Since returning home to Brisbane, my mind has not stopped thinking about our week spent in the United States. I have encountered so many new people, places, and experiences that are sure to remain at the forefront of my mind for a long time to come. Additionally, being in Texas entrenched in me a newfound admiration for the Americans in the way they proudly love their country, and the passionate, friendly culture they uphold in the south.
Leading up to the trip, I wasn’t too sure what to expect of the United States; we’ve all heard about the limitless fast food, exaggerated patriotism, and political headlines that frequently feature on the global stage. While a lot of the world finds the patriotic element of American culture to be unusually intense, it is indisputable that people are happier to live in their country when they love their country. Moreover, there is a stronger drive to work for, sing for, and fight for the country and its future.
As someone who has lived in Australia my whole life, this was by far the biggest contrast I noticed culturally, since it often feels as if we’re not allowed to be proud of our country; the very concept of celebrating the country every year has become controversial. I believe it would be largely beneficial to encourage a growth of national pride in Australia - put up more Australian flags, sing the national anthem with passion, and highlight the many achievements of our country rather than purely criticise the past.
Attending CPAC USA was a significantly beneficial experience for myself and the other young conservatives on the trip – not only due to the various speakers, but also because of the networking element. I met so many young conservatives from around the United States, and it is truly encouraging to know that no matter how much of an outlier you’ll be on university campus, there is a broader global community who unite by the same core values. From getting to know a circle of like-minded people, both Australian and American, it has fuelled me with more confidence to challenge the mainstream political agenda that is pushed on Gen Z.
I would like to sincerely thank all of those who have contributed to the CPAC Global Explorers program – this sort of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime! I look forward to advancing my learning, confidence, and involvement in Australian politics, and together with other strong conservative voices, we can continue the mission to secure Australia’s future for the generations to come.
The Global Explorers program is made possible by the generosity of our CPAC donors. Applications for 2027 will open later this year — stay tuned for details.
Think this could be you? Learn more about the Global Explorers program here and start getting ready.