Abundance in Aspen

For each cohort, Bezos Scholars programming starts in May, with a focus on building relationships and community while engaging in monthly virtual sessions and workshops. Every year, the program experience includes an unforgettable week in June in Aspen, Colorado. We hope you enjoy these creative and inspiring perspectives from six Scholars to learn more about what they did, who they met, and most of all, how they felt.

Hold Your Breath, Count to Three

By Educator Scholar, Tiffany Clyde

“I’m too old to be childish. But I’m not too old to be childlike.” Those wise words came from the inimitable young adult author, Jason Reynolds, who confirmed that I wasn’t just experiencing high-altitude acclimation, but rather a genuine feeling of giddy anticipation for what the Bezos Scholars Program (BSP) would reveal to us next.

Since day one, I have equated the Aspen Scholar experience to being a golden ticket winner, like in the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. I equate it to when Wonka cracked open the door of the chocolate room, where “all of [his] dreams become realities and some of [his] realities become dreams.” Our BSP agenda combined with Aspen Ideas Festival offerings left me wide-eyed, and I couldn’t wait to run like a child through the Aspen Institute campus and experience everything.

Each morning started in the beautiful Boettcher Seminar Building on campus, where we fed our bodies amazing food from the Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, Mawa’s Kitchen, and fed our minds with guidance from the inspiring BSP staff. Managing Director, Chris Plutte, set us in motion by empowering us to practice “20 seconds of courage” as we navigated the week. So, when a fellow educator asked if I’d “go be brave with [her]”, we set out to flex our newfound courage at the festival.

Brightly colored banners, gourmet goodies, and the scent of food from various cultures drew us through the grounds. Festival passes hung around attendees’ necks, with a large font emphasizing first names. These details created an instant sense of community and incited subtle shifts in mindsets that broke down barriers, allowing energy to be diverted from trepidation into making new connections.

Like kids unleashed in a candy store, we took full advantage of the unfettered access to the hundreds of CEOs, researchers, artists, politicians, and coaches attending the festival. Wonka contrived everlasting gobstoppers as an economic option and lick-able wallpaper as a safe alternative to lead-based paint. Here, recognizable names from industries across the globe invited attendees into conversations about real problems. Exploring prismatic perspectives illuminated just how tangled and multifaceted humanity’s challenges are. I nearly set my paper on fire as I feverishly scribbled notes on the insights, questions, and potential directions each session generated, my view of the world rapidly expanding.

Take the session I attended with researcher and author Brené Brown and researcher and AI academic Kate Crawford. As an English teacher, I am all too familiar with generative AI, but I had not considered its environmental effects. I didn’t know that by 2030, generative AI will be using as much energy as Japan and India—a problematic carbon footprint to say the least. Crawford shared that fewer than ten people were controlling AI for the other nine billion of us and queried, “Where are the guardrails?” Brown built on this thought with the research-backed truth that “Powerlessness is the most dangerous emotion we experience.” The pairing of human studies with tech design offered a profound look into the bigger picture.

Our afternoons at Boettcher offered more intimate roundtables with notable speakers who challenged us to dig even deeper into the layers of our curiosities and capabilities. Celebrated New York Times Columnist David Brooks asked, “What problem are you here to solve?”, a question at the crux of the BSP Community Change Project task. In a subsequent discussion, psychologist and professor Angela Duckworth impressed upon us that paths to success are not linear, and that you have to know when to grit, when to quit, and when to rest because “Not 100% of the things people say will be helpful.” Dialogue, she said, always beats out monologue, and those at the top didn’t get there by themselves, but rather by listening to others.

I left for Aspen thinking I knew my Scholar’s Community Change Project goals and how we would implement them. When our return flight home touched down, I heard Wonka’s voice in my head again: “Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three.” I know our next ten months in the program will be built in 20-second increments as we courageously engage in dialogue that starts with our community’s dreams.

---

The Week My Mind Never Went Idle and My Heart Stayed Full

By Student Scholar, Parsmi Rajput

From the moment I stepped into Aspen’s embrace, welcomed by the fresh, evergreen air, towering mountains, and vibrant energy, I knew the experience would redefine me and my purpose. The week I spent in Aspen with Bezos Scholars Program students, educators, and staff wasn’t just a component of a program that needed to be completed, but rather a revelation and space where my mind, heart, and soul were perpetually engaged in ways I had never experienced. Every moment pulsed with abundance. Abundance in love, abundance in growth, and in conversations that nourished me deeply, leaving no space or room for anything less.

What struck me most was the absence of a desire for “rest” as I’d known it. Back home, I would often retreat to screens to unwind, mistaking disengagement for relaxation. In Aspen, rest wasn’t an escape I sought but was found in moments woven into the fabric of our days. Whether we were indulging in discussions at the Aspen Ideas Festival, laughing late into the night in the hotel lobby, or sharing vulnerable truths with newfound friends, I was constantly refreshed while being engaged. This was a paradox I had never truly encountered so far: a healthy, non-exhausting stimulation that kept my mind alive and my heart full. It felt unreal, like discovering a new way to exist.

Along with the richness I experienced in having a new sense of daily purpose, my fellow Scholars became “my people” in a way I never thought possible. For all of us who spent years navigating social circles with carefully curated masks, Aspen was an environment of liberation. After arriving at the hotel and seeing one another in person for the first time, fears of judgment dissolved. I didn’t just feel accepted; I believed, for the first time, that I was beautiful, capable, smart, worthy, and part of a special community. We all did.

Towards the beginning of our time together, we formed a community agreement, which is an activity to collectively develop a set of norms and principles that guide how we want to inclusively and respectfully engage with one another. Adriana, one of the BSP staff, shared the suggestion to replace the word “being” with “practicing,” which sparked a shift in me. I realized it wasn’t just about words that spill out of our mouths, but about intentionally choosing language that reflects growth and inclusivity. To “be” implies something that doesn’t change, while to “practice” implies the purposeful, repeated effort to build a skill, habit, or way of being. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up consistently, learning through action and improving over time.

One final recollection during a quiet evening when we shared personal stories, dreams and fears summarizes the experience. Though tears fell heavily, they were lightened with hands on shoulders and comforting voices. We weren’t just a group, but truly a family, bound together over an amazing week that somehow felt like years of knowing one another. Even now, back home, daily calls with my cohort keep that bond alive, a reminder that Aspen wasn’t a passing moment but the start of something enduring and life-long.

I’m coming home with more than memories and life lessons—I’m bringing a purpose-driven mindset rooted in engagement over escape, and intentionality over habit. I’m building community with people who truly see me. Aspen showed me that growth replenishes rather than depletes. It was a week of being proved wrong in the best ways—meeting people and perspectives none of us expected. This experience showed me that time spent in spaces of love and authenticity is priceless. There are no perfect words to capture what it means to be a Bezos Scholar, but these reflections offer a glimpse into the life-changing opportunities this program creates. Thank you to the BSP team and Bezos Family Foundation for taking the chance with each and every one of us. Our worlds have been changed for the better. As I move forward with my Community Change Project, I will continue to practice giving grace to myself and others, and the world I am confident we all will impact.

---

A Story Inspired by the Aspen Ideas Festival

By Educator Scholar, Jennifer Pickering

Once the light from the closest star dimmed from our planet’s orbit, the light from all the other stars shone brightly.

The time has come for serious change in communities across the globe, from San Diego, California, to Mutare, Zimbabwe. While recent advances in technology and finance have created significant wealth, the benefits have not been evenly shared. It’s now essential to equip young people with the tools and opportunities to challenge systemic barriers and help build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

The 2025 cohort of Scholars met in a valley nestled between the Rocky Mountains just west of the Continental Divide. At the Aspen Ideas Festival, we attended, thousands of voices came together to discuss and question the directions our nations are taking. The colorful tents we gathered under were surrounded by nature and humming with humanist optimism, an effort to foster open-minded collaboration.

Young ones — do not follow and replay the vintage vinyl spun on stage! Don’t just follow what’s always been done because it looks polished or has history. Question it. Remix it. Make it your own. Ask questions and speak your mind, as it is your turn to shine. Just like the Broad-tailed Hummingbird gathers bits and pieces of organic matter to build a nest to incubate their eggs and fledglings, Bezos Scholars have been gathering ideas and data to build a “structure” on how to grow their Community Change Projects.

Just like our ecosystems have an interdependent relationship, Scholars are constructing networks of leaders, thinkers and great speakers. Through investing time and ideas with their peers, educators, program directors and community leaders, young catalysts of change have been ignited and charged with designing free, just and equitable societies.

Watching these students assemble probing questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue left all the adults in awe. We developed a cohort that listened, questioned and played together. They supported each other with snaps and words of encouragement as they found their voice, explored their values and shared their passions.

Our week ended as we each went our separate ways and returned to our families. Lessons from the experience we brought home included:

As the seasons bring change to our landscape, so will these rising seniors bring change to their home communities. I look forward to updating you on their progress.

---

Ambition for Change

By Student Scholar, Sally Awuku

I stepped off the plane with a clenched jaw, upset stomach and the sensation of gallons of water in my ear, and left with purpose and fervor. Coming from the bustling city of New York and stepping into the most picturesque Hallmark town of Aspen was surreal. As I rode the shuttle into town for the first time, I unraveled into a babbling mess—rambling on in the hopes of comprehending the immense opportunity I’d been granted. Seeing the snowcapped mountains during the fervent summer is just one example of how truly unique the Aspen experience was.

As I attended my first session at the Ideas Festival, I was enthralled by the entrancing poem shared and spoken by world-renowned poet and author Emtithal Mahmoud, who passionately conveyed the genocide in her home country of Sudan and her experience as a refugee. Her words captivated me, and throughout the festival, I was inspired to not only understand the immensity of her words but also to advocate for my community as she does hers.

During the festival, countless people attend as various sessions often happen simultaneously. As a Bezos Student Scholar, I never felt insignificant. Rather, the week was complete with dozens of people who wanted our opinions and were curious to learn our insights as young people. This adventure stimulated nuanced conversations and meaningful connections. For example, psychologist and professor Angela Duckworth was one of the notable speakers for the program. She delved into the importance of choosing when to grit, when to quit and when to rest. As I listened to her speak about the experiences which led her to be the person she is, I reflected on my experiences, ambitions and how I can integrate this ideology in my life. I realized I don’t have to develop an ingenious idea that has never been done before. She taught me that sometimes the best ideas are borrowed and redesigned from preexisting ideas.

This experience wasn’t only a time to learn and listen to the many notable speakers and attendees, it was also an opportunity to make real connections. Along with the dozens of people I connected with during the bright and cheerful environment, I also got closer to the 16 other students in my cohort. Something about being in the scenic and pleasant town of Aspen opened our hearts and minds. These previously unknown people grew to be the ones I looked forward to seeing every morning.

In all, the Aspen experience was overflowing with excitement, reflection and ambition. Ambition for change, innovation and impact. The insightful conversations were furnished by the towering yet serene mountainous scene. It stirred up my curiosity and left me wanting more…an adventure I will embark on in my home community when starting my own Community Change Project.

---

A Week in the Mountains

By Student Scholar, Shaurya Kante

Three hours past our curfew, around a table in the lobby of our hotel, laughing so hard my stomach started to burn, I realized that I would never forget this moment.

On the flight into Aspen, the turbulence awoke me from my slumber. After getting off a flight that felt like Space Mountain (and breathing a sigh of relief), I was struck by the vastness and peace of the surrounding and expansive Elk Mountains. Driving into town, the charm of Aspen consumed me. The thin, crisp air, every street lined with bright flowers, all surrounded by the green, snow-capped mountains.

Arriving at the hotel, I braced myself for the initial awkwardness of meeting new people. We were strangers, flown in from all over the world, each carrying our own unique stories, hopes, dreams and anxieties. All surrounded by our own protective walls. Over the course of our week together, as we meandered along the streets of Aspen exploring, the walls quickly fell.

Amidst the intellectual buzz of the Aspen Ideas Festival, a community began to grow. Conversations budded on the morning walks (while pretending not to be winded by the high altitude). While on the Aspen Institute campus, we were enveloped by lush green lawns, towering trees and breathtaking natural beauty around every corner. Our surroundings (along with program staff, Molly and Adriana) encouraged us to reflect deeply. To be vulnerable. All of which opened the way for powerful, heartfelt conversations.

Our community also revealed itself through joy, like when my feet felt frozen after playing “beach” volleyball barefoot at 6 a.m. in the park by our hotel. Or when riding in a gondola, hanging midair to get to the top of Aspen Mountain. Every time a certain Scholar (who won’t be named) would go out of her way to ogle and pet every dog in sight. When students got just a little too loud while playing a game of Spoons. Every moment, whether it was overwhelming, frightening or inspiring, began to feel surreal and expected at the same time.

On the flight home, as I watched the mountains slowly fade from view, I realized that the magic of Aspen came not just from the breathtaking scenery or cool people I met, but from the vulnerability, authenticity and moments spent amongst our cohort, now a family.

Now back at home, sitting in bed, basking in the light of my computer screen as I reflect on our time together, I find myself seeking to recreate what we built in Aspen. The community we built together has changed me—rooted in care, laughter, and challenge—and I know the connections we’ve made will stay with me for life.

---

Gratitude and Lessons from Aspen Ideas Festival

By Educator Scholar, Priscilla Grijalva

I am beyond grateful to be recognized as a Bezos Scholar. 13 educators and 17 students from across the U.S. and Africa were selected to create Community Change Projects to meet urgent needs in their home communities. Part of the experience is spending a week together in Aspen, CO. As a high school counselor, my students inspire me every day, and this experience reminded me just how powerful youth voice, courage, and community can be. I am grateful to my student, Turner, for nominating me to join him on this journey.

We had the incredible opportunity to learn from thought leaders at the Aspen Ideas Festival, where bold conversations and meaningful moments sparked lasting inspiration. Here are a few quotes that deeply moved me from the amazing voices we heard:

“You deserve to be here now. Here deserves you now to be.”
—Hatim Eltayeb, CEO of the African Leadership Academy.

This quote was shared by student Scholar, Lubanzi, reminding us to be present, that we belong, and to enjoy the ride.

“Don’t let people who don’t matter too much, matter too much. Nothing is promised. Live in a way you would be proud.”
—Wes Moore, Maryland Governor

Moore, who was referencing the concept of living your eulogy, not your resume, reminded us to prioritize values over achievements and to live in a way that aligns with how we want to be remembered, not just how we want to be admired.

“Have 20 seconds of courage when having self-doubt. It will open doors.”
—Chris Plutte, Bezos Family Foundation Managing Director

“You can’t have hope without uncertainty. Are you the realest version of you?”
—Sam Sanders, journalist, radio host, and podcaster

“If you feel hopeless, you’re not around young people enough. If you want to be great, excellence must be a habit.”
—Jason Reynolds, author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

“We often fail from lack of confidence. Put yourself out there, even when it’s hard.”
—Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect and professor

“‘I don’t know’ is a good answer. Grit isn’t just internal; it’s who you surround yourself with.”
—Angela Duckworth, psychologist, author, and professor

And then, a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. I was able to have a one-on-one conversation with professional basketball player and coach Steve Kerr. As a kid watching the Chicago Bulls, he motivated me to practice basketball daily. Basketball helped pave my path to college, and I finally got to thank him for inspiring me. I hope I can offer the same inspiration and motivation to Turner and every student I support.

As a program, we wanted to close these reflections with a heartfelt thank you to every Scholar who helped craft this story and to our incredible partners in Aspen who help us host and care for Scholars while they are there. Mike and Jackie Bezos, thank you for your vision and generosity. This program and experience in Aspen would be not possible without your continued belief in young leaders’ power and potential.