I recently went to Washington D.C. for a week of amazing experiences. Through the Hinckley Institute, with a group of 18 students, I met lobbyists, politicians, and, of course, saw all the amazing sights to see. It was a jam-packed week of creating memories and gaining a new perspective on many things. I learned so much in such a small amount of time, and truly believe every American should go see the history that surrounds our nation’s capital.
We met Brian Lamb from C-SPAN and had an incredible discussion about the media. We met General Scowcroft, who has amazing life experiences to share. We met Frederick Kempe of the Atlantic Council. We had an interesting discussion about foreign affairs with Richard Schmierer from The Middle East Policy Council. The National Education Association CEO, Lily Eskelsen, led a passionate discussion about education in America and where she believes this country is going under new leadership. We had a Q&A with Senator Mike Lee. We went to a discussion in the Supreme Court House, where Supreme Court Justice Breyer introduced a panel of prestigious lawyers and judges. There were many others and they all taught me something new.
Many people can’t just travel to Washington D.C. and meet a bunch of interesting people on the Hill. But what you can do is visit all the museums, including the smithsonians. I was surprised at how much I learned at each one. While there, I went to the Newseum, Holocaust Museum, African American History and Culture Museum, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam, WWII and Korean War memorials, Lincoln Memorial, Eisenhower Memorial, Washington Memorial, Library of Congress, toured the White House and our Nation’s Capitol and more. I walked all over Washington, and I’m so humbled I got to experience it. I learned so much history about America, its functions, and its people. History is something often ignored in everyday life. By knowing America’s history, it’s good and bad, Americans can learn from past mistakes and better the future.
In a week’s time, I learned more about our government than in three year’s in high school and college. I don’t think enough Americans know what really goes on in Washington. They stick to their beliefs and don’t want to expand their views, or try and understand a different perspective. No matter who we talked to, conservative or liberal, I learned something from them and agreed with them on at least one thing they spoke about.
One thing every speaker agrees on is how our bipartisan system is so extreme. All of them have a lot of experience and spoke about how in the past 10-15 years, Americans have become more divided than ever. Before that, Republicans and Democrats worked together for the people. Now it’s about winning, proving yourself, and fighting. It was very interesting to see such powerful people all agree on that same aspect. If more Americans would look outside of their own beliefs, maybe we could bring the parties closer together, enabling our country’s government to function in the way it was designed to.
In my opinion, Americans should travel to Washington D.C. and experience the foundations of our liberty first-hand. Not only is how our country started important to learn about but where we are now is extremely important to be educated on. Instead of listening to Fox News or CNN, make your own decisions based on the facts you encounter, and not on what you’re being told. By seeing all Washington D.C. has to offer, you are not only benefitting yourself but our country. In times where politics are becoming more divided, we, as Americans, should want to educate ourselves on the truth behind what makes this country great, and how we can make it better.