Day 5 Travel Day

You know they say time flies when you're having fun, I think this saying truly represents my feelings towards this experience. As I began to pack my bags, I couldn't help but think to myself that knowledge is power but to have the knowledge and do nothing with it is a waste. I've learned so much from this experience but now its application time, how do I take what I've learned and begin to help others? I don't have the answer to this yet but my eyes are open and when the right moment approaches I will take the time to react.

This has been a life-changing experience and Id like to take the time to Thank the University of Arizona South for this opportunity. I'd like to thank our Escort Elsie, who made sure we made it there safe and sound. To all the panel members who shared their experiences and their knowledge with us.

As I prepare to get on the plane there are two things in my mind, one my knees are going to numb, and two rather than saying goodbye to everyone id much rather say until we meet again. Because when you meet great people during an experience like this, you end up making friends for life.


As you are reading this post, you will truly understand the experience if you play the song from Toy Story" you've got a friend in me," Also, the photo above shows two strands of rope wrapped around each other together they are very strong individually they are not. I feel its important for us to remember that when we are united for a cause nothing can stop us.

Day 4

The day started very well as the saying goes the early bird gets the worm and that was defiantly the case. After meeting downstairs, we all caught a Lyft, to where all the events of the day would be taking place.

Upon arrival we received breakfast, and then we all departed to Capitol Hill. Once we arrived there, each of the groups broke apart and went there separate ways, we meetings with representatives that represented each of the locations we were from.

The topics:

1. Tuition Cost for the middle class
2. Pay for Teachers 
3. STEM Programs for underprivileged 
4. Creation of political leadership programs 

The Meetings:

The meetings were all amazing; each representative was very different, we were able to express our concerns, while also listing to their responses. I thought that it was amazing to look to my left and right an see my classmates taking charge and expressing themselves in such a professional manner.

Overall:

Overall the day was fantastic; we were able to see first hand how things are done. Walking through the many different hallways knowing that so much is done for our country in these offices was a bit overwhelming to think about. There was one thing that stuck out to me although these representatives are very powerful individuals,  their constituents put them in those positions that they are in. This is important to remember because the people have the power.

2018 HACU Conference Summary

        As a reflect back on my personal experience and involvement in attending and taking part of the 2018 HACU Conference in Washington D.C., I need to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and entities for allowing me the opportunity to attend this event and for furthermore making it such an unforgettable experience.
        The panel members who were involved in the selection process and ultimately made the decision of selecting the students, such as myself, who attended the conference representing the University of Arizona South. To them, I say thank you! I'm quite sure that each individual who was interviewed, would have done an outstanding job in representing the university, but not everyone was going to be able to attend.
         I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding job done by our student escort during this trip, Ms. Elsie Estrada. She rose to the occasion and did an outstanding job during this trip! She had never been to Washington D.C. prior to this trip, so one can only imagine how she was feeling, yet alone serving in the role that she served in. I took the opportunity to publicly recognize her in the presence of Dr. Melody Buckner, Assistant Dean Sarah Wieland and Dr. Marla Franco, who were all in attendance at the time of the recognition.
         Finally, I need to acknowledge and thank my fellow students who were in attendance with me at this conference. Angela Lucero, Adam Grant and Josue Becerra. They made this an unforgettable trip and experience for me. Believe me, when I say this was an unforgettable trip, it was indeed an unforgettable trip!
         Adam Grant is an individual who possesses a level of self discipline, determination and dedication towards not only his professional goals, but also his educational goals, that is to be admired. He is going to succeed in life, regardless of the task or challenge presented to him, because he pushes himself and does not back down from any challenge. I would also like to thank Adam for his service to our nation. You are going to excel in your future role.
         Angela Lucero is very passionate about her education, her career and her family. She understands first hand, the sacrifice one has to make to attain and complete a higher education, when you are raising kids, working, etc. I congratulate her for the drive that she possesses in pursuing her higher education goals and her future dreams. She will attain them, no doubt in my mind!
         Josue Becerra, the youngest one in our group of attendees, made the trip very,very interesting! He has his own unique and interesting philosophies and points of views towards many things. He also possesses a commitment and a unique drive in completing his higher education, which also is to be admired.
         Prior to this trip to Washington D.C., I honestly had no idea about what HACU represented or what its core values and/or mission was in regards to higher education, especially amongst Hispanic students. I'm very well aware of it now and as a higher education student, a parent and constituent, I know how critical it is to ensure that higher education continues to be supported and patronized at all levels. After all, higher education has been proven to provide a positive outcome in the lives of those individuals who seek it and ultimately complete a higher education degree. More needs to be done indeed, as the HACU administrators stressed to us during our conference to ensure that higher education is not placed in a position of financial vulnerability, because the long term effects would be unfavorably for future generations of higher education students.
         To summarize, I'm delighted with having had been afforded the opportunity to attend this conference. While in Washington D.C., I took the opportunity to reflect on how fortunate I am of not only being a student at the University of Arizona South, but also of being an American. While in the city, you grasp the concept of what makes our country great and you see things from a different perspective. This is not going to be my last visit to Washington D.C. I plan on returning to the district soon with my family for a more lengthy visit and in the nearby future, I plan on becoming more involved in our democratic process. Stay tuned! Good luck to all with your future endeavors!

Day 5 - Traveling Home

It was nice to sleep in later than we have any other day.  We loaded up and headed to the airport.  We were all surprised at how quiet the airport was for being a weekday.  I'm thinking that most of the traffic happens early with people trying to get to destinations for meetings.

One very nice bonus that we ended up with is PreCheck for TSA.  I've never had this and it was so wonderful to not take off shoes, jackets, upload bags, and just walk through security like we would do in the past.  When I get to the point where I will travel more, I will for sure add this on.

We still had some time before boarding so we grabbed breakfast.  I don't mind airport food, I just don't like the price.  Egg sandwhich, fries, and a soda was on tap for our "healthy" meal.  If nothing else, it set me up for a good food coma.

Our flight wasn't too bad.  I just hate that there is so little leg room.  This flight did have tv's in the back of the seats with a selection of tv shows and movies.  I started one movie and my food coma kicked in.  I didn't sleep too long, but just enough to miss the majority of the movie.  I started another one called Stronger.  I didn't get to finish it because we were landing, but I have to know how it ended.

Looking back on our time in DC, I am so thankful to UAS for providing me this once in a life time opportunity.  This was a game changer for me in how minorities are looked at and treated differently. I am thankful for my time with Adam, Douglas, Josue, and Elsie.  I am honored to spend the time with them and wish I could bottle them all up as it's nice to spend time with others who are serious about their education.  It's been a week of learning, fun, laughter, and new friends.

Day 4 - The Hill

Today was our visit to Capitol Hill to meet with members of the House and Senate.  I was quite nervous because I really did not know what to expect.  We ate breakfast and then boarded the bus.  Stepping off the bus and onto the grounds of the Capitol gives you a rush of how important this visit is.  

We spent some time inside getting briefed with some updates and what to expect.  During this time I also had the privilege to talk with Dr. Buckner about digital literacy and the importance that all students from Kindergarten all the way through college are prepared to be digital learners.

Since we had meetings set up, we left the meeting a little early.  We decided to be brave a utilize the tunnels.  That was quite the journey and even though I had been down there before, it is amazing how everything is connected.  We could only get so far since we didn't have official badges so we did have to go outside.  We made it to the Longworth House Office Building and met with one of Congressman Raul Grijalva's office staff.  Rep. Grijalva supports Hispanic Service Institutions and understands the challenges that Hispanic students face. 

Our next meeting was with Senator Flake's office.  There was a very different feel from his office.  I was very much shocked to hear that he has never been a part of any caucus.  Listening to my fellow students as their own questions, I am amazed at how well spoken they all are and also the issues that are important to them.  

Our last stop was with Senator McCain's office.  We met with Mr. Cole who was very welcoming and took notes about some questions we had.  He gave us a good amount of time to discuss our concerns and it was wonderful to hear that McCain is a supporter of providing opportunities for Hispanics and other minorities.

My entire viewpoint has completely changed after this experience.  I did not realize that how much we need to advocate for others who are sometimes forgotten about.  If we want diversity in our classrooms and workplaces, we have to provide opportunities for them to earn a degree and gain the skills to be successful.  That is only possible with the support of our members of Congress and Senate.  I have always been active in my community, schools, researching issues and candidates, and local issues for election time.  I now see that there is so much more to do and our voices need to be heard even more.  
      
We had some time before our final wrap-up session and everything worked out to tour the Capitol.  I've been fortunate to have a personal tour in the past, but visiting the Rotunda is one of my favorite areas.  The paintings and architecture are magnificent.  

After our day was over, we headed back to rest before dinner.  Spending time with our group and Cochise College's students have been so wonderful.  I love that despite our ages and backgrounds, we are all passionate our advocating for others and serious about our own education.  

Even though it was late, I really want to see the monuments at night.  We ventured down to the sites and did some more walking.  We were a bit shocked at how dark it was down there.  I know this allows the attention to be on the sites, but it is a bit hard to see where you're going.  We saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol (from afar), and The White House.  We kept walking and before you know it, we were back in the area of our hotel.  

I could not have asked for a better way to spend my birthday.  My life is forever changed by this experience and I know there are changes on the horizon. 

   

Day # 3 in Washington D.C. (Hands on Involvement)

           Today was the day in which we actually became involved in meeting with the Congressional delegates and Senators. Our day began with a bus ride from the Washington D.C. Marriott Hotel along the different boulevards ultimately arriving at the footsteps of the U.S. Capitol Building. What a feeling when you step off the bus and initially make eye contact with the Capitol Building! Yes, awesome to say the least!
            After attending a briefing hosted by the HACU administrative/executive personnel, we proceeded to attend the meetings that had been scheduled for us in advance. Our first appointment was scheduled with Congressmen Raul Grijalva of our very own state. Due to previous commitments, Mr. Grijalva didn't speak to us personally, however, while we were having a meeting in his office with one of his administrative assistants, he suddenly entered his office, greeted us with a "Good Morning" and proceeded to attend a telephonic conference call behind closed doors. That in itself was an awesome experience. Seeing the congressman for a split second, even if in passing.
           After the meeting with Congressman Grijalva's staff, we proceeded to meet with the administrative/executive assistants from Senators Flake and Senator McCain's office. Both senators were unavailable, but their staff did an outstanding job in tending to our needs and answering the questions we presented them with. I can only imagine the insane agendas that the members of Congress and the U.S. Senate have. Everywhere you looked inside the U.S. Capitol building, Senate and House of Representatives buildings, everyone was always on the go! D.C. is extremely fast paced! You have to be in shape and have healthy legs to keep up with such a fast pace environment. Towards the end of our meetings, we proceeded to attend an out briefing with the HACU executive staff and we provided them with our feedback, based on our encounters with the elected officials' office staff members with whom we had met with.
            In summary, today was a great day. This two day seminar has left me with memories that will follow me for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful and thankful for the opportunity provided to me to attend this conference by the University of Arizona. I'm truly proud and honored to consider myself a Wildcat! This type of student engagement allows individuals to expand his or her knowledge about the subject of higher education amongst Hispanic students, and furthermore fuels his or her desire to want to potentially seek appointment to a public office. That is how I feel after this conference. I will always promote higher education all across the board, and after attending this conference, with more reason.

I get the feeling that I belong here! :) 

Good Morning from the U.S. Capitol Building!

D.C. License Plate

Day 3 - HACU Capital Forum

It was an early start to our day.  It was really hard to get out of bed and my hips hurt so much from all the walking the day before.  We made it to the Marriott where the HACU Capital Forum sessions were.  

Today was an enlightening experience to learn about the different issues that are affecting Hispanic students and Hispanic Serving Institutions.  Some of the topics today really brought everything full circle for me.  In many of my classes, there has been an emphasis on understanding the culture and issues of those you'll be serving or working with.  I am amazed at how quickly the Hispanic population is growing and to ensure that students have access to opportunities, we must address key leaders of the House and Senate.

One of the agenda topics on education hits home for me.  HACU supports adding to the teaching profession ready definition: "demonstrated ability to work with students who are culturally/linguistically diverse."  During my education degree program, a principal continually encouraged me to finish because he said there is not a lot in education like us.  I know fully understand his comment and I see how important it is to have different cultures and ethnicities represented.  Latino students want to see leaders who look like themselves and those they can relate to.  HACU's focus is ensuring there is diversity among teachers.  A quarter of all students are Latino, yet only 8% of teachers describe themselves as Latino.  I see this firsthand as a teacher, and it is time to change this statistic.  

A light was also shed on my topic on cyber and STEM fields having the imbalance of students of minorities.  Cybersecurity is at the top of the list of skills that employers say is the hardest to fill.  Another one that also caught my eye is critical thinking and problem-solving.  As a teacher, I see how important each skill mentioned is.  We must empower and encourage students that they have a story to write, but we must ensure they have the skills to create an amazing one.

Today also showed me that even though each one in our group has a different perspective, different issues that are important, we all care about making a change for those coming up behind us.  It is so enjoyable to spend time with other students who share the same enthusiasm for advocacy.   
      

Day 3 and so the journey begins

The time has finally arrived, the moment that we have been waiting for. As I woke up the feeling of joy and excitement overwhelmed me. So many thoughts were in my head. The morning started off with a funding brief, during this brief we were able to listen to some of the funding opportunities, although this was not necessarily something that was in my lane I felt that it would be nice to observe and listen because you never know when you can hear something and relay it and it leads to others receiving some sort of assistance.

There were many briefs that took place that day, but one that stood out to me was the study abroad brief. I'm studying abroad this summer in Costa Rica, to help develop my language capability. The Gillman Scholarship was one of the topics, it's a great scholarship for those who are able to attain it. I am actually a recipient. The area that I didn't like the best was the Q&A I asked a question that  I thought was good but it didn't get answered. My question was is there ever an opportunity where someone who receives the Gillman and is not studying a critical language given extra funds. Long story short the answer is no. What was a little frustrating is that the languages on the critical language list receive extra funds. Many may not see Spanish as critical but I've seen first hand the work thats donen in South America and the importance of having fluency in Spanish. Yet I thought it was a little different than a student could want to learn a language yet have no future goals for the use of that language, and I actually want to have a global impact but because im studying Spanish I don't receive the same type of assistance.

As the day came to an end, we prepared for our visit to Capitol Hill, getting study material that will prepare us to get the most of our time.

(Writers note: The views expressed in this post are my views, in no way is the intention to misrepresent the University of Arizona).

Day # 2 in D.C. ( First Day of HACU Conference)

          Today was an outstanding day! Our day began early in the morning, especially for us, since we had to fast forward our bodies three hours ahead of what we are accustomed to. Once we arrived at the Washington Marriott Hotel, which is the site of this year's HACU Conference, our day took off and was filled with lots of informative sessions that spoke about HACU, Immigration Reform, HSI, etc. Our day ended at 1800 hours. 

           On thing that I took away from today's informative sessions, meetings, etc, is that there is a big push and awareness campaign that is aimed at ensuring Hispanic students all across the country are reached out to, in an attempt to ensure that they achieve and successfully complete their higher education goals. That right there had a significant impact on me. Many panel members and guest speakers, who are non Hispanic, even realized that Hispanics in this country have an endless amount of potential and are not being appropriately sought out, especially in the field of higher education.      Some of the speakers also shared with us attendees, the current political climate in Washington D.C. in regards to the future of Immigration Reform, DACA Recipients and furthermore expanded on how their future status is in serious jeopardy, if the topic of immigration reform is not addressed and a resolution agreed upon by both parties in Congress in the nearby future. 

          One thing that I also wish to share is that there was a significant presence at this conference from states with significant Hispanic populations such as California, Illinois, New Mexico, Florida, New York, Iowa, Nevada, and Arizona, just to name a few. Perhaps other states were represented, but I only remember these off the top of my head. This is a nationwide movement that is well underway, promoting higher education amongst Hispanics. 

           Once our day ended we were invited to have dinner with Dr. Buckner and she even paid our bill. Very nice of her! She is a professional educator and administrator who really cares about higher education and the students of her university. I thanked her for her commitment and support in our higher education goals.  I also took the opportunity since I had Dr. Buckner accompanying us for dinner to publicly recognize Elsie Estrada for an outstanding job done by herself in ensuring that our trip to Washington D.C. and time spent here is one that we will never forget as long as we live! Thanks Elsie! You have been an outstanding host and escort!   

After a long day, ready to go have dinner!

Day # 1 2018 HACU Conference

Day 1

We are on our way!! I’ve been preparing all week for this trip. I made sure that all my homework was done and turned in. I plan to utilize every second of this amazing experience. I’ve been tracking the weather because this girl does not own winter clothes. My idea of a winter jacket is a light sweater. I did manage to find something to keep my ears warm. I was able to find my umbrella after a good amount of digging.

I wish I could say that I lounged in bed all day, but there was no resting for me. I spent my day with my middle schoolers at their CyberPatriot Semifinal competition. It was a great reminder that as I embark on this experience, I am working to ensure that future students’ needs are addressed.

I’m nervous, but also excited to see what new challenges await me and the connections I’ll be making. We are preparing to take off and I’m afraid the flight attendant may take my phone. Hoping for some rest of this red-eye and then some sightseeing once we get there!!

Day # 2! Welcome to Washington D.C.!

           So we have made it safely to Washington D.C. What a city! Our nation's capital is one of a kind, to say the least. So much to do and see.  I'm quite familiar with the district and it never ceases to amaze me with its breathtaking beauty! My last visit to the district was in 2009 and I'm delighted to be back. 

           So, we arrived at Reagan National Airport at 0630 hours and right off the bat, I learned something new. Uber has some serious competition with Lyft. Our Lyft driver drove us from the airport to our hotel, the Washington Plaza and was a lot cheaper and Uber. So for everyone that relies on this service, keep them in mind. Thanks to Elsie, for making me aware of this service. 

           So upon arriving to our hotel, we hit the city on foot. I walked a total of 9.5 miles today and me and my team, visited the following sites: Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall), WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, The Mall and we saw the reflecting pool, and all I could think of first hand was the Forrest Gump movie when Forrest and Jennie met inside the pool. However, after remembering the movie, I remembered the rally and speech held by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963! So around 1400 hrs, I proceeded to walk back to the hotel. I'm glad that I keep myself in shape. It paid off today :)

White House/South Side of Pennsylvania Avenue

Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam/Vietnam War Memorial (The Wall) 

Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. 

WWII Memorial

Washington Monument

          

         

Day 2, time to explore...

After arriving, there is a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body; you want to get your bags and get in your Uber and get to the hotel. After arriving we drop our bags off and freshen up a bit and get ready to explore. The day was terrific rather than go through each detail I've selected a couple of photos below that I felt summarized the day.


I would like to think that I'm a very warm individual who loves to smile and make other's smile as well so when given the opportunity to strike a hallmark pose on a cherry tree I had no choice but to do so. The blossoming of the cherry tree's is such an amazing experience to see in person. The wind was relentless, but the sheer beauty of these tree's made it all worth it. Everywhere you looked there were tons of families and friends everywhere taking photos and embracing the experience.




Growing up no one in my family was in the military, so when I joined I never had that generation to generation pass down of the honor of protecting this great country. During our exploration, we were able to visit Vietnam's Veterans Memorial an experience that cant placed in words, but it brought back memories. I remember while being deployed being told that the greatest thing that one can do for this country is to give your life. As I walked by this wall, I couldn't help but realize that we are standing on the shoulders of giants, those who with no regard gave their own lives that I may have the opportunity not only to serve but to live in a free country.












The above picture is my attempt at summarizing the experience, "Here we mark the price of freedom," this stood out because we are here to enhance the learning experience and highlight things that we can do to improve while also learning about what others are currently doing. Knowledge is power, and the ability to learn to me is freedom. 

Day 2 - Sightseeing

Washington D.C. is at the top of my list of travel destinations.  The history and culture that surrounds this city is beyond anything you can imagine.  Spending time among it all reaffirmed my dream to live here one day.  

I've been to DC a few times before and try to see something new while also making stops at my favorite sights.  One event that I never thought I would experience any time soon is the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Everything came together where I could experience this gorgeous event and it did not disappoint!  Spending time taking in the gorgeous hues of pink and white among the monuments was breathtaking.  Even though I love the portability of my phone, I could not pass up the chance to bring my huge camera for some shots that I plan to hang on my wall.  

Along with the Cherry Blossoms we stopped at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Castle, The White House, and The National Gallery of Art.  The Gallery of Art brought to life all the paintings that I've only seen in books.  Ballet was a huge part of my life growing up and the reason why Degas is my favorite artist.  The colors and flow of his art is mesmerizing and something I can relate to as I cannot draw more than a stick figure.  Seeing Vincent van Gogh's work in person was priceless.  I am so glad that we made the trek through the gallery and now I can rely on my memory and not books anymore.

I cannot express my gratitude to UAS for providing me with the opportinity to enrich my life and broaden my horizons.