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Respected by his professors and revered by his classmates, Goodson is preparing to depart GW after a highly successful college career that has included internships at the Department of Homeland Security and the American Embassy in Paris. Goodson has been awarded numerous scholarships, has been on the Dean's List of Scholars since freshman year and was granted GW's Citation for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Even so, his credentials, like those of most, failed to meet the seemingly insurmountable test of the Rhodes Scholarships committee.
"It is really tough. In order to become a Rhodes Scholar you have to jump through quite a few hoops," said Goodson, who was a finalist for the scholarship.
Despite the world-renowned reputation, many students at GW remain confused as to the true nature of the mysterious scholarship. Over the years, many have grown skeptical, if not blatantly suspicious, of the program and its taxing selection process.
"You always hear people mentioning it, but it's one of those things you feel stupid asking about," said sophomore Karen Hussein.
The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest international fellowship program in the English-speaking world; once selected, applicants are sent to Oxford University in England to study the promotion of international understanding and peace.
The more than 900 candidates undergo three levels of review: the university level, state committee level and district committee level. Ultimately, the selection process yields 32 individuals to represent the United States in Oxford for a duration of one or two years.
The American scholars then join a larger group of 90 individuals chosen from throughout the world.
"Many people don't realize that it is actually a global scholarship with scholars coming from all over the English-speaking world, including countries ranging from Canada to Zimbabwe," Goodson said.
