GVPT student Julianne Albuquerque Barros recently shared her experience attending the 75th Student Conference on US Affairs (SCUSA) at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

"Having the opportunity to attend SCUSA this year was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Julianne wrote. She described the conference as an eye-opening journey that combined simulated policy discussions with an immersive introduction to military life.

While grappling with topics such as American polarization and the US in a multipolar world, Julianne found the most impactful part of SCUSA was connecting with the cadets. "It was surreal listening to their stories," she noted, "From jumping out of airplanes in the skydiving club to enduring brutal Army Ranger training for the world's toughest combat conditions, and even trekking three hours through the mountains on a broken ankle to cross the finish line, their bravery was nothing short of astonishing—the kind I had only seen in movies," she shared. "SCUSA did the important job of personalizing those who serve in the military, as someone who never had any relatives who have," she reflected.

Julianne enthusiastically recommends SCUSA to anyone interested in working for the government, military perspectives, or stepping outside their comfort zone. "It was unlike any other academic conference I'd attended, and I'm confident it would be for you, too," she concluded.