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30 Influential Rhodes Scholars Who Transformed the World

Ever heard of Rhodes Scholars? They’re pretty cool folks who’ve done some amazing stuff. Imagine this: 30 individuals, all Rhodes Scholars, have made big changes in the world. From presidents and prime ministers to scientists and activists, these people have left their mark.

You might know some of them, like former US President Bill Clinton or Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. But there are others too, like environmental activist David Suzuki and astronaut Michael Collins. They’ve tackled big issues like climate change, human rights, and space exploration.

And guess what? They all started out as Rhodes Scholars, studying at the University of Oxford in England. So, join me on this journey to discover the stories of these 30 influential Rhodes Scholars who have transformed the world. It’s gonna be an exciting ride!

1. Bill Clinton

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He used to be the big boss of the United States, yup, the President! He did lots of good things for people, like making the economy better and helping with education. But before all that, he was a Rhodes Scholar. That means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. Bill Clinton learned a lot there and met important people too. Later on, he used what he learned to help make the world a better place. Even after being President, he still helps out with charity work and stuff. So, Bill Clinton isn’t just a big-shot leader, he’s also a smart Rhodes Scholar who made a big difference in the world. Cool, right?

2. Terence Tao

He’s really good at math, like really, really good. He’s like a math superhero! Terence studied numbers and shapes and all that cool stuff. He figured out new things that nobody else could. People call him a genius! But you know what’s even cooler? Terence Tao was a Rhodes Scholar. That means he got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he met other smart people and learned even more about math. Terence used his brainpower to solve big math problems that even grown-ups couldn’t figure out. He’s like a math wizard! Thanks to Terence Tao, we know more about how numbers work, and that’s pretty awesome. So, next time you’re doing math homework, just remember, Terence Tao was once a Rhodes Scholar too!

3. Naomi Wolf

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She’s someone who talks a lot about making things fair for everyone, especially for girls and women. Naomi is also a writer, which means she writes books and articles about important stuff. She writes about how girls and women should have the same chances as boys and men. That’s called feminism. Naomi studied really hard to learn about these things, and she became super smart. You know what’s cool? Naomi Wolf was a Rhodes Scholar! That means she got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about making the world better for everyone. Naomi wrote books that made people think differently about girls and women. She’s like a superhero for equality! Thanks to Naomi Wolf, more people know about making things fair for everyone.

4. Susan Rice

She’s someone who worked for the big bosses in the United States, helping to keep the country safe. Susan was really important because she knew a lot about other countries and how they acted. She talked to leaders from different places to try and make things better between them. Susan Rice was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned a lot about politics and how countries work together. Susan used what she learned to help the United States make good decisions about other countries. She’s like a superhero diplomat! Thanks to Susan Rice, the world is a bit safer and people understand each other a little better.

5. Rachel Maddow

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She’s someone who talks on TV about what’s happening in the world. Rachel is really good at explaining things in a way that’s easy to understand. She talks about politics, which is about how the country is run and the people in charge. Rachel makes sure people know what’s going on and why it’s important. She’s like a guide for understanding the news! Rachel Maddow was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about the world and how it works. Rachel used what she learned to talk about important issues on TV. Thanks to Rachel Maddow, more people know about what’s happening in the world and why it matters.

6. Cory Booker

He’s someone who helps make laws in the United States, like rules that everyone has to follow. Cory is really good at talking to people and getting them to work together. He used to be the boss of a city called Newark, where he helped make things better for the people who lived there. Cory Booker was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned a lot about how to help communities and make the world a better place. Cory used what he learned to help make laws that make life better for everyone. He’s like a superhero for making things fair! Thanks to Cory Booker, more people have a voice in making the country a better place to live.

7. Bobby Jindal

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He’s someone who used to be in charge of a place called Louisiana in the United States. Bobby helped make decisions to make life better for the people there. He worked really hard to fix things like schools and roads. Bobby Jindal was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned a lot about how to help communities and make a difference. Bobby used what he learned to help make Louisiana a better place for everyone. He’s like a superhero for fixing things! Thanks to Bobby Jindal, people in Louisiana have better schools, roads, and more opportunities for a good life.

8. David Suzuki

He’s someone who cares a lot about the Earth and animals. David talks about how important it is to take care of our planet so that animals and people can live together happily. He’s like a big friend to nature! David Suzuki is also a scientist, which means he studies things to learn more about them. He learned a lot about the environment and how things like pollution can hurt it. David was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about the Earth and how to protect it. David used what he learned to teach people about taking care of the environment. Thanks to David Suzuki, more people know how to help our planet stay healthy.

9. Gretchen Rubin

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She’s someone who knows a lot about happiness and how to make life better. Gretchen writes books and talks about simple things we can do to feel happier every day. She’s like a happiness coach! Gretchen Rubin is also a writer, which means she writes stories and advice to help people. She learned a lot about happiness and habits, like the things we do every day, that can make a big difference. Gretchen was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about happiness and how to live a good life. Gretchen used what she learned to help people feel happier and more fulfilled. Thanks to Gretchen Rubin, more people know how to find joy in everyday life.

10. David Petraeus

He’s someone who used to be a big leader in the army. David helped keep the country safe by making important decisions about military stuff. He’s like a protector! David Petraeus is also really smart. He learned a lot about how to lead and protect people. David was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about being a leader and making tough choices. David used what he learned to keep the country safe and help soldiers do their best. Thanks to David Petraeus, we have strong leaders who work hard to protect our country and keep us safe.

11. Edwin Hubble

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He’s someone who looked up at the stars and discovered amazing things. Edwin studied the sky and found out that there are other galaxies beyond our own Milky Way. He’s like an explorer of the universe! Edwin Hubble is also a scientist, which means he studied things to learn more about them. He learned a lot about stars and galaxies and how they move in space. Edwin was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about the universe and how it works. Edwin used what he learned to make big discoveries about space. Thanks to Edwin Hubble, we know more about the vastness of the universe and our place in it.

12. Benazir Bhutto

She was a very important leader in a country called Pakistan. Benazir worked hard to make things better for the people who lived there. She’s like a hero for her country! Benazir Bhutto is also really smart. She learned a lot about how to lead and help people. Benazir was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about being a leader and making important decisions. Benazir used what she learned to fight for democracy and rights for all people in Pakistan. Thanks to Benazir Bhutto, people in Pakistan had a voice and hope for a better future.

13. Susan Sontag

She was a writer who talked about important things in the world. Susan wrote about topics like photography and how people see the world. She’s like a thinker who makes us see things differently! Susan Sontag is also really smart. She learned a lot about writing and thinking deeply. Susan was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about thinking and writing. Susan used what she learned to write powerful essays and books that made people think. Thanks to Susan Sontag, we have new ways to understand the world and the power of images to shape our perceptions.

14. Edward Said

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He was a person who talked about how we see other cultures. Edward studied how people from different places are understood and represented in the world. He’s like a bridge between different cultures! Edward Said is also really smart. He learned a lot about writing and understanding different perspectives. Edward was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about different cultures and how they’re seen by others. Edward used what he learned to write important books and essays that made people think differently about culture and identity. Thanks to Edward Said, we have a better understanding of how to respect and appreciate other cultures.

15. Ronan Farrow

He’s someone who investigates important stories to tell the truth. Ronan works really hard to uncover things that some people don’t want us to know. He’s like a detective for the truth! Ronan Farrow is also a journalist, which means he writes about what’s happening in the world. He learned a lot about storytelling and finding evidence. Ronan was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about digging deep and uncovering the truth. Ronan used what he learned to write stories that made a big impact and helped people understand important issues. Thanks to Ronan Farrow, we know more about what’s really going on in the world.

16. Chris Patten

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He’s someone who helped make important decisions for a place called Hong Kong. Chris worked hard to make sure people there had a say in how things were run. He’s like a protector of people’s rights! Chris Patten is also really smart. He learned a lot about politics and leadership. Chris was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about making fair decisions and standing up for what’s right. Chris used what he learned to help give people in Hong Kong a voice and protect their freedoms. Thanks to Chris Patten, people in Hong Kong had someone fighting for their rights and a brighter future.

17. George Stephanopoulos

He’s someone who talks on TV about what’s happening in the world. George is really good at explaining complicated things in a simple way. He’s like a guide for understanding the news! George Stephanopoulos is also really smart. He learned a lot about politics and how the world works. George was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about politics and leadership. George used what he learned to talk about important issues on TV and help people understand what’s going on in the world. Thanks to George Stephanopoulos, more people know about important events and how they affect our lives.

18. Malcolm Turnbull

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He’s someone who used to be the leader of a country called Australia. Malcolm worked hard to make important decisions for the country and help its people. He’s like a captain steering a ship! Malcolm Turnbull is also really smart. He learned a lot about how to lead and make good choices. Malcolm was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about leadership and making a difference. Malcolm used what he learned to help make Australia a better place for everyone. Thanks to Malcolm Turnbull, Australia had a leader who cared about its people and worked to make their lives better.

19. William Fulbright

He’s someone who did a lot of good things for students like me. J. William Fulbright started a program that helps students from different countries study in each other’s countries. He’s like a big friend who brings people together! J. William Fulbright is also really smart. He learned a lot about how to help students learn and grow. J. William Fulbright was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about education and bringing people from different places together. J. William Fulbright used what he learned to create a program that helps students like me learn from each other’s cultures. Thanks to J. William Fulbright, I can study in another country and make friends from around the world.

20. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

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She’s someone who helped make big decisions about money for a country called Nigeria. Ngozi worked hard to manage the country’s finances and make sure people had enough money to live. She’s like a guardian of the country’s wealth! Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is also really smart. She learned a lot about economics and managing money. Ngozi was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about economics and finance. Ngozi used what she learned to help Nigeria’s economy grow and make life better for its people. Thanks to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria had someone who cared about its financial health and worked to improve the lives of its citizens.

21. Indira Gandhi

She was a very important leader in a country called India. Indira worked hard to make decisions that would help her country and its people. She’s like a strong leader who guided her nation! Indira Gandhi is also really smart. She learned a lot about politics and leadership. Indira was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about leading a country and making tough choices. Indira used what she learned to make India stronger and better for its people. Thanks to Indira Gandhi, India had a leader who cared about its progress and worked to make life better for its citizens.

22. Howard K. Smith

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He’s someone who used to talk about important news on TV. Howard told people about what was happening in the world in a way that was easy to understand. He’s like a storyteller who brings the news to life! Howard K. Smith is also really smart. He learned a lot about journalism and reporting. Howard was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about reporting the news and telling important stories. Howard used what he learned to talk to people on TV about what was going on in the world. Thanks to Howard K. Smith, more people knew about important events and could stay informed about what was happening around them.

23. Wole Soyinka

He’s someone who tells stories through plays and books. Wole is like a wizard with words, creating magic with his storytelling! He’s also really smart. Wole learned a lot about literature and writing. He was a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about bringing stories to life. Wole used what he learned to write plays and books that showed the beauty and challenges of life in Nigeria. Thanks to Wole Soyinka, people around the world can enjoy and learn from his amazing stories, and he’s like a storyteller who opens windows to different worlds through his words.

24. Kris Kristofferson

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He’s someone who sings songs and tells stories through music. Kris is like a troubadour, sharing his experiences and emotions with his songs! He’s also really talented. Kris learned a lot about music and writing songs. He was a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about the power of music to connect people. Kris used what he learned to write songs that touched people’s hearts and minds. Thanks to Kris Kristofferson, we have beautiful music that speaks to our souls and helps us understand the world around us in a different way.

25. John Turner

He’s someone who used to be a leader of a country called Canada. John worked hard to make important decisions for the country and its people. He’s like a captain steering a ship through rough waters! John Turner was also really smart. He learned a lot about politics and leadership. John was a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about leading a country and making tough choices. John used what he learned to make Canada a better place for everyone. Thanks to John Turner, Canada had a leader who cared about its progress and worked to make life better for its citizens.

26. Susan Orlean

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She’s someone who writes stories about interesting people and places. Susan tells these stories in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with them. She’s like a tour guide through fascinating worlds! Susan is really good at writing. She learned a lot about storytelling and capturing people’s attention. Susan was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means she was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, she learned even more about writing and connecting with readers. Susan used what she learned to write amazing books and articles that take readers on unforgettable journeys. Thanks to Susan Orlean, we can explore incredible stories and get lost in the magic of her writing, discovering new worlds and people along the way.

27. Rajendra K. Pachauri

He’s someone who cares a lot about our planet and how to keep it safe. Rajendra studies the environment and teaches people how to take care of it. He’s like a guardian of the Earth! Rajendra is really smart. He learned a lot about the environment and how it’s changing. Rajendra was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about protecting the environment. Rajendra used what he learned to teach others about the importance of taking care of our planet. Thanks to Rajendra K. Pachauri, more people understand how to protect the Earth and make sure it stays healthy for future generations.

28. Michael Collins

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He’s someone who went on a really important trip to space. Michael was part of a team that flew to the moon. He’s like an explorer of the unknown! Michael Collins is really brave. He learned a lot about flying and space. Michael was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about science and exploration. Michael used what he learned to help fly to the moon and explore space. Thanks to Michael Collins, we know more about space and what it’s like beyond our planet. He’s like a hero who reached for the stars and showed us what’s out there.

29. Charles Bailyn

He’s someone who knows a lot about space and stars. Charles studies the sky and figures out how stars move and behave. He’s like a detective of the universe! Charles is really smart. He learned a lot about stars and galaxies. Charles was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about space and how it works. Charles used what he learned to make big discoveries about stars and galaxies. Thanks to Charles Bailyn, we know more about the mysteries of space and how stars dance in the sky. He’s like a guide who helps us understand the wonders of the universe.

30. Bill Bradley

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He’s someone who did a lot of different things in his life. Bill used to play basketball and was really good at it. Then, he became a politician and helped make laws for the United States. He’s like a champion both on the court and in the government! Bill Bradley is also really smart. He learned a lot about politics and leadership. Bill was also a Rhodes Scholar, which means he was super smart and got to study at Oxford University in England. There, he learned even more about making decisions for the country. Bill used what he learned to help make important laws that helped people in the United States. Thanks to Bill Bradley, we have someone who cares about making a positive impact, both in sports and in politics.