Connections, connections, connections! Whether they were personal, intellectual, or emotional, connections have been the major theme of the Human Development Conference for me thus far. The first day of the conference started off with a meet- and-greet lunch for any students who had studied abroad and conducted research with SIT (the School for International Training). Within thirty minutes, I had met a handful of people who had led similar journeys to my own.  From talking with two girls who had traveled to Jaipur, India and Zanzibar, Tanzania (both places where I’d lived or studied in the past) for their research, to meeting someone who had been on the same program that I had in Jordan, the conversation was fruitful and thought provoking. There is something inherently special about meeting people who share my wanderlust bug, who understand that untiring lust to see and learn more about the world. I met amazing students with amazing stories from all around the country, each of who had something new to teach me. I quickly came to appreciate SIT so much more, as it was affording me an endless network of future connections. What is more, my fellow SIT alum showed earnest support and interest in my presentation. They challenged me with stimulating questions on the Christian Zionist Lobby and the conflict in Israel-Palestine. Though my research topic can sometimes seem to controversial to discuss in a public forum, I felt extremely privileged to be surrounded by peers that encouraged uncomfortable conversations and healthy debate.