2018 HACU Student Blog: 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.