Overall Experience | Academics | Personal Development | Internships | Activities

Overall Experience

“What memories have most influenced my life and are so impacting that I should never go anywhere without them? Until this summer, I do not know if I could have answered that question, but it is undeniable that this summer has now become one of my bookends. I know that I will never go anywhere without remembering the impact that this institute has upon my future.”

“Hearing points of view that are extremely different from what I am accustomed to hearing has forced me to open my mind to new ideas and challenged my old beliefs… You cannot really be sure what you agree with until you challenge those thoughts and make sure that they stand up against other arguments. This is one of the greatest opportunities that the Institute offers.”

“The Institute’s ability to bring together so many from such vast walks of life, and our ability to synthesize our gifts into a more productive whole, is a testament to the visionary leadership of Mr. William A. Keyes and the tireless efforts of the I4RC staff to bring dreams to fruition.”

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Academics

“Professor Allen’s intelligence and firm stance on his passionate views showed me that I needed to be equally informed about what I believe, and not believe something merely because others share the same beliefs. “

“As Professor Rustici’s Economics course continues, I have not yet found a class session in which everything I thought about the economics of our country has not been challenged or questioned. The insight into our economy that Professor Rustici provides with each topic discussed is the most passionate I have ever seen a professor deliver a message, and what I have learned inspires me to make changes in the economy.”

“The only way you can convince another that you hold the truth is to prove it to them, or at least that’s the way it should be. To turn that argument around, I must not hold a belief simply because that’s what I’m told I should do. Professor Allen said that “to accept common understanding is to accept mediocrity.” I should question my assumptions not necessarily because I will not return to them, but because I need logical reasoning to do so.”

“In that [Professor Allen’s] class, in addition to gaining perspective on the Constitution and the philosophical background of the framers, I’ve become more proficient in formulating arguments and conveying my ideas clearly.”

“As Professor Rustici’s Economics course continues, I have not yet found a class session in which everything I thought about the economics of our country has not been challenged or questioned. The insight into our economy that Professor Rustici provides with each topic discussed is the most passionate I have ever seen a professor deliver a message, and what I have learned inspires me to make changes in the economy.”

“This was my best Econ class ever because the professor was passionate and believed in what he was saying...I thought I was a Political Science junkie before. Well, Prof Allen basically put that to rest. He challenged me to think outside of the box that I had constructed for myself, to think more logically and rationally.”

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Personal Development

“I would truly have to consider this summer as one of the defining experiences of my life. I feel as if I have really grown from meeting different people and hearing their perspectives, and allowing that to affect the way that I view the world. I have a very great sense of gratitude.”

“While the classes provided me knowledge of the political realm, I appreciate the expectations that the Institute has instilled in us the most. I feel as though many men my age lack the maturity that the Institute expects us scholars to uphold, and although most of us scholars held ourselves with a great sense of maturity upon arriving to the program, the importance of professionalism has been reinforced everywhere I go.”

“The Institute has taught me the importance of balancing ambition and contribution. An overabundance of ambition without contribution yields nothing. A man must use his skills not only for self-preservation, but for the preservation of ideals and principles greater than himself.”

“I think that the Institute has made me reach deeper into myself; perhaps a little deeper than I’ve reached before, and awakened within me a determination to keep moving forward with a sense of direction and purpose.”

“I can definitely say that this has been the best summer of my life. It was encouraging to see how willing people are to go the extra mile for someone that they don’t know with the prospect that that person will make the future better for the rest of the world.”

“Time will tell how much it [the Institute] has impacted me, and since this is only the first of two summers, I still have more to experience, but right now I can see that it has definitely changed me for the better.”

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Internships

“When I got to my internship, I was respected for the knowledge that I had. There were only two other interns where I worked—a graduate student and a second year law student. And there I was, getting to do the same things they were doing, and sometimes more.”

“…It was a pleasant surprise to learn that I would be working as a member of a team, doing important work. I had an office, and I had real responsibility. I was allowed to use my creativity, and generally, I had a wide range of freedom in the execution and completion of assigned tasks...”

“…I really would say my partner and supervising attorneys were instrumental in providing a unique situation for me. The work was quite challenging and brought new opportunities to think outside of the box everyday, and I am certain I will continue to learn from this summer as I apply and go through law school…”

“…I was not only allowed to perform my own research and work on interesting projects but also I attended numerous research presentations, all of which provided me with exposure to new intellectual terrains…”

“…The relationships that prospered throughout my internship experience are what surprised me most. While there, I formed relationships that transcended the typical surface into a deeper more significant and/or meaningful bond that continues to this day…”

“This internship gave me direct insight into the world of network news. Because I had the same responsibilities as some employees, I felt comfortable with their daily assignments when I left NBC. It felt promising knowing that professionals could depend upon me as an intern. [Piper interning at NBC News]

“My internship for the first summer of the program exceeded my expectations in every sense. I gained a great deal of experience concerning an important aspect of legal practice (i.e. pro bono work). I was also exposed to the intricacies of the litigation process by way of investigative work in the field.”

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Activities

“I have met well over two hundred interns this year and the Institute is always the envy of every intern in the room. The aspect of the Institute I have appreciated most is the rare and coveted opportunity to meet such high-profile celebrities. As Institute Scholars we have been spoiled in a way, and we do not understand the opportunity we have really been given.”

“We saw the Oval Office. We were in the Press Room. Do you know how many events have occurred in history right there? And we were a part of it, and they welcomed us. And I loved it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

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