Queen's Law student interns at Clinton Global Initiative

Photo Courtesy of the Clinton Global Initiative

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton shakes hands with Alex Patrick, Law '10, at the Clinton Foundation office in New York City during Alex's summer 2008 internship.

When Alex Patrick, Law '10, bought a magazine with former president Bill Clinton on the cover, he had no idea it would lead to meeting the man himself. After reading about the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which facilitates cross-sector partnerships with the goal of improving the lives of citizens world-wide, Alex decided he wanted to contribute. He spent the summer of 2008 in New York City, interning at CGI.

CGI works to build a network of philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, governments and heads of state, in order to address global social and political issues such as poverty, energy and climate change. Its work culminates each fall with an Annual Meeting in New York City, where participants gather to address pressing problems and network with others working in similar fields.

"I knew I had to be a part of CGI," said Alex, "so I applied and wrote an essay about how what they are doing affected me - that it was better business, a better way of doing things and a better way of making a difference."

What sparked Alex's interest was the program's rational way of approaching current issues. By proposing profitable solutions, the CGI model contributes to economic growth, while assisting those in need.

"The Clinton Foundation was able to broker a deal with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers for daily HIV medication for Africa," said Alex. "This is what interested me; it avoids the waste commonly associated with giving foreign aid, and instead creates a profitable situation for pharmaceutical companies while still serving the public good."

During Alex's internship he was responsible for researching potential speakers and panellists for the Annual Meeting. He was able to finance his summer with support from the Torys Public Interest Summer Internship Award program administered by Queen's Law, which gave him a grant.

At the end of summer, Alex was given the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Annual Meeting, where the speakers included now president-elect Barack Obama, Al Gore and Bill Gates; he was able to meet public figures including former president Clinton, Bono and Muhammad Ali.

Alex attributes the critical and analytical thinking skills he used in the internship to his Queen's Law education.

"Queen's taught me to think critically and analytically in areas in which I am not an expert," said Alex. "I was able to consider the information I had and make rational judgments."

The opportunity to be constantly learning was a highlight of the internship for Alex, as was experiencing the urban culture of New York City. However, the greatest moment came when he was able to witness the results of his efforts at the Annual Meeting.

"Seeing so many people come together, seeing all the people I was researching in action, was the most amazing thing I could ever conceive happening," said Alex. "It's moved me to consider a career in public service."