Written by: Brenda Santiago, Caminos al Futuro 2019
My name is Brenda Santiago and July 13th, 2019, was one of the best days of the summer. My roommate and I decided to wake up early and explore Washington D.C. We woke up at 7 am to catch the 7:30 bus. However, our plans shifted when the bus was late. It was our first time exploring the city by ourselves without the whole group. We decided we wanted to visit the Library of Congress. When we entered, we were mesmerized by the beautiful design of the library. Our journey began at the women’s suffrage exhibit.
Immediately I was intrigued by the objects at the exhibit. I felt proud to be a woman when I walked around the exhibit. I saw strong women that fought for their rights at a time where women were supposed to be quiet and reserved. Next, we went to the section of the library where they kept Thomas Jefferson’s books. We discovered that he had a large range of different types of books. He read Machiavelli and Hobbes and also read about geography and math. It was interesting to see the variety of books in his collection. In short, we were inspired to keep learning and always seek education.
My roommate told me she had once entered the library. I was very confused. In my mind, only important people could go downstairs and work in the library. To my surprise, average people had the opportunity to get a library card and sit inside the library. Where else can you do that? I was able to get my library card and enter the main reading room. I was amazed and had a mini heart attack. At that moment, I was very proud that I lived in a country where “ordinary” people could enter important buildings and have the same resources as politicians. I walked around the aisles and opened many many books. I took many pictures too. Entering the Library of Congress was one of the most important moments of my life because it convinced me to apply for colleges in DC.
The entire day was full of small hints for me to go to college in D.C. Before Caminos al Futuro, I knew I wanted to apply to schools in Washington, D.C. but I wasn’t too sure if I would like the city. However, after my day in D.C., I was very convinced that I wanted to live and learn in D.C. First, I saw a woman jogging and exercising in front of Capitol Hill. For some reason, I put myself in her place and envisioned myself living in D.C. I could go on morning jogs in front of the Supreme Court, Capitol Hill, and the White House. Where else could you do that? Furthermore, I went to Columbia Heights with my friends. As soon as I got off the Circulator I encountered a man selling horchata and elotes. I felt at home when I bought a horchata and my friends bought elotes. I missed Mexican food so much. It was weird to hear people speak Spanish and see them selling Mexican food on the street. I realized Washington D.C. was more than just monuments. It was a melting pot that contained various different cultures. Seeing the Latinx community in D.C. made me feel better about leaving home for college. I knew that if I came to D.C. for college, I would have pupusas, elotes, horchata, etc. very close to me.
I have been getting hints about my future throughout the entire program. First, the professors at George Washington University are inspiring. We touched on a couple of sensitive topics during our class time. However, the professors made the topics captivating and allowed me to see different perspectives on several issues. Having the opportunity to take college classes made me very excited about the classes I could take in college. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to hear about issues that affected the Hispanic community. In Kansas, I never hear about the historic and current issues that affect the Hispanic population. For the first time in my life, I was able to discuss and learn about different problems that are prevalent in the Hispanic community. For me, that was the coolest thing I did in D.C.
To conclude, I am coming to Washington D.C. for college. I came back to Mount Vernon after my long day and called my parents. I discussed with them that I have decided that I would be applying to schools in D.C. I was anxious to hear their response because I knew they wanted me to stay in Kansas for college. However, my dad said to me, “Yo te quiero allí, alli estan tus sueños” (I want you there in D.C., there are your dreams). It took everything in me to not cry at that moment. Hearing my dad’s supportive words only made my dream of living in D.C. more appealing. So, this fall I will be applying to George Washington University with the intent to get in and live in the best place in the U.S.
Brenda Santiago is a Caminos al Futuro 2019 scholar. Brenda’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.