BAFA. 

Then a bunch of us went on a hike! We hiked to the actual ROCK EAGLE effigy mound (about 1.5 miles away).  FYI about the mounds:  “There is strong evidence that the area near Rock Eagle Effigy Mound was occupied by Archaic Indians some 5,000 years ago, however, it is unlikely that the effigy existed at that time. The most likely builders of the mound are Woodland Indians, who inhabited this area from 1,000BC to 1,000AD. While it is possible that the people who built Rock Eagle were part of the Hopewell or the Adena Culture, it is more likely that these Woodland Indians were a distinct cultural development”.  How about that?

First and foremost before anything began, after dinner we were honored to have ROLLING THUNDER,  traditional Native American Dancers perform for us and then we ALL participated in a Native American Indian  Dance! This was, exhilarating and FUN!!!  Boy, we sure did get a workout there – and that was just the beginning! Many different countries were represented at the Talent and Fashion show – it was truly a rainbow of cultures! 

Our last morning was used to reflect upon the GILC experience and explore how students can contribute positively to our increasingly global community.  I do believe we were all very moved, inspired and challenged to go out and do great things for the good of our respective countries and for the good of the world!

Thank you so much, to dear Tracy, Rosanna, Dan, Laksmi, Anneka and Ines, for making this a most special and priceless experience.  As your friend and advisor, I was inspired and moved by your warmth, generosity of spirit, and energy.  You are all the best!  A special thanks also to Daniel Jansen, from the Center for International Programs Abroad, for his support, participation and caring way!

Thanks to you all!!!!