Education

FEATURE ARTICLE

MILLENNIAL EXPERIENCES THE 2014 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCILS OF AMERICA NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

Guest entering the ballroom as the 2014 World Affairs Council of America National Conference convening on the November 5-7, 2014.

In the lounge area of the Capital Room restaurant adjacent to the lobby of the Fairfax at Embassy Row hotel, greetings are exchanged among guest converging near the open bar. Formerly known as The Jockey club, the legendary Washington, D.C. restaurant is host to cocktail reception for guest who’ve travel from around the country, with lights dimmed low and smell of wine and shrimp hors d’oeuvres surrounding them. Among the guest are group of young college students, one of which is Jalyn Evans of Pittsburgh. In her grey pants suit and sophisticated braided low bun, Evans exudes confidence as she stated that, “feels excited and a bit anxious, but most of all pumped to get to know everyone, especially the other college students.”

As stories of who traveled the farthest is lively debated among the fifteen college students from around the country, attention draws to Bill Clifford, president and CEO of World Affairs Councils of America, who inform the crowd the ballroom is ready and set for dinner to begin. Evans and the other students, representing their perspective

Jalyn Evans looks on as Bill Clifford, President and CEO of World Affair Council of America, welcome guest to open the 2014 World Affairs Council of America National Conference convening on November, 5-7, 2014 at Washington, D.C.

councils, have been awarded scholarship from the Council and are to begin their experience attending the 2014 World Affair Councils of America National Conference. Held annually for over two decades, the Conference engages the national network’s leaders and members drawn from the business, civic, and education communities with leading policy-makers and experts. The Conference this year focused on America and the World 2015, and convened from November 5-7.

As the migration of guest slowly begins, makes it’s way through the hotel lobby, and finally onto their seats at one of twelve tables in the 2,600 square feet space. With white and gold colors accentuating the grandeur chandeliers and 19 foot ceilings, President Clifford officially welcomes distinguished guests and speakers to the 2014 World Affairs Councils of America National Conference.

The 2014 National Conference agenda will discuss and examine various topics, including: China; Cybersecurity; Youth, Jobs, and Social Unrest; Future of Energy; and Climate Change.

Keynote Speaker Gen. David G. Perkins of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

Throughout the conference, Evans was most interested and looking forward to keynote speech by Gen. David G. Perkins of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Introduced by James Falk, the president and CEO of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, the information and knowledge he shared with guest and was impacting, as he asserted that, “the future is unknown, unknowing, and constantly changing because it’s a complex world.” While audience were captivated by his intelligence, Gen. Perkins was funny, relaxed, and easily conveyed his concept to never lose clarity in search of accuracy.

Another speaker who made an impact on Evans was Dr. Moises Naim, best-selling author and internationally-syndicated columnist. His talk about the end of power for powerful nations like America, and the dilemma America faces on whether it should be involved in middle east conflicts or fight ISIS was important for Evans, “as it’s on the news lately.” Also, she appreciated and enjoyed reading Dr. Naim’s lately test book, End of Power, for which everyone attending the Conference received free of charge.

Jalyn Evans, stands third from left, with fellow college students stand for commemorative picture at the Mexican Embassy on November 6, 2014.

Her most memorable experience of the conference was in the second day of the Conference, where guest had pleasure of visiting one of three embassies whichhosted a reception in our honor.Evans and few other scholarship recipients visited the Embassy of Mexican in Washington, D.C., where she had a lovely time even without the chance of meeting the ambassador himself due to an emergency.

Even with a jam packed schedule for the three day she stayed in Washington, D.C., Evans had chance to explore and visit popular attraction of the city. After walking through the Washington monuments, she and small group consisting of other students and directors of the Columbus, Ohio branch visited the landmark W Hotel rooftop bar and enjoyed some quality down time. It was only fair that throughout her time attending the 2014 World Affair Council of America National Conference,what Evans takes away most is the chance of meeting, socializing, and interacting with fellow college students who she can relate, and stated that, “ YES! The scholarship recipients were awesome.”

To read more about the 2014 World Affairs Councils of America, Click Here.

For more information on the World Affairs Councils of America, Click Here.

PHOTOJOURNALISM WITH CAPTION