Once in a Lifetime Experience:
the Conversation with the Former President of America
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”
-Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of America
By late winter and spring, the Humphrey Fellow is supposed to select one from the Humphrey Enhancement Workshops according to his/her main interest ranging from Disaster Planning, Digital Media, Peace Building Through Restorative Dialogue, Sustainability, Natural Resources and Human Security, and Global Development and Social Justice.
I decided to choose the last one with two reasons in my mind. The first one is I would like to learn about the current issues around the world from other fellows and American scholars’ perspective that will lead me to be more responsible global citizen. The other one is secretly I would like to meet the Former President Jimmy Carter, who will be the honored guest speaker of the workshop this year.
Probably other fellows also dream to meet him as well. It turned out that this workshop which was organized by the Emory University was ranked having the biggest numbers of participants. Normally, each workshop includes only 30-40 participants, but surprisingly 60 for this workshop from 18-23 March 2012!
We Humphries got opportunities to visit CNN, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and the Carter Center Library and Museum. This helped us gain background knowledge about social justice in America and learned how the 39th President Jimmy Carter had contributed nationally and internationally.
Interestingly, from the exhibitions in the Carter Center, he started his oil painting when he was seventies. Incredibly, his paintings looked very professional. He inspired me to learn arts. Never late to start a hobby one desires.
Although he is currently 88 years old, he is very active and has great sense of humor. Within one hour, we were allowed to ask short questions so that other fellows would get a chance to ask as well.
One fellow asked “What were the criteria to be the President of America and why did you decide to be in this position”. He jokingly replied that the criteria were very simple, just being American citizen and 35 years old. (Umm....sounds easy, huh)
He added that he did not dream of being the President at his early age. Instead, he dreamt of working in a navy for 30 years, and then spent his retirement year in Hawaii. Therefore, he ran for the President election at 50 which was quite old to him.
Lastly, he ended his remark that we Humphrey should keep in mind that we have been blessed so when we return home, we should share our blessing to those in need in our home countries.
I will surely remember his talk and be inspired to be the person who makes a positive difference to the society.
“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.”
-Jimmy Carter
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