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My second stop was Chicago, Illinois, where The Great Connections helped me turn those lessons inward. It was not a lecture but a chance to learn to think for myself. Each day began with introspection, guided by Marsha Enright\u2019s idea that true freedom starts within. We were encouraged to question not just our beliefs but the reasons behind them. We explored logical fallacies and saw how public debate and even policy can be built on weak arguments. This was a powerful reminder of how easily decisions can be swayed when arguments rest on poor logic or emotional manipulation.
Another unforgettable session focused on John Locke\u2019s view of property. He argued that ownership comes from mixing labour with the natural world. He also warned against spoiling or wasting resources. This made me think about what property rights mean in my own situation. As an environmental science student, I couldn’t help but connect Locke\u2019s warning about waste to climate change and resource overuse in Western Australia. I also thought about how his ideas contrast with Indigenous sovereignty, where land is viewed in terms of stewardship and cultural connection rather than strict ownership. These reflections reminded me that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. Government must ensure that innovation is encouraged while also protecting people and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the most memorable part of Chicago wasn\u2019t just the city; it was the people. I formed great connections both intellectually and personally. The city itself became a classroom, whether we were walking along the lakefront, navigating the subway, or sharing meals with friends. I will always remember those final nights in the dorms, cooking together, playing music, and talking late into the night. These friendships and shared reflections helped solidify ideas and created memories that will last well beyond the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My experiences also closely aligned with CERI\u2019s mission back in Perth. CERI aims to create an environment where entrepreneurs feel empowered to think independently, take risks, and build lasting ventures. This echoed what I learned in both Charlottesville and Chicago: a thriving society relies on individuals who innovate, supported by institutions that create the right conditions. Western Australia has immense potential in technology, sustainability, and resources, yet start-ups often deal with slow approval processes and complex regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These challenges are an opportunity for the government to promote growth by simplifying processes and enhancing support networks. By enabling rather than hindering, we can create the space where new ideas can flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying for the scholarship to go to the US was the best choice I could have made as a university student. This trip was definitely the highlight of my Mannkal […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":190,"featured_media":21322,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mannkal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Picture3.jpg\")
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