This week has been the busiest, but also the most exciting and insightful. From meeting with Congressman Ruben Kihuen (Nevada), the first formerly undocumented representative, to setting off the smoke alarm because I burned popcorn, this week will forever stay with me. Every single day was amazing and unique, but the most memorable was Saturday evening in Georgetown.
Four of my friends and I decided we wanted to watch the sunset. However, all unfamiliar with the area, we were really unsure of where to go. We asked the RAs and they suggested the Kennedy Center rooftop. We took the 7:30 shuttle to Foggy Bottom, but we had to run all the way to the center because sundown was at 8:06 and the shuttle dropped us off at 8:40. Once we got there we had no idea what elevator we could use because most were only for authorized personnel. Once at the top we all just took in the amazing skyline of D.C. and the overlooking of the Potomac River.
In the moments that the sun set and we were all taking “aesthetic” photos, a million emotions ran through my body. All the times I missed California went away, because I realized D.C. is the place I want to be. It is the heart of politics and amazing schools. In that moment I imagined my future and that of my family, who has sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. All those sleepless nights I spent studying for tests and perfecting projects, all those early morning club meetings my mom would take me to and the tears when I felt like the world was on my shoulders disappeared. I know that in a year I want to call D.C. home, so I can give back to those who helped me along the way.
–Alexandra Retana
