Written by: Lauren Soto, Caminos al Futuro 2022
If you would have told me last year about an incredible opportunity like Caminos al Futuro, I would have not believed it. Coming from a conservative, pre-dominantly white community, it means so much to finally find my own place here among other students. It has been so long since I have been able to see myself in others. Not only do we share a culture, but we share hearts. Even though we have only been here for a week, we are already so close. I do not even want to think about leaving, so for now I will embrace all the fun and learning.
Outside of the academic opportunities Caminos offers, my cohort and I also indulge ourselves in the rich culture of D.C. Today, for example, we made plans to see a movie and shop in the city. We always have fun together even when we are doing the most mundane things like walking to the dining hall or singing in our rooms.
The memories we have made here are the kind that last a lifetime. When the time comes to say goodbye, the people I have met along the way will all remain dear to my heart. Being in the city or seeing the monuments of the nation’s capital is not what matters to me the most. It is the fact that we are doing it together, and I cannot wait for more!
Lauren Soto is a Caminos al Futuro 2022 scholar. Lauren’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.