Inspiring Quotes from Close Up Alumni

I'm now finishing my final semester of school at Loyola College in Maryland. Close Up prompted me to study political science as an undergraduate and, more importantly, to cling to my ideals. I worked for my Congressman here in the States and for a Senator in the Irish Parliament, and in those experiences and others, I had plenty of chances to bow out of my idealism and rest in the convenience of cynicism and apathy. Instead, I focused on the positive differences that so many public servants hammer away at daily. I don't think my vocation is in politics but I hope to serve my community in whatever path I do choose.

My "big picture" dream for now is to plan fundraising events for a good-doing non-profit someday. The commitment of your program to educating better citizens worked with me and I'm grateful to you for that.
-Alison LaLond, student, Notre Dame Academy, Hingham, Massachusetts

Close Up was an amazing experience; one that cannot possibly be accurately described by any words. It was a time of personal growth: traveling by myself across country for the first time; studying and seeing up close America's history; watching and observing politics in action and the preparation for the inauguration. I fell in love with the area and became more interested in politics, more passionate about my country, and more aware of everything and everybody. I met some amazing people and hope to someday bring my parents back there… Close Up is a wonderful program, and I am so thankful that I was able to participate.”
-Jennifer Walker, student, Notre Dame High School, Belmont, California

I have been working at Franklin Templeton for ten years. Not until recently did I decide that I really wanted to finish my degree. I am enrolled at Eckerd College and will graduate with my degree in Business and History. My plan is to go on to Law School. My first assignment at Eckerd was to write an autobiography. During that assignment I was reminiscing through old pictures found my pictures from Close Up. It hit me like a ton of bricks, "my god, I really wanted to go into law what happened?" I can still smell the air the first time I got off the Metro in the city. It was completely electrifying and will stay with me for the rest of my life. Looking back on my high school life, I lucked into a spot on the Close Up trip, because someone backed out at the last minute. I believe in destiny and know that I was destined to go and experience all that knowledge Washington D.C. has to offer.”
-Jennifer Westcoat, student, Seminole High School, Seminole, Florida

Close was one of the best things I ever did in high school. It really got me focused on my future and made me really start to care about my country. I have never been on another trip like it. Close Up made learning fun.
-Janielle Haney, student, Beal City High School, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

This past week I learned more about our country than any classroom could teach. I learned hands-on what it means to be a citizen of the United States. I learned without even knowing. I went into the week as a normal high school student who wasn't too excited about the learning part but who wanted a chance to see firsthand our government at work. I left with an open mind, heart, and spirit about the future. I learned to take care of myself and decided that Washington must be a place that I really love because I did not miss home for one minute. Anyway you put it, Close Up was one of the best experiences of my life that should continue for years and years to come. I will tell anyone and everyone that in order to truly appreciate that you live in such a place as the United States, you must visit this city and understand its importance, for no picture is able to depict the value of such a place....

I have decided that I want to possibly major in Political Science, International Relations, or Political Communications, and I am looking into attending The George Washington University. Maybe someday I will become a member of the White House staff. ...The trip changed my life, it really did! I found a field of study that uses many of my talents to the best of their ability, and I just love it. How many people can say that?...
-Blair Hood, student, Nerinx Hall, St. Louis, Missouri

Close Up profoundly influenced my career. I was blessed to have an outstanding government teacher who helped me find my purpose and passion in life, but Close Up opened my eyes to all the possibilities for a life and politics and for that I'm grateful. Further Close Up cemented my belief in the value of education in one's ongoing personal development.
-Heath Hilyard, student, Eielson High School, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska [currently a legislative aide in the Alaska State Legislature]