Testimonials

WOW! Overwhelming day at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Early in the morning, the walk to the Institute is a solitary experience in silence. I finally get to meet the fellow scholars for the second session, among them: Robert (wonder what's it like to raise 25 million $ in one night), Val, Lana (such an inspiration...the optimism in the woman that has to see war and hate everyday, and struggles to bring normalcy in a region that has not had it for so long is a powerful lesson), Abby, Satoshi (or a Japanese in the Middle East), Jenni and some many others, each with its own quest to change things, to make it better for one and all... both inspiring and humbling...

After the too brief discussion masterfully moderated by Peter Reiling, the day starts with a bang, or to be more precise, with a Hennessy. The Stanford President John Hennessy. The passion for his job, for his university, for education, for innovation should be inherent in all Universities Presidents. During the speech, I kept on wondering how such an academic can make a difference, be a role model for his students, be down-to-earth about his objectives, inspire and drive, have a vision. A real leader in the academia.

We need more people like him in the Romanian education system, and not just because we mentioned as a possible way to drive forward the system the doubling of the math and science teachers in schools.

Aspen Ideas Festival - drawing the blueprints of a better world

When arriving at the Aspen Ideas Festival, you will feel truly blessed. Not only because of the wonderful scenery and welcoming city dwellers of Aspen, Colorado, but mostly due to the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by exceptionally talented and determined individuals. 

As a Fellow of Aspen Institute, I had the chance to listen to some of the brightest minds of the world as they put forward answers to these questions. Travelling back from Aspen was two short hops and a long haul. But it felt like I had just made a huge leap into the world.