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