Saran Green Camara

Memories to last a lifetime 🎓

With Wolf Blitzer , the distinguished journalist, CNN anchor, and member of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) class of 1972, who also delivered the 2026 Commencement Address.

During the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wolf Blitzer received an honorary degree, Johns Hopkins University’s highest recognition, from President Ronald J. Daniels.

It was truly an honor to shake hands with him and receive his congratulations.

I am honored to be featured in the latest issue of Manhattan Magazine.

The United States has long been referred to as “The Great Experiment,” a phrase that captures the nation’s founding principles and the unprecedented attempt to establish a government based on democracy, equality, and liberty. This idea suggests that the United States was not simply a new country but a bold experiment in governance, one whose outcome was uncertain and whose success would influence future democracies around the world. The origins of this term, often associated with early American leaders like George Washington, lie in the radical notion that people could govern themselves without a monarchy or autocracy—a concept untested on such a large scale at the time.

When the United States was founded in the late 18th century, monarchies dominated the global political landscape. The American Revolution challenged the prevailing view that power should be centralized in the hands of kings or emperors. Instead, the Founding Fathers sought to create a system grounded in the Enlightenment ideals of popular sovereignty and individual rights. In this way, the very notion of the U.S. as “The Great Experiment” reflected the hope—and risk—that a democratic government could succeed where others had failed. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton emphasized this in their writings, underscoring the delicacy and necessity of balancing liberty and order within a new constitutional framework.

At its heart, the American experiment centered on three principles: representative democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of individual freedoms. The Founders knew the risks inherent in this approach. They feared the tyranny of both an unchecked majority and a despotic central authority. The result was a system of checks and balances, federalism, and the Bill of Rights—mechanisms designed to ensure that no single person or group could monopolize power. It was, as George Washington famously described, a fragile venture: the success of the republic depended on the people’s willingness to uphold democratic norms and civic virtues.

Throughout U.S. history, the experiment has been tested in myriad ways. The Civil War posed an existential threat to the union, challenging the nation’s commitment to equality and raising questions about its democratic endurance. The civil rights movement of the 20th century similarly forced America to confront its failures to deliver on the promises of liberty and justice for all. These struggles illustrate the experimental nature of American democracy: it is not a static achievement but a continuous endeavor requiring active participation and constant reevaluation.

In contemporary times, the phrase “The Great Experiment” has taken on new meanings and challenges. Globalization, technological change, and political polarization test the durability of the American model. Debates over voting rights, economic inequality, and the role of institutions highlight how the experiment remains ongoing, requiring adjustments to safeguard democracy’s core principles. Yet, the very fact that the United States continues to evolve and grapple with these issues is a testament to the experiment’s resilience.

The idea of America as “The Great Experiment” is as relevant today as it was at the nation’s founding. It reminds us that democracy is not guaranteed but must be nurtured and defended. As long as Americans remain committed to the principles of self-governance and civic responsibility, the experiment continues—imperfect, ever-evolving, but full of promise for future generations. The phrase captures both the fragility and the potential of a nation built on the radical premise that people can govern themselves while striving to create a more perfect union.

As a young professional and graduate student, I had so much fun capturing these professional portraits of me. They remind me that upward mobility through education is not a distant ideal but a goal within reach when societies commit to equitable opportunities. Investing in education is investing in the promise of individuals, communities, and the future. Each story of educational triumph serves as a reminder of what is possible when we dare to envision a world where every student’s potential is realized.