March 5, 2008

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

Over the last eight months since the 2007 International Achievement Summit, I have undergone an unbelievably exciting transformation. My metamorphosis began with my participation in the inaugural class of the NYU Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Graduate Fellowship in Social Entrepreneurship. Through this fellowship I had developed a strong desire to make a sustainable impact upon the world, but was unsure of how best to do that. I came to the Summit hoping to gain direction and better understand my potential.

While at the Summit, I took every opportunity to speak with fellow student attendees, interact with speakers, and most importantly, reflect upon each activity's meaning and purpose. I had breakfast conversations about global health, lunch discussions about social innovations, and even received expert advice from Summit presenters such as Chris Matthews, Ralph Nader, David Gergen, Ed Markey and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to name a few.

By the time I left the Summit, I was absolutely invigorated, and ready to act. Building upon the connections that I had made, I kept in touch with many of the participants and presenters, emailing them questions, honing my ideas, and refining my social entrepreneurial goals. Ultimately, I devised an ambitious project and felt equipped to move ahead.

The original idea was to create a website that would serve as a venue for online discussions of patient management and other academic discussions for physicians in Ghana. I went to Ghana in October 2007 and realized, after spending just a few days in Ghana, that the current technological infrastructure was unable to support the website that I had designed and that access to the internet was going to become a major impediment. I had gone halfway around the world, and my project failed! However, taking into account everything that I learned at the Summit, I realized that most innovators fail multiple times, until they "get it right."

As all the presenters advised, I took time to reevaluate my plan and strategy, and ultimately realized I needed to shift my approach. Instead of creating a website to serve as a communication tool, I could focus on creating communication with whatever tool was possible. And with that, this new project was born.

Having gained confidence from the Summit, I walked into the main offices of Ghana Telecom and asked to speak with the CEO of the mobile phone division (Onetouch). I explained to him my idea to market his cell phone company as the first company in the world to unify an entire country's physician base on a single cell phone carrier. After two hours of lively discussion, he agreed and put a plan in writing. Within hours I was meeting with the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, and later that week, I was overseeing a joint meeting between the Ghana Medical Association and Onetouch in which an innovative program was created.

Through this unique agreement, as of January 1, 2008, all registered Ghanaian physicians have the ability to call and SMS all other registered Ghanaian physicians free of charge, as well as dial a toll-free number from their Onetouch handset to speak with a live operator for other physicians' contact information.

By having all of Ghana's physicians on a unified network, information can freely flow from physician to physician, as well as from other agencies to physicians. In the event of an emergency or disaster, physicians can be easily sent an SMS, helping to save precious time when it counts most. In addition, physicians can call other physicians to refer patients to specialists, and then also follow-up with that specialist after the care has been given. My hope is that Ghanaian physicians ultimately will no longer feel geographically isolated, regardless of where they practice, because another physician is now only a phone call away.

Because of the synergy between my experiences in the Reynolds Program in Social Entrepreneurship and those at the International Achievement Summit, I have begun a lifelong career of social entrepreneurship. When I started medical school, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be working in West Africa developing cell-phone based technologies for physicians. And now, less than a year after the Summit, as I am about to graduate in the first cohort of NYU Reynolds Fellows, I have learned first-hand about the limitless impact that each of us can have provided we are relentless in our pursuits.

Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today, and for putting me on the path of becoming one of the leaders of tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Brian A. Levine
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship
New York University School of Medicine

December 6, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

It probably seems a little odd to be sending a thank you note a year and a half after I attended the Academy of Achievement in Los Angeles. After all, thinking back to the sample letters that we got, one woman apparently had hers written before she got off the plane. But I think there is a compelling reason for my tardiness, and one that fills me with joy as I sit here at my computer, getting ready to celebrate my second Thanksgiving in Iraq: the Academy of Achievement isn't about celebrities and unbelievable stories. It's about connection, and about changing the lives of its participants for the better.

Of course, that's not to say that the things I witnessed there were not absolutely surreal. I got to sit down and eat a salad with Wesley Clark and talk about Iraq. I got a book recommendation from Ralph Nader (War is a Racket), which is sitting on the shelves of the shipping container I call home. I got to sit in stunned amazement as Desmond Tutu danced on stage while Robin Williams free-styled and Sheryl Crow strummed her guitar. These are stories I still tell, and, had I not actually been there, I wouldn't have believed them to be possible.

However, I think there is more to these stories than the stories. Which is to say, one way of looking at the Academy of Achievement is like a crazy dream, where for three days deserving students are whisked away into a land of fame, accomplishment, Spago, and the Beverly Wilshire. But that sells it short, and misconstrues the lessons about "greatness" that I think the Academy teaches. Namely, that great people are not a different species, but rather that we all carry the seeds of greatness within us, which is to say, the Academy helps me believe in my own potential for greatness, which, for a middle class kid from Kansas, is a precious gift indeed.

To be totally honest, I could probably have told you all that 18 months ago. The reason I waited so long is that perhaps the greatest story I have from the Academy of Achievement is one of the most basic tales of humanity: I met a girl. Except, this girl, Sarah Stillman isn't like anybody else. She's brilliant, and kind, and funny. She thinks and feels deeply, she writes incredibly, and she's supportive and challenging, and -- well, I suppose all deep human connections are both completely unique and, when put into words, nearly indistinguishable. But I remember where we were introduced, at the mixer on the first night in the Beverly Wilshire, and how we talked sitting on a table for a long time. I remember sitting in the back row of the first day's panel with an empty chair beside me, and then her appearance in the chair, followed by a day of passing notes and sharing commentary and ideas on the speakers. I remember having such an incredible time with each other that, when we went to Spago we had to both commit to hanging out with other people, so we didn't just spend the whole weekend engaged with one another. And I remember, after lunch, agreeing that we both preferred each other's company to the company of others! I remember drinking champagne and dancing in the bar of the hotel, and giving her my email address as we parted, really hoping that, like the Academy itself, this was all more than just a dream, and that it would carry through into my real life.

And it did, in the way these things do. After I tracked down her e-mail, we shared our Master's theses, followed eventually by instant messaging, and then my rushing home to plug in my phone and call her for the first time. Those calls continued across the Atlantic, and we met in San Francisco and drove up to Orcas Island, and from there to a relationship that has existed in Lawton, Oklahoma; Oxford, England; Malaga, Spain; Kansas; Washington, D.C.; Iraq; and Australia. We talk every day, about everything, and we marvel to one another that it all started at the Academy of Achievement, that the theory is true and the event worked, and that bringing together brilliant, ambitious, wonderful people and letting them share with one another does create connections of incredible beauty.

I haven't wanted to mention this before now because it all seemed too good to be true -- like a perfect bubble that, if touched, would pop and disappear. But at the same time, I couldn't honestly talk about the Academy of Achievement without talking about Sarah, and so I decided it would be better to say nothing at all. But, in the spirit of the season, I now feel compelled to voice my gratitude.

I remember talking to Elisse LaMay at the hotel pool while I was waiting for the shuttle to the airport, and she and the rest of the staff were having a well-earned celebration. And I want to express my deep appreciation for all the hard work that goes into hosting such an incredible event. The execution was seamless, every detail was carefully considered, and the staff went out of their way to work with me, as a student delegate, even as they were arranging accommodations for CEOs, Princes, and Presidents. And, of course, I was awed by the generosity of spirit that drives you to create and fund such an unbelievable experience year after year. You deserve more thanks than a single letter can contain, but I hope this can bring a smile to your face for just a moment, because your creation has certainly brought a deep and lasting joy to my life.

I will leave Iraq in only five and a half months. It's rainy now in Tal Afar, and getting cold. But soon enough the weather will turn, the clouds will clear, and I will step from the heat of Iraq into the warm May sunshine of Ft. Riley, Kansas. Standing there, amongst the families, flags, and signs, will be my parents, Sarah, and a love and comfort of indescribable goodness - and, within that, the Academy of Achievement. And for that, I am thankful.

Sincerely,

Captain Robert M. Chamberlain, USA
Tal Afar, Iraq

June 26, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I write this letter having just returned from the 46th annual International Achievement Summit in Washington. D.C. This is my first day back in the laboratory and I have spent all morning in an attempt to convey to my colleagues just how inspiring and influential the past week has been for me. As I recount the remarkable events that have taken place, everyone hearing my stories is absolutely astounded by my experiences at the Summit. And yet, I feel that I am barely able to adequately convey the importance that this Summit has had on my life. It is not simply the opportunity to meet extraordinary people nor to hear brilliant speeches that touched me most profoundly, but rather the emotions that have been stirred deep within that have really impacted my being.

As a neuroscientist and an aspiring physician, I was particularly taken aback by the time I was able to spend with the Academy's honorees in the fields of science and medicine. Dr. Steven Rosenberg's description of immuno-therapy for cancer would have been impressive in its own right, but introducing us to two of his patients undergoing the successful treatment regimen demonstrated how significant one's touch on the world can be for individual people. I can't help but think that perhaps this experience represents the essence of greatness -- one betters the world as a whole by making positive impacts on the lives of individuals. At the Summit, I was impressed by Dr. Craig Mello's presentation regarding his discovery of RNA interference. Being able to sit down and talk with him about the process of scientific discovery at a post-dinner reception, however, was an experience I'll never forget. Dr. Mello advised me of the perseverance that one must exhibit to be successful in the field, but also described the excitement and amazing sense of satisfaction that arrives during that "Eureka" moment when you discover something new about the world that no one had ever known before.

This morning, I described to my labmates the surreal experience of sitting in the courtroom of the Supreme Court of the United States of America as Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Ginsberg and Kennedy explained what it is like to serve at the highest level of the U.S. Judiciary. I recalled the time we spent in the Senate building listening to the inspiring words of Senators Reid, Obama, and Hagel. My friends were in awe as I told them of President Clinton's speech and his candid responses to the subsequent question and answer session. I explained how each of these experiences painted real-life pictures of greatness and inspired the listeners to commit themselves to improving the world. Still, I am at a loss to fully describe the fire that was lit inside me as each of these amazing people called upon us student delegates to lead tomorrow's world. I was so humbled and, at the same time, felt so empowered by the encouragement of today's leaders.

I think that, for me, the most eye-opening aspect of the Summit was making the realization that all of these great people who have forever impacted the course of human civilization are but human themselves. We, as student delegates, have been afforded the opportunity to peer into the world of greatness. I was extremely humbled by the accomplishments of the Academy's honorees, and yet I was most impressed by how down-to-earth and genuine they all were. True, having a conversation with Dr. Ben Carson was inspiring because he is an unspeakably talented neurosurgeon who has accomplished amazing things. What touched me more deeply, however, were his gifts of encouragement and the assertion that we could all affect the world to a similar extent. Indeed, my experience at this Summit was most inspiring not simply because I met great people, but because I was so strongly encouraged to pursue greatness myself. As such, this experience serves as an incredible source of motivation and inspiration to continue working for the betterment of society. As I return to my laboratory today, I feel the need to double my efforts in developing my skills to become a clinician-scientist, which will allow me to treat patients and touch individual lives and, in doing so, to improve the world as a whole.

In sum, my time at the International Achievement Summit has been one of the most absolutely inspiring and formative five days of my entire life. I feel humbled but also empowered to go forth and pursue great challenges in an effort to better our world. Of course, Mrs. Reynolds, l owe this experience and all of the consequential emotions and inspiration to you and your foundation. It is your generosity that has allowed me and the other student delegates to experience and understand greatness, and you have provided for each of us further motivation to achieve it ourselves.

I am certain that the world will continue to benefit, as much good results from your kindness and vision. It is with my absolute sincerest gratitude that I wish to thank you for this extraordinary opportunity.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas V. Johnson III
Gates Cambridge Scholar
Ph.D. Candidate
Centre for Brain Repair
University of Cambridge

August 14, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

No letter could do justice to the impact that the 2007 International Academy of Achievement Summit in D.C. had on me. I had read about the Summit. I had read about the Golden Plate Awardees of previous years. I had even read the letters of thanks of other student delegates. Still, I was unprepared. As I boarded the flight out of D.C., I knew that I would never again be the same.

My fellow delegates were the first to drastically alter my worldview. My roommate, Syga Thomas, who had already lived, worked and volunteered in Cuba, Costa Rica and Japan, would spend his free time brushing up his seventh language -- Portuguese. Serah Makka, who had worked in Afghanistan and planned to return to her home in Nigeria to encourage economic development, reminded me of the importance of going back to my own country. Everyone I spoke to filled me with wonder at the things that they achieved while still so young and often from such humble backgrounds. My own accomplishments were quickly put in perspective. I believed that in the first few hours I had used up all the awe I had.

I was terribly wrong. For within 24 hours my arm was around the shoulder of that great visionary and "Rabble-Rouser for Peace," Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Shortly after he delivered an address to the delegates calling us all to a new state of unity, love and understanding. To hear such a message from such a man was overwhelming.

I was nine years old when I first read the book Gifted Hands by Dr. Benjamin Carson. My whole life I have admired him for his insight into his country and his world, for his bravery in surmounting near-impossible odds, for his unshakable faith in God, and for his incredible humility in the face of so much achievement. Not only did I see him and hear him give quite possibly the most moving speech of the Summit, I was able to eat lunch with him and converse with him. Daily. Daily! We shared information about our mutual passions for changing systems of oppression in this world. I offered him my views of the books he had written. And he listened. And he responded!

Indeed, the mealtimes were every bit as inspiring as the presentations. They were the times when I could chat in French with Dr. Elias Zerhouni about French-Algerian relations. Over breakfast, Dr. John C. Mather, awarded a Nobel Prize for his work on the Big Bang, explained his beliefs about God, physics and the creation of the universe to an eager table of delegates hungry for much more than waffles. For one, brief, shining moment Hilary Swank and I had our arms around each other.

And there were several moments when I was simply stunned beyond words. Hearing the Supreme Court Judges explain in such eloquent simplicity the gravity of the Constitution of the United States of America, I saw that country, my country, all countries indeed, in a new way. Wisdom flowed out of them, pressed and distilled by 400 years of struggle for genuine independence. And listening to the wit, humor, and modesty of the Honorable Chuck Hagel reminded me of his humanity, and taught me in the clearest of ways, that great achievement is open to us all, even the most human amongst us. And the ground beneath my feet trembled when William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd President of the most powerful country on Earth, looked me dead in the eyes to answer my question.

In what other place, and at what other time, could one hope to be in the company of such people? The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation blew away the limitations of the universe I lived in and expanded my mind so ferociously that it took weeks to understand what had happened. Thank you so much, Mrs. Reynolds, for investing in me, and for opening the eyes of so many eager young people to a world they never dreamed possible. As long as I live I will treasure this time and this great gift you gave to all of us. A new me was born from this Summit, one refilled with hope, and awe, and inspiration. You encourage so many to make this world a better place, and for that we could never thank you enough.

With deepest gratitude,

Keon West
Rhodes Scholar
Balliol College, Oxford University

July 16, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

From the depths of my being, I wish to extend my most heartfelt thanks for amazing experiences at the Academy of Achievement's 2007 International Achievement Summit in Washington, D.C. Three weeks have passed since I returned to California, and I continue to be amazed at how much I took away from the Summit. Not a single day passes during which I do not recall the surreal encounters of those four days and, more importantly, the lessons imparted onto all delegates by the most amazing achievers in our society. Please permit me to share a few of my experiences with you.

As I continue to tell friends, family, and colleagues about the Summit, I frequently recount the discussion that several other delegates and I had with Ralph Nader and Prof. Marvin Minsky beginning at 12:30 AM at the beautiful Hay-Adams Hotel. Conversing and arguing about the democratic presidential candidates, we ended up being kicked out of the reception room so the hotel staff could to go home. Continuing in the hotel lobby, Dr. Minsky and I discussed the fall of American newspaper sales due to a variety of factors including Internet distribution and poor marketing. We ended the evening (at 1:30 AM!) discussing Dr. Minsky's area of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically how AI continues to fail with complex problem solving, and the current efforts in the field to classify problems so that AI can use the correct rule sets to solve them.

As a scientist and future physician, what a pleasure it was to see and meet such distinguished and inspiring figures as Drs. Benjamin Carson, John Mather, Ian Frazer, and Craig Mello. A group of my fellow scientists/physicians in training and I met Dr. Mello one evening; he recounted his discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) and when it became clear that RNAi was indeed something huge and revolutionary to science. Dr. Mello and I, as a virologist, discussed RNAi pathways in antiviral defenses and the future of harnessing RNAi to combat infection. His candor and easygoing attitude made it a true pleasure to learn about his stimulating career, his truly monumental discovery, and his life after the Nobel ceremony.

Sitting on the bus after dinner at the US Capitol, Dana Priest sat down next to me and posed the simple question, "What do you do?" The ensuing conversation centered on viruses -- the two that I study, polio virus and dengue -- and the threats of current and emerging infectious diseases including avian influenza and tuberculosis. Intimately familiar with the horrors at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Ms. Priest was no stranger to the effects of infection on human health. Our conversations continued during a reception the next evening with dialogue about her experiences inside Walter Reed, her career path, and her highly successful life in journalism. The importance of perseverance, a lesson iterated by many members of the Academy, was omnipresent in every aspect of her life, especially when she encouraged us to never lose sight of our goals.

Equally as interesting as all the members of the Academy were the amazing students from across the world. Over the course of the Summit, I met many inspiring colleagues from Boston to Russia and from England to the San Francisco Bay area. Paired with an Aussie roommate, we discussed the announcement of Dr. Ian Frazer as "Australian of the Year". A physician and Ph.D. student, my roommate was utterly pleased that (finally!) a scientist was given this honor instead of a sports figure. Upon hearing Dr. Frazer speak at the National Archives, it was clear that his development of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has the capability to have one of the largest impacts on human health in the next 50 years. The Summit spawned several new friendships including one friend that I will be visiting when passing through Minneapolis in early August. Excitingly, the Summit also enabled me to reconnect with an old friend and colleague with whom I used to work at Columbia University.

At the end of those fabulous days, I left feeling a bit confused: Should I rekindle my dream to write a book? Should I work to end health disparities in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community? Should I affect health policy through leadership in government and non-government organizations? While I expect to do all of those during my career, one thing was lucid and resonated with every single student delegate: we all have the ability and the unquestionable responsibility to make a difference in our world. As Elie Wiesel said, "The worst sin is to be a spectator... There is 'response' in responsibility." In order to do so, we must get over our fear of failure -- a fear that we all agreed is strongly present. Hilary Swank told us, "The greatest obstacle in life is yourself," and President Bill Clinton drove that point home when he said, "The failure to try will deaden your life."

Sitting here in Palo Alto, my mind races with things I must do during my life to continue to affect positive change for society. The Academy of Achievement's International Achievement Summit has catapulted me into a novel state of mind. The inspiration received and contacts made will carry me forward with humility to pursue my passion while serving humankind for my entire life. Thank you again for bestowing upon me the honor to attend this amazing event, and I hope that our paths will cross again soon.

Mitchell R. Lunn
Howard Hughes Fellow
Stanford University School of Medicine

July 5, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for providing me with the opportunity to attend the 2007 International Achievement Summit in Washington, DC. A simple "thank you" seems too trite, so I apologize in advance for the length of this letter. It was truly an eye-opening experience -- one that will forever be etched in my mind and my spirit. I had no idea what to expect when Admiral Susan Blumenthal, a wonderful mentor and role model, nominated me to attend as her delegate. I am honored and gratified that she did, for I left with intense feelings of inspiration, energy, and reaffirmation.

My inspiration stemmed from meeting and interacting with the brilliant minds of today's world community. Each and every single day, I saw and heard a group of educated, talented, and diverse achievers talk about their journeys of success and failures as well as their passions. I felt honored and humbled at the same time, for I never could have imagined being able to listen to Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, and others speak to me with such candor and vigor. Mrs. Rosenberg, the wife of Dr. Steven Rosenberg, Director of the NIH Cancer Institute, noticed that I was in awe of so many important people and whispered to me: "Don't worry. They are just people too." It gave me the encouragement to approach Ralph Nader and engage him in a debate on healthcare reform as well as with Warner Brothers producer Kevin McCormick about "blood diamonds" in Sierra Leone.

Additionally, I felt so energized by the superb speakers -- they just exuded confidence, passion, and sincerity. Suzan-Lori Parks, for example, while standing on one leg like a flamingo, offered advice such as to "practice radical inclusion." This message compelled me to move beyond my comfort zone to engage with fellow delegates about methods of rebuilding the community of New Orleans or about immigration reform.

Additionally, Thomas Friedman remarked that "If it's not being done, it's because you are not doing it." This comment, when combined with Congressman Ed Markey's charge to us, "You are the green generation -- you have the science, technology -- now add to it the commitment to protect our planet," and Richard Leakey's words, "It doesn't matter whose fault it is; it only matters if we can do something about it," left me feeling particularly revitalized to take those chances and leaps to explore other opportunities -- talk to people whom I would not dare dream of talking to -- Nobel Prize winner Dr. Mello, director George Lucas, publisher Phyllis Grann and many more!

Additionally, another event that energized me was during the Friday evening Gala when Kix Brooks from Brooks and Dunn jumped off the stage during one of their soul-jarring and body-moving songs to grab my hand and proceed to twirl me around. I could not stop smiling about it afterwards -- when can I ever say that I danced with a music legend? The whole entire night was amazing, with people dancing left and right -- Gold Medal winners with student delegates!

More importantly, I came away from this conference feeling reaffirmed about my future aspirations. Working with Dr. Blumenthal in her capacity as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States, a champion for women's and global health, has been instrumental in me realizing my goals and encouraging me to work at the interface of public health, human rights, and social well-being. Making it possible for me to attend this conference is just another example of her commitment -- allowing me to see that I am not alone in wanting to bring about real, sustainable change in our country and world. Throughout the conference, I noticed that many of my fellow student delegates expressed similar values of bringing about world change. The concept that there are never enough hours in the day became readily apparent during the four-day conference when I often found myself crawling into bed around 3 a.m. after talking, debating, and laughing with my peers. Hailing from diverse backgrounds (from India to South Africa; from education to business; from liberal to conservative) only added to the richness of our conversations. This feeling of reaffirmation was further solidified on Saturday morning when Mrs. Carson (the wife of Ben Carson) remarked to me and three other students that we "are the future -- the talented bunch." I am confident in Mrs. Carson's words, for I can foresee myself and fellow peers becoming lifelong partners in the mission for change and opportunity for all.

As you can see, Mrs. Reynolds, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend. Your work and the mission of your organizations and the staff of the Academy of Achievement behind the scenes made the event so memorable and the experiences so diverse, allowing the student delegates to immerse themselves in the brilliant creativity of the Academy members and Academy's vision that individuals and education can change the world. Thank you again for this extraordinary opportunity -- it came at an important time in my life, providing me with great inspiration, energy and reaffirmation to make a lasting difference in my community, country and the world.

Obianuju Jennifer Obi
Susan Blumenthal Scholar, Harvard Medical School

June 27, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I have just returned home from the International Achievement Summit and I cannot stop talking about it with everyone at home. I wanted to write you immediately with my enormous thanks for making it possible for me to attend.

The experience is still surreal. How do you explain a week having drinks with Chris Matthews and Ralph Nader one night, while spending the next talking with Hilary Swank about what lessons President Clinton shared in the two hours he spent with us? Of the many things for which I have to thank you, what stands out are two gifts this past week gave me: some uncommon wisdom from our notable speakers about how they navigated some of the career choices I am facing now, and new friendships with the other student delegates that I know will be lasting. For all of this, thank you.

One of the most memorable elements of the Summit was the personal stories of struggle that some of the speakers shared with us. President Clinton's wisdom, in particular, stood out. "Everyone suffers personal attacks in politics," President Clinton told us. "And as I've gotten older. I've become better at understanding the difference between what I can control and what I cannot." What President Clinton said mattered most was how someone attacks you, since in politics and public life anyone who tries to do something of meaning will be attacked: "Ninety percent of an attack," he told us, "is how you respond." President Clinton shared an insight Nelson Mandela gave him: "I was talking with him once, and I said, 'Nelson, I know how courageous it was to invite your former jailors to your inauguration and to invite former members of the apartheid government to join your cabinet. But, between you and me, you know it's also good politics. Didn't you still just hate them?'" Clinton said that Mandela told him that for the first eleven years he was in prison he indeed did hate his jailor. But, at some point after that, President Clinton said Mandela told him, "I saw they had taken everything from me. They controlled my life. They beat me. They stopped me from seeing my children grow up. They caused the breakup of my marriage. And I realized at one.point that the only thing they could not take from me was my heart and my mind. I could still control that. They could not make me hate them. I still had the power to choose how to respond and I did."

Clinton paused and said, "Then Nelson stopped and pointed his finger at me -- and this was in the middle of my impeachment -- and he said, "Now you remember this."

I have heard President Clinton speak countless times before -- on television, and even in person. But I never expected to hear these personal lessons and stories from him. I could continue on for pages about more of the same. Woodrow Wilson's biographer described President Wilson's lessons of following your passion to success rather than some forty-year plan you hatched when you graduated from college. Andre Agassi described how he returned to win the French Open just weeks after his divorce. Being in the same room, sharing the struggles and wisdom with those who have achieved beyond what anyone could have expected of them, was a rare opportunity. I cannot thank you enough for making that possible for me.

One of my other most treasured parts of this week are of the new friendships with the other student delegates. There is something unique to take all of us away from our daily routines of school, jobs, and endless setting of goals -- and to bring us together to reflect. That shared experience creates friendships over days and hours that would in any other place take years to form. My roommate founded a growing Internet startup company. A new friend from Los Angeles is working on global health. Another is publishing path-breaking work on understanding ethnic conflict and civil wars. The emails are already flying between us, and we're talking about where to meet next. Our shared experience of this past week has already formed an uncommon bond among many of us, and I am still amazed and inspired by those I met. The best part is that I know it is just the beginning.

I could go on for much longer about this unique and unforgettable experience you gave me in Washington this past week. As I begin my clerkship for Judge Posner next year after my first year of practicing law, I know the choices in my career and personal life that are quickly coming ahead. As I think about this, the lessons and friendships from the International Academy of Achievement Summit will be among the first thoughts that come to mind.

For all of that and more, I am deeply grateful to you. Your generous sponsorship of my attendance at the week made all of this possible for me. I am humbled by the experience and tremendously thankful for your support. I know this week was just the beginning of joining this amazing community. I look forward to seeing you again, and hope someday to give back in some measure what you so generously gave me last week.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Spence
Stanford University

June 29, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

Just one week after the Academy of Achievement's International Summit, I am still in awe of the experience in which I was a very fortunate participant. Looking back, to prior to the event, I wasn't able to tell my friends or family what I was in for... and I couldn't ever have predicted that it would be as fulfilling or inspiring as it ultimately was. Thank you!!!

Not knowing too much about the Academy of Achievement, my understanding of the purpose of the event developed a bit over the first day or two. It was actually Suzan-Lori Parks who put it in the clearest terms, from my perspective... The comment that struck me most was her statement that the types of awards, accolades and achievements to which many of us (student delegates and honorees) could become quite accustomed come with a fine print: that these honors come with the responsibility to lead and act in a manner which brings credit to your country, trade, and passions -- all in pursuit of helping others and bringing about positive change in the world.

The gathering of guests, speakers, facilitators, and honorees was inspirational to say the least. My fellow student delegates and I felt that we were being engaged by these amazing people as peers to work together towards improving our world. The topics were relevant and important. I'll close this brief thank you (the length couldn't possibly match my level of appreciation... ) with a final recognition of another valuable message that came through to me loud and clear -- from President Clinton, during his extended remarks. His charge to the students to resist the temptation of focusing on our achievements, but instead to pay close attention to the divides in this world: from those of great fortune, to those of much less... from those benefiting from outstanding education, to those receiving spare resources... from those enjoying great health and substantial nourishment, to those living day by day...

By recognizing these divides, we take the first step towards making a better world.

Thank you again for my inclusion in this wonderful event.

Sincerely,

Karsten DaPonte
Presidential Management Fellow
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

June 27, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for providing me with the opportunity to attend the 2007 International Achievement Summit in Washington, D.C. While I have been blessed to attend several amazing conferences over the years, this week will truly be remembered as the most inspiring and incredible learning experience of my life. I will forever be grateful to you, your husband Wayne, and the terrific staff for coordinating such a well-organized and intellectually stimulating event.

As you mentioned during your opening remarks, one of the primary purposes of the Academy of Achievement is to inspire us. After listening to the words of some of the most influential and distinguished leaders of our time, it would have been impossible to not be motivated. This diverse group of people, from President Bill Clinton to acclaimed author Toni Morrison, encouraged us to dream, to explore, and to reach beyond our comfort zone to achieve great things in our lifetime.

While working as an urban educator, I have learned that one of the best ways to encourage young people to achieve is to lead by example. I was delighted by the large number of achievers who stressed the importance of education in reaching their success, as well as their desire to improve the education of our country's youth. From learning about Andre Agassi's award-winning K-12 school in Las Vegas to discussing the efforts of the Milken schools with Michael Milken, I was inspired by so many of the achievers' dedication to improving the lives of our most disadvantaged youth. Following their talks, many of the student delegates inquired about our public education system and how educational leaders are working to improve our schools. By highlighting this dilemma, I am hopeful for a cross-discipline solution in the future.

What was particularly remarkable about this year's Summit was the collection of students from all over the world. Not only was I privileged to hear firsthand of the sacrifice and hardship endured by two of my heroes -- Elie Wiesel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu -- but I also was privileged to meet and learn from my roommate, Arezo Kohistani from Afghanistan. Hearing her struggle to improve policy and achieve peace in her country was equally inspiring.

In all, the Summit can only be described as overwhelming. Thank you again for bringing all of us together to this amazing event. I sincerely hope the Academy of Achievement's annual International Achievement Summit will continue for generations to come so that many other achievers and students will be afforded the opportunity to learn from each other.

With deepest gratitude,

Leslie A. Boozer
Mortimer Zuckerman Fellow
Harvard Graduate School of Education

July 16, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I would like to extend my most sincere thanks and gratitude to you for allowing me the opportunity to attend the 2007 Summit of the International Academy of Achievement. It is hard to put into words what a rich and moving experience it was. Having lived in D.C. for the last three years, and having to move back to New York at the end of this summer, I felt very privileged to experience such phenomenal moments in the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Senate and House, the National Archives, the State Department, etc. It definitely was the ultimate capstone to my time here. Below I would like to touch on a few of the most important moments of the Summit for me.

Beginning the very first night, to file past the Vietnam Memorial, sit before the Lincoln Memorial, and hear General Wesley Clark's perspective on the lessons he has learned and how he would have handled both Vietnam and Iraq differently, was extremely illuminating and reaffirmed many of my own beliefs of what the role of the U.S. should be in this world as well as what a tremendous difference individual leaders can make, both for better and for worse.

The following day at the National Archives, I took very seriously David Rubenstein's message of being persistent, finding one's niche where they can make the greatest difference, and most importantly, being absolutely resolute to not settle or coast on one's early successes. Rather, we must always push ourselves to be better and to keep achieving, lest others will pass us by and we will miss the opportunity to truly change the world in a more meaningful way.

As a future physician-scientist, it was an incredible thrill that evening to speak informally with both Craig Mello and Brian Druker. Beyond just the opportunity to see how down-to-earth both were, to discover how both were so driven by an urge to go above and beyond their already phenomenal scientific accomplishments in order to try and do something for the world's larger problems made me realize that one must think bigger and not limit oneself. It was very gratifying to see that despite such success their true motivation remained the fundamental urge to help others, precisely why I always wanted to go into medicine.

The sensory overload continued during the session at the State Department where Dana Priest, in her uncovering the atrocious conditions of care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, embodied the ability of an individual to enact major change at even the highest levels of government. Nothing that day, however, could compare to the words of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Weaving together humor and his own experiences, the Archbishop presented fascinating cases of how young people throughout the world have been the instruments of major change throughout history. From the end of Vietnam to the end of Apartheid, the Archbishop left no doubt that it is people just like us, his audience, that are needed to bring change and solutions to the great issues and injustices in our world today. His vision of "black and white and yellow" and "Bush and bin Laden" together in harmony, along with his final exhortation of "Help me. You are all I have," brought tears to my eyes.

Not surprisingly though, for me the most electrifying moments of the conference came in the words of our former President, Bill Clinton. Displaying an astounding command of detail on a seemingly unlimited number of issues along with an unparalleled ability to connect with and bring his message home to the audience, Clinton left me profoundly inspired to take on "your greatest challenge" to "not become too focused on your own comfort" and to devote myself to serving humanity. After all, as Clinton and Dr. Francis Collins remind us, the Human Genome Project has shown us that all of us humans are 99.9 precent the same at the DNA level. Rather than focusing on that 0.1 percent that separates us, a focus "that leads to most of the world's major problems," we must focus on "our common humanity."

Whether through science, medicine, or some other means, it is this common humanity that I seek to serve and improve. The Academy of Achievement has taught me more than anything that it is vital to not become too comfortable with ourselves. We must always strive to think beyond ourselves and use the gifts and opportunities we have been given for the betterment of humanity.

Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, for this gift of inspiration.

With deepest appreciation,

Brian Capell
New York University School of Medicine

June 30, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I cannot thank you enough for hosting and including me in this year's International Achievement Summit. It was an incredibly inspiring -- and humbling -- experience and it truly changed my life. Ever since our closing panel, I have been reflecting upon the defining moments, unforgettable experiences, and lasting friendships from our week in Washington, for which I will always feel fortunate and forever grateful. My transformational time with the Academy also yielded a series of profound personal and professional conclusions, some of which I would like to share with you.

Growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, I was enthralled with politics, government and public service, and I carried this passion with me to Princeton. In college, I developed a love for international affairs and wrote my senior thesis about HIV/AIDS in South Africa. From there, I moved to New York, where I worked as a private equity analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Co. I thoroughly enjoyed my job, but I found myself constantly worn down, gradually ensnared in the trappings of New York, and increasingly worried that my passion for service was becoming faint and frustrated. After three years in New York, I left for Harvard to pursue a concurrent degree at Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government, hoping to find ways to integrate my interest in investing and my desire to make a positive difference in society.

In this regard, the Summit and its mission perfectly embodied what I was seeking from my graduate school experience: my youthful passion was reawakened, my sense of purpose ignited and my aspirations emboldened. Over the course of four days, I was struck by several consistent themes on leadership, values I now seek to embrace in my own life: we have potential to achieve great things but relentless work and sacrifice are required -- we cannot coast, fall in love with our gifts or take them for granted; leadership is grounded in hope and optimism but these anchors can be undermined by arrogance and ego; success is an inherently selfless act -- it is about others more than it is about ourselves -- it requires that we are serious but do not take ourselves too seriously; the duty of leadership is sacred but also calls for compassion -- combining the words of Elie Wiesel, "The worst sin in life is to be a spectator," and to lead, we must "Think higher and feel deeper."

Along with these invaluable lessons about life and leadership came countless memories: witnessing the vision of President Clinton, the hope of Archbishop Tutu and the hardship of Congressman Lewis; discussing the war in Kosovo, the vexing challenges in the Middle East, and the decision to run for President with General Wesley Clark; participating in engaging conversations with authors, artists, businessmen, and politicians over meals and every night at the after-hours reception; demystifying personal glimpses revealing that within great leaders of extraordinary talent, determination and courage, real human beings can be found. This is, of course, not to mention fellow student delegates, exceptional individuals in their own right who became close friends in a matter of days and with whom I frequently stay in touch (we, the 2007 Class of the Academy of Achievement, even have our own Facebook website!).

On Friday afternoon, I went running along Pennsylvania Avenue before the Banquet of the Golden Plate. As what transpired in just a few short days began to sink in, I realized that although its significance would not likely present itself until weeks or even years later, the Summit had already given new meaning to my personal and professional journey. My past and future brought me to the Summit -- where I have been and where I hope to go -- and the Summit has inspired me to serve and contribute today, not twenty years from now. The call to do well and good is more resounding than ever; I plan to pursue my passions in business and public affairs with newfound energy and dedication and speak out whenever I can to help those in need or without a voice. No sooner did I come to these resolutions than I was asked to speak at the concluding panel, where I had the honor of sharing my reflections about the Summit, representing my peers, and even answering a question from Chris Matthews about leadership!

Thank you again for providing me and so many others with such an extraordinary opportunity. Your generosity and commitment to developing and encouraging young leaders continues to change lives of people who aspire to change the world. Just as I have rediscovered my passion and renewed my commitment to serve the greater good, each of us who attended will always be inspired by the Summit and carry with us what we learned from great leaders -- and about ourselves -- during our unforgettable week in Washington. I hope you have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you and Mr. Reynolds in the coming year at the Kennedy School.

With best wishes and deep gratitude,

Graves Tompkins
Harvard Business School and John F. Kennedy School of Government

July 5, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

When I look for commonalities among Ian Frazer, Desmond Tutu and George Lucas it becomes clear to me that achievement is to a great extent about touching the lives of others, and you have touched mine in ways that you or even I may not know yet. Please allow me to share a couple that I do know now.

This extraordinary experience has catalyzed a major shift in the way I seek to touch lives. As I mentioned on the student panel, and it is worth repeating, listening to the "secrets of success" has precipitated the end of talent as the driver for my success. Like most other student delegates, my achievements so far have been shaped to a great extent by my ability to add numbers or define words. Words like "smart" have been used to describe and, too many times, define me. As I grow, and particularly through this Summit, I learn that talent alone does not an achiever make. I ask myself if I've peaked too early or I'm just getting warmed up. David Rubenstein's words were a wakeup call for me to find that extra oomph to go to the next level, for talent to take a backseat and become one tool among many in making things happen. There is no shortage of books or speeches on leadership or achievement but it bears repeating, if only to drive home the point. But what really made the Academy special in that regard was to have the sheer breadth of journeys and fields of endeavor, and to get to interact with these national treasures long enough to get over being star-struck and get some depth or, at the very least, nuggets of inspiration and insight. For that, I am forever grateful.

I seek to touch the world through media, and the Summit gave me a timely impetus to pursue that passion. Last January, I had an idea to aid Africa's development through media, and I decided to pursue it after graduation rather than follow a path that would make it much easier to pay off my debt. Mine is a risky path, but it's a burning compulsion, so when Toni Morrison spoke of the "compulsion" that drove her to write, I found myself going "mm hm, I hear you." I was further inspired by Peyton Manning's words that once you make such a decision you can't look back. Thank you, I needed to hear that.

Above all, thank you for your sheer grace and generosity. They say we are all connected but it took your vision and generosity to touch my life, me a boy from Ghana, and put me in touch with these achievers and my fellow student delegates, all amazing and interesting people. You evidently left no stone unturned or any detail unattended in making us feel comfortable and appreciated, and making this one of the most profound experiences of my life.

Someone asked the student panel how the student delegates planned to stay in touch and I said "Facebook." Within 24 hours after the Summit we had a fast-growing Facebook group. We hope it will be an avenue for us to stay in touch with one another as we venture on our unique journeys to touch the lives of others as you have touched ours in unique ways.

The depth of my gratitude can best be expressed in my native Akan, so Mrs. Reynolds, Medaase pa paa pa!

Sincerely,

Kobina Aidoo
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

July 5, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

What a gift you have given! I have left the Academy of Achievement Summit with incredible memories and future opportunities. In my attempts to describe the Summit to friends and family, I have felt most successful when I stopped trying to describe the whole, but instead shared a few experiences. So let me share several moments from my week to illustrate my gratitude.

Our visit the first night to the Supreme Court stands out. Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Ginsberg and Kennedy shared stories, humor, and analysis informally. The room was electric with attention as Justice Ginsberg spoke with such quiet and powerful authority.

When Barack Obama spoke, he described his own journey and how his entrance into civic life was linked to another member of the Academy, Bishop Desmond Tutu. Obama's reflection on his own moment of obligation as a young college student to organize against apartheid in South Africa was a powerful reminder of the many choices and steps that a person takes before they become a well-respected leader. I loved hearing Barack Obama praise his hero, while Bishop Tutu sat in the first row, and we all sat transfixed.

For the last three years, I was a middle school English teacher in Chicago; I had a lot to talk about with Mayor Daley. I had the opportunity to have three conversations over the week with him and his wife at the Summit. We did not just shake hands or congratulate each other; we discussed specific issues like how to extend the school day in Chicago and how to improve the district's recruitment of teachers. I hadn't expected the Mayor to be so approachable or to be so interested in my perspective on the Chicago public schools, which, I suppose, is the point of the Summit. Through real dialogue, we realize that leaders, who have achieved so much in their fields, are human and approachable.

The moments between the speeches were inspiring also. I connected with numerous people in the education field, like David, the education advisor for Ted Kennedy, and Brie, a Reynolds Fellow at Harvard, but I also loved having the opportunity to talk with people so unlike me in their studies and background.

I love how unplanned themes ran through the Summit, threads that connected the advice and values of the different speakers. General Pace talked about the importance of intellectual courage, about the courage to speak when you may disagree with those in the room around you. Justice Ginsberg similarly talked about such courage, about not "calling for the home team." Another theme was the importance of taking risks and pushing oneself, from David Rubenstein challenging the student delegates to perform as well as in the second ''third'' of their life to Suzan-Lori Parks instructing us to "entertain our ideas."

I left the Summit with a call to reexamine my own plans and work, to broaden the view of my life and of my possibilities, and to hold my work in education to a higher standard. I'm still thinking about my conversations with the Mayor and Maggie Daley and how valuable our exchange was. We need more channels for this kind of real exchange of ideas between leaders in a field and the frontline. Perhaps I can be the innovator to create these channels between teachers and district leaders. This past week Mayor Daley's office has called to schedule a visit.

Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, for opening these doors.

Sara Keenan
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship
New York University

July 10, 2007

Catherine B. Reynolds
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Reynolds,

Thank you very much for hosting such a fascinating Summit; I was honored to be the first student attending it from Georgetown's Public Policy Institute.

The most insistent message of the conference was to reiterate the power of the individual in shaping change. In my home country, Great Britain, any similar event held would be far more muted about individual power. Studying in the U.S. has allowed me to benefit from this difference in culture. That said, your foundation's "bet on the individual" to make a difference -- albeit in a multitude of fields -- laid out a strong challenge to attending students as the quid pro quo for such wonderful stimulation and hospitality.

In thinking about my own role in the future, I realized afresh that one of my strengths is in seeing and managing inter-linkages between the normally "siloed" issues and solutions: that environmental sustainability can link into job creation; that preventing and managing disasters cuts across health, education and economic development and so on. In the short-term then, I will continue to explore multiple issues in more depth. For example, I want to organi