Written by: Aisha Tasso, Caminos al Futuro 2022
I fell in love with Washington, D.C. when I previously stayed in the city for a semester. I sought to come back, and I stumbled upon the Caminos al Futuro program. When I got my acceptance letter, I was so excited to further my leadership skills and learn more about the issues that affect the Latine/Hispanic community. While the classroom has given me and my Caminos cohort a space to learn about ourselves, so much happens in Hensley Hall on the GW Mount Vernon Campus.
Last night, for example, we danced around and sang to artists like Selena, Neon Trees, and Enrique Iglesias. Tonight, we had karaoke night and we danced our hearts out to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. Beyond music and dance, talks about our lives outside of schools and our shared culture have also bonded us. This program has given me people that I can have an insightful conversation with and then scream “Dancing Queen” with. I have a community of supportive individuals, and I know that even though it has only been a week, these are true friendships.
Academically, I have also seen myself represented where there was always a gap. Yesterday, I met a Peruvian immigration lawyer! Here was a powerful Latina woman wearing hoops and all, living my dream. Seeing people like me gives me the hope and courage to continue moving forward. One day, I hope to work in the Supreme Court and represent all the Afro-Latinas with big hair and big dreams.
Aisha Tasso is a Caminos al Futuro 2022 scholar. Aisha’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.