Last week Erin and I attended the first annual National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Convention in Philadelphia, PA. NSCS is a premier honor organization that not only honors academic achievement but also inspires a lifetime of engaged citizenship.

From the minute we arrived at the hotel Thursday evening, we could feel the energy and excitement of the students as everyone was getting checked in and prepared for the opening session. We knew we were in for quite an experience!

After a few opening remarks, the convention was kicked-off with an amazing speaker. Bill Strickland, President & CEO of Manchest Bidwell Corporation, told his incredible story about how he rebuilt a near bankrupt training center in inner-city Pittsburgh into a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired facility where thousands of people have raised themselves out of poverty and into full-time employment.

Bill’s philosophy is simply stated in a quote he repeated throughout the presentation, “Put people in a world class facility and they will become world class people.” I think everybody left the session as we did, full of hope that each of us can make a difference.

On Friday members attended workshops on a variety of topics such as GMAT preparations, resume writing, budgeting, networking, and traveling abroad. I wish I would have had time to sit in on a few workshops myself.

We really enjoyed meeting several students at our workshop about getting involved with First Book. After what one student called, “…the most depressing Jeopardy game ever!” where we highlighted statistics about poverty and illiteracy rates, we told the students about how they could turn those statistics around by bringing First Book to their communities.

The Friday afternoon keynote speakers were equally as inspiring as Mr. Strickland. First, Lee Bienstock, a NSCS member, told the audience about how leadership, networking skills, confidence, and the power of positive thinking led him to be the youngest finalist on the Donald Trump reality television series “The Apprentice”. I personally like the story about how he always brought a book to read in the much feared “Board Room” to help him stay calm and keep things in perspective.

Chris Ferguson, a NASA astronaut, then shared his experience of being a pilot of the Space Shuttle Atlantis with amazing photos and awesome video clips. We’ve changed our minds, we want to be astronauts when we grow up! 18 sunrises and sunsets in one day…I can only imagine!

We went to the convention to inspire students but found ourselves inspired in return. Thank you NSCS for letting us be a part of an amazing first convention. We can’t wait for next year in Orlando!