Day 1: Friday, May 22, 2026: Arrival
After months of anticipation, I finally boarded my flight to Washington, D.C., a city I had never visited before, but one that has long felt symbolic of power, policy, and possibility.
When I arrived, my cohort and I took a shuttle to the UC Washington Center, which would be home for the next nine days. Walking in, I didn’t fully know what to expect, but that quickly turned into excitement as my roommates and I began exploring the building together. We wandered through the many floors, discovering everything from study spaces to a fitness room, slowly making the space feel like our own.
One of the most grounding moments of the day was FaceTiming my mom and showing her my apartment. Being able to share that moment with her, someone who has supported me through every step of this journey, made the experience feel real in a deeper way.
Later that evening, we headed downstairs for dinner at the Center and shared Thai food as a group. It was our first real moment together as a cohort in D.C., and conversations flowed easily as we got to know one another. We also walked through a breakdown of the week ahead, which only added to the growing sense of excitement.
To end the night, we walked out into the city, despite the rain, to get ice cream at Van Leeuwen. The weather was drizzly and gray, but somehow it made everything feel even more cinematic. Laughing with new friends over ice cream on a rainy D.C. night was the perfect way to begin what already felt like a meaningful journey.
Day 2: Saturday, May 23, 2026: History, Art, and Perspective
We started the morning together with bagels and breakfast at the Center, easing into the day with conversation and anticipation. Soon after, we established our community agreements, setting the tone for a space rooted in respect, openness, and trust.
To prepare for our first major visit to the National Portrait Gallery, we watched a short documentary clip introducing the idea of portraiture and how individuals shape the history and cultural identity of the United States. With that in mind, we headed to the National Portrait Gallery.
We made our way by Metro (which is awesome in D.C. by the way) to the gallery, where we spent time exploring a wide range of works.
Walking through the gallery felt like stepping into a living archive of American history. Portraits of figures such as Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln stood alongside depictions of Civil War soldiers, civil rights leaders, and presidents across time. Each piece told a different story, not just through the subject, but through color, composition, and artistic style. It made me reflect on how history is not only recorded, but interpreted.
The art was incredibly diverse, spanning from paintings depicting Bracero workers and Black laborers in the 20th century to sculptures made from unconventional materials like bottle caps.
One piece that stayed with me was The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly by James Hampton. Made from cardboard, plastic, found objects, and metallic foils, the piece blended Christian imagery with African American spiritual traditions. Knowing it was created from materials in his own neighborhood made it even more powerful. It felt like a reflection of resilience, creativity, and faith.
I also found myself drawn to the work of Grandma Moses, whose paintings captured everyday life with a sense of warmth and simplicity. Experiencing these pieces made me realize how much I had never fully understood about portraiture and art history, especially the ways art preserves both personal and collective memory.
After we were done exhibiting, I went to the gift shop and bought lots of postcards. This was something I did at every place we went to.
After a full day of exploration, we returned to the Washington Center to debrief. These conversations became just as important as the visits themselves, giving us space to process, question, and learn from each other’s perspectives.
That evening, we went out for dinner at Johnny Pistolas, where we shared Mexican food and continued bonding as a cohort. We ended the night exploring nearby shops together, turning even the smallest moments into opportunities for connection.
By the end of Day 2, it was clear that this experience was not just about where we were going, but how we were growing together along the way.
Day 3: Sunday, May 24, 2026: Monuments, Movement, and Connection
We started the day with breakfast at the Center, fueling up with a delicious breakfast burrito before heading out to the National Mall.
Seeing the monuments in person felt surreal. We visited the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, where we took photos as a cohort, followed by stops at the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt memorials. Our tour guide kept the experience engaging and light with humor, making history feel more alive and accessible.
At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, I felt a deeper sense of reflection. Being physically present in these spaces made everything feel more tangible, these weren’t just names in textbooks, but places shaped by struggle, leadership, and vision.
In one of my favorite spontaneous moments, my roommate Madyson and I stayed back to watch what looked like hundreds of motorcycles riding through the city, surrounded by huge crowds. It felt unexpectedly community-oriented, people gathered, watching together, sharing energy. Even small moments like that added to the richness of the day.
I found myself enjoying conversations with people in my cohort and Tati as we walked between monuments. After, we returned to the Washington Center for Mediterranean bowls and a much-needed break before debriefing everything we had seen and learned.
Later that evening, my roommates Estefani and Lynda and I decided to explore Georgetown, both the university and the neighborhood. Walking through campus, taking in the architecture, and stopping at Café Georgetown (where I got two chocolate muffins) was so much fun, and I got to know my roommates much more. We shared funny experiences at Berkeley and reflected on our own journeys. It made me genuinely excited to return to campus.
By the end of the night, what stood out most was how quickly we had all grown comfortable with each other, laughing, joking, and playfully teasing like we had known each other for much longer. It was, without a doubt, my favorite day so far.
Day 4: Monday, May 25, 2026: History, Reflection, and Community
By Day 4, I found myself getting especially close with my roommates. Lynda and I, in particular, found ourselves laughing at almost nothing, it felt easy and natural.
We began the day with a preparation workshop for upcoming speaker panels before heading on the metro to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Before exploring the museum, we shared a powerful soul food lunch together. I had buttermilk fried chicken with cornbread and mac and cheese, and we all tried different desserts. This was honestly my favorite dish ever. Sitting together, we had meaningful conversations about resource-sharing, imposter syndrome, and supporting one another. It felt like a space rooted in honesty and affirmation.
The museum itself was incredibly impactful. Walking through exhibits that traced history from the transatlantic slave trade to present-day African American achievements was emotional and grounding. Seeing this history physically, rather than just reading about it, made it feel more real, more urgent, and more personal.
We later had Japanese food for dinner together (teriyaki chicken for me), followed by a debrief where conversations became even more reflective. There were moments of laughter, but also moments of deep emotion as we processed themes of resilience, injustice, and progress, especially in the context of today’s political climate. We were already so comfortable together, crying and sharing deep emotions. I thought to myself, aren’t we supposed to save the tears for the end of the program? I loved this group already, and we were only on day four.
Later that night, we bonded in a completely different way. What started as a simple game of Shazam, guessing songs from three-second snippets, turned into hours of laughter. We were supposed to play for one hour, but it stretched far beyond that. I felt like a little kid when Ezra came in to remind us it was getting late and that we needed to get up early tomorrow. It was chaotic, joyful, and honestly one of the moments that solidified how close we had all become. (And yes, I won the game.)
Day 5: Tuesday, May 26, 2026: Inside the Capitol
This was our first fully intensive day, and we dressed the part. Everyone showed up in professional attire, and there was a shared sense that this was what we had been preparing for.
After breakfast, we headed to Capitol Hill. Walking into the Senate buildings and seeing the architecture up close felt surreal, everything felt grand, formal, and significant.
We began with a panel featuring Kevin Figueroa, whose insights on education and youth engagement really stood out to me. I appreciated being able to connect our conversation to shared experiences growing up around gang violence and the importance of creating opportunities for young people.
We then joined a panel with Senate legislative staff, followed by lunch at the Dirksen cafeteria. Afterward, we made our way to the House side, walking through underground tunnels and even taking a train used by members of Congress. It was fascinating to see how the space operates behind the scenes (including things like a barber shop underground).
At the House, we attended a panel with staff from Congresswoman Lateefah Simon’s office. One thing that stood out was how young many of the staffers were, it made these spaces feel more accessible, less distant, and much more comfortable.
After the panels, we stepped outside to the Capitol, where Ezra was kind enough to take headshots and photos of us as a cohort. It felt like a moment to pause and recognize where we were.
We ended the day back at the Center with a debrief, reflecting on everything we had experienced. What I loved most was how we were each abiding by our community agreements: making space and resource-sharing. Whenever anyone showed interest in speaking with a panelist during our short networking sessions, we made a conscious effort to include them in our conversations. It became a pattern throughout the week, one rooted in community, intention, and making space for one another.
Rather than approaching networking as something individual, we approached it collectively, ensuring that no one felt left out of opportunities to connect, learn, and be heard.
It was a long and busy day, but incredibly meaningful. Moments like these reminded me that this experience was not just about professional growth, but about building a supportive community that uplifts one another.
Day 6: Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Leadership and Possibility
We started the day with a series of panels, our first one at the Brennan Center, which ended up being one of my favorites. I asked questions (something I committed myself to do at each panel), learned more about law and grad school and public policy, and reflected on the importance of mentorship.
After a short break (and quesadillas at the Center), I prepared for something I had been both excited and nervous about: I was going to facilitate a panel with White House staff.
Although nerve-wrecking at first, the experience was incredibly empowering. I stepped into a leadership role, asked thoughtful questions, and trusted my voice in a new way. It was also helpful to co-lead with Joy, who asked insightful questions as well. Hearing positive feedback afterward from our panelists meant everything to me.
Later that evening, we attended an alumni networking reception. Walking into the venue felt surreal, it was beautiful, with large glass windows overlooking the water. The space felt both elegant and energizing, and the hors d'oeuvres were delicious. I honestly felt like a business woman.
I spoke with so many individuals, lawyers, government staff, and more. What stood out most was hearing how different everyone’s paths were and how many did not expect to be working in the spaces they do now. No journey was linear, and that gave me a sense of reassurance.
We returned to the Center that night, had dinner, and rested after a full and inspiring day.
Day 7: Thursday, May 28, 2026: The Supreme Court and the Weight of It All
We woke up early for one of the most anticipated visits, the U.S. Supreme Court.
After going through security and storing our belongings, we entered the courtroom to observe four live hearings. The moment the justices walked out from behind the red curtains, everyone stood. It felt formal, powerful, and unlike anything I had experienced before.
The architecture was stunning, rooted in Greco-Roman design, but I also noticed something important: the overwhelming absence of women represented in the art and statues. That observation stayed with me.
One of the most powerful moments was watching a large group of Black female lawyers get sworn in. It felt like a moment of visibility, progress, and quiet defiance all at once. I cried a little.
We later had lunch at the Court’s café, followed by a panel with a very important speaker, before heading to the Library of Congress.
At the Library, we attended a panel with the U.S. Copyright Office and toured the exhibits. Learning about intellectual property and the range of careers within that field furthered my interest in a path I was interested in learning more about. We then walked to the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. The building itself was breathtaking, once again reflecting the same architectural style seen across D.C. Many of us were tired, so we went back to the center to rest.
By the end of the day, I felt both inspired and reflective. One thing stayed with me: representation matters. Being in these spaces made everything feel more real, and more possible.
Day 8: Friday, May 29, 2026: Reflection and Celebration
On our final full day, we started with breakfast before heading to a panel with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). I especially loved this panel because workers’ rights is an area I am very interested in, and I am so grateful to our IGS staff for including panelists who work in areas we’re passionate about.
After that, we stopped by the White House, which was just steps away, where we took a group photo outside the gates. Unfortunately there was construction happening, but we managed to get a picture in there!
Back at the Center, we spent time in the classroom watching a powerful documentary co-created by one of our cohort peers, Serra. It was inspiring to see the talent and stories within our own group. I was proud to share these experiences with them.
After a long break, many of us returned to Georgetown for one last time, exploring shops, taking photos, and soaking in the last moments together. Valerie, Cynthia, and I wandered off for a photoshoot.
That evening, we visited the historic U Street neighborhood and shared Ethiopian food, another opportunity to experience D.C.’s cultural richness. It was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and I loved it.
We ended the night going back to the center to get ready and go out to celebrate. It felt like the perfect closing moment, full of gratitude and lots of fun! If I could relive one night, it would be this one. It was the kind of ending that made you realize just how special the entire experience had been - and how much I am going to miss it.
Day 9: Saturday, May 30, 2026: Goodbye
I woke up sad, not just because I was so tired from the night before, but because I knew I wasn’t going to come back to sleep here again.
Our flights were later in the day, so we packed up our rooms and went downstairs to our classroom for breakfast. I ate a Call Your Mother breakfast sandwich, and it was so delicious, I honestly wish I could eat it right now as I’m writing this.
We spent time talking and debriefing our experience, sharing what we learned and reflecting on everything we had just gone through together. Then we had lunch (ramen for me), and I couldn’t help but think about how grateful I was to have eaten so well this entire trip. I love food, and getting to try different meals from different cultures made the experience even more special.
After a few hours, it was time to say goodbye to the Washington Center. I hugged everyone goodbye, even though I was going to ride with most of them to the airport. We gave our key cards back and got on a shuttle that took us to the airport. I said goodbye to most of my group there, and Mia and I flew back to LA together.
I came back with lots of postcards, and even more memories.
D.C., I have a feeling this won’t be the last time you see me.