During Spring Break, the junior fellows had the wonderful
opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for a weeklong visit. For many of them, this was their first
trip to our nation’s capital. Here
are some of the highlights of the visit:
We toured three museums in the Smithsonian Institution. The National Museum of History had
great exhibits on ancient life forms and cultural artifacts like the famous
Hope Diamond. We watched an IMAX
at the Air and Space Museum that presented an unprecedented window seat on board
a space shuttle. Finally, at
the American History Museum, the fellows really enjoyed the Changing America
exhibit that commemorated the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on
Washington in 1963.
We had a fantastic time touring the Monuments on a moonlight
tour aboard an Old Town Trolley.
We stopped at the Lincoln, Vietnam, Iwo Jima, FDR, and Martin Luther
King Memorial. We also heard
historical tales and anecdotes about the fascinating history of Washing D.C.
We visited Arlington National Cemetery and saw the
Robert F. Kennedy Gravesite and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The fellows especially enjoyed the
Changing of the Guard ritual and gazing out at the impressive landscape, which
serves as a tribute to the service of those laid to rest there.
We had the chance to visit the Kennedy
Center and see an amazing performance called Liner Notes. Vocalists and a jazz trio combined for
a unique multimedia experience to present the history of hip-hop throughout the
decades.
Finally, we had the exceptional opportunity to visit all three
braches of the government. We took
a tour of the Capital, attended a lecture at the Supreme Court, and visited the
White House. The highlight of the
trip was our visit to the White House. We were very lucky to participate in a round table
discussion with members of the Obama administration who worked closely with
Elizabeth Edwards and on the Edwards campaign. We learned all about life in the White House, and had an
incredible tour of the West Wing, including the Oval Office and the Press Corps
Room. We also were given
presidential M&M’s and Hershey Kisses, which the fellows were very excited
to receive.
Overall, everyone had a wonderful time on the trip. The fellows learned so much about our
nation’s history and political systems. Whether it’s a career in politics or
keeping educated about governmental policies and current events, the fellows
learned the importance of being active, and engaged citizens.
