Written by: Katherine Quizhpi-Gomez, Caminos al Futuro 2026
Coming to Caminos, I knew I would be challenged with college-level coursework. I prepped by packing my notebook and all my fancy colored pens and highlighters, ready to take on the classes.
Initially, I was nervous, not just about my classes and professors, but the students I would be sharing the classroom with. I am happy to say there was no reason to be. After getting acquainted with my fellow scholars and professors, there was a reassurance I wasn’t expecting. All my classmates had diverse perspectives and insights, along with great questions and jokes. My professors, Dr. Vaquera and Trey, made classes, although packed with content, fun and engaging, and they made sure to answer all our silly questions.
On top of many lessons regarding Latinos in the U.S and navigating the college admissions process, we had many classes on how to develop and implement a community action project (CAP). At the start, I wasn’t confident about my project, nervous about the structure and unsure of how I could turn my idea into a reality. However, with the support I received from Cisneros alumni and staff members, I was able to significantly improve my proposal, poster design, and presentation, and am now confident that my project can be implemented and make a change in my community.
Aside from classes, the best part of Caminos has been engaging with my fellow Scholars! Because I am writing this in the final week of the program, I am currently reminiscing on all the great moments we've shared over the past three weeks: watching World Cup games; visiting Smithsonian museums such as the National Museum of Air and Space, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of American History; eating at different spots on GW's campus such as South Block, Chipotle, and Roamin’ Roaster.
With the final days of Caminos around the corner, I am deeply saddened to be leaving this newfound Cisneros Community, but I hope to bring all my new experiences and everything I've learned back home with me.
Katherine Quizhpi-Gomez is a 2026 Caminos al Futuro Scholar. Katherine’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.