Written by: Sofia Montes, Caminos al Futuro 2026
Sometimes the classes that stay with you the most aren't the ones that teach you facts; they’re the ones that teach you something about yourself.
This week, our identity class has been on my mind more than anything else. We read the story “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu, which integrates themes of identity, community, time, and family. As we talked about the story, the conversation became much bigger than the story itself. We talked about how quickly life moves, how priorities constantly change, and how every stage of life eventually becomes a memory. Looking around the room, I saw tears and vulnerability. I think all of us realized that while we’re always chasing the next opportunity, it’s just as important to slow down and appreciate the moments occurring around us.
Since that class, I’ve caught myself looking at this experience a little differently. It’s hard to believe that two weeks have already gone by. In just fourteen days, I've gone from arriving in Washington DC, not knowing anyone, to navigating one of the busiest cities in the country alongside twelve incredible friends. It’s funny how people you’ve known for only two weeks can quickly become the people you do absolutely everything with.
As the weekend went on, this lesson stayed with me. Whether it was staying up to watch the 4th of July fireworks, taking the Metro from Foggy Bottom to Eastern Market, working on our Community Action Projects, dancing to Waka Waka Just Dance, or ending the day watching the Mexico and England World Cup match, I’ve found myself appreciating the small moments a little more. None of these activities were extraordinary on their own, but together, they reminded me that some of the best parts of an experience are the people you share it with.
As we head into our final week of Caminos, I know the presentations, classes, and packed schedule will quickly come and go. What I’ll remember most are the people I’ve shared these activities with. Coming from Arkansas, Washington DC felt like a completely different world when I first arrived. Now, it feels familiar, and not because I’ve learned to navigate the Metro (I have not), but because of the relationships I’ve built along the way. Our identity class reminded me that life moves quickly and that every season eventually comes to an end, but it also reminded me that the relationships we build are what give those seasons meaning. Over the past two weeks, I’ve learned how to navigate a new city, but more importantly, I’ve learned how to navigate new friendships, new perspectives, and a community I’ll carry with me long after Caminos ends.
Sofia Montes is a 2026 Caminos al Futuro Scholar. Sofia’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.