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

"I am deeply grateful to UMD's Government and Politics Department for selecting me to represent the university," May wrote. "This transformative experience deepened my professional understanding and reshaped me personally."

SCUSA allowed May to gain insights into the U.S. military's multifaceted roles, particularly in foreign policy, by learning directly from military personnel. "Collaborating with peers and cadets to tackle how the United States' political system navigates the challenges of multipolarity was both intellectually demanding and profoundly inspiring," she shared. Guided by her committee's cadets, May explored how the U.S. balances its international development role with domestic needs. "These discussions challenged many of my preconceived notions and exposed me to how the military evaluates global conflicts and makes critical decisions that civilians are often privileged not to consider," she reflected.

May also highlighted the distinctive environment at West Point. "From staying in the barracks to dining alongside cadets, the brief immersion into their disciplined environment was both eye-opening and a privilege," she said. Through these experiences, May left SCUSA with greater knowledge and a renewed determination to embrace differing viewpoints and seek innovative solutions to pressing global issues.

She credited the cadets who made her experience unforgettable. "Special shoutout to CDT. Pierce Hall, CDT. Will Greenway, and CDT. Storm Stern—you guys are the embodiment of leadership and selflessness. Beyond grateful for everything and our friendship," May wrote.

May sees SCUSA as a defining moment in her career journey. "The lessons and perspectives I gained during those three days will remain vital as I navigate a career in foreign policy," she concluded.