Written by: Santiago Efron, Caminos al Futuro 2024
As we approach the end of our second week in the Caminos al Futuro program, I realize how many great connections and new friendships I have made. Our exploration of this wonderful city has created countless memories, but today's visit to Capitol Hill was particularly memorable. I began the day with excitement, putting on my favorite business professional outfit. After a short YouTube tutorial on tie tying, I was ready to go!
Alongside a few fellow scholars, I took the Vex (GWU shuttle that students take to get from one campus to another) to the Foggy Bottom, where we met with the rest of the group at the Metro station for our trip to Capitol Hill. Once we arrived, we became tourists of Washington, DC, taking photos of everything in sight.
Our first stop of the trip was the US Supreme Court, where an intern gave us a presentation on the court’s general history. Next, we made our way to the Rayburn House Office Building. Once there, we split into groups to complete a challenge: finding a specific representative’s office. My group successfully navigated the building, and even ran into Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA)!
Afterwards, we went to the Longworth Cafeteria, where I feasted on some yummy Tonkotsu ramen! Following a wonderful lunch, we received a warm welcome and an exciting tour from Carlos Paz, Chief of Staff for Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), who showed us all the ins and outs of the US Capitol. After a long but exciting adventure, we headed back to Shenkman Hall for another delicious meal, where I indulged a bowl of penne alfredo with chicken. To top off a long day of walking and exploring the beauty that is Washington, DC, we had a Caminos Family Feud, hosted by our wonderful Community Facilitator, Edith Lizardo!
Santiago Efron is a 2024 Caminos al Future Scholar. Santiago’s views are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.