Washington, DC: Global Gateway Summer 2025 (First Impressions)
Sakeef S: The 5 Senses in DC – Daily Life in Washington, DC
Walking to class every day to the United Methodist Building, I would see the beautiful historic sites like the Supreme Court and Capitol Building. These two legendary buildings standing across from one another has allowed me to envision the important role that politics plays in our everyday lives. Furthermore, coming to class and learning about political polarization has helped me visualize the various aspects of politics that are often overlooked and overshadowed by the grand view the American political scheme holds. Throughout history, we were taught that American politics was built upon values of compromising. However today, rightist and leftist beliefs are so divergent that groups can’t even have a meaningful conversation with one another without starting to argue. It may seem like hope is lost, but from my adventures throughout Washington D.C, I’ve discovered that there is still some hope left within society.
For my first week here, I have explored various historical museums like the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Anacostia Community Museum, and the Native American Museum. From all these places, I saw first-hand the important role that underappreciated communities played in developing American history and culture through various priceless artifacts and stories. On top of the museums, I had the honor of trying multiple authentic cuisines here in Washington D.C. I was able to enjoy Mediterranean and Peruvian cuisines from small family-owned restaurants. These hard-working families placed all their love and passion into the food they served, which I truly felt. While listening to their stories and connecting with the owners, I realized that Washington D.C may have magnificent political buildings, but the authentic stories of the people are what make D.C what it is today.
From visiting multiple historical landmarks to tasting the flavors of hard work within the culture of Washington D.C, it has rekindled my hope in the future that the American people will have. Even though political polarization may be poisoning our roots today, I know that no matter what, the American spirit in Washington D.C is strong and will lead to a brighter future for all.
Daniel S: “We’re not in Madison anymore” Moment
The first time I walked to my classroom building, it wasn’t the archaic Congressional Library, the regal U.S. Capitol, or the imposing Supreme Court building that commanded my attention. Of course, the beauty and history of the buildings were captivating, but it was the people walking through the streets, full of purpose, professionalism, and commanding aura, demanding “out of my way, I’m an important person” that drew my eyes time and time again. Walking in every which direction, they were equipped with flawless angular suits and dresses, the rhythmic click-clacks of their formal shoes declaring to everyone nearby that their destination was surely the most important place in the world. Their impressiveness wasn’t conveyed merely by their way of dress, but in the way they carried themselves. Youthful interns resolutely marched forward, briefcase in hand, with practiced, steady steps, immersed in the pertinence of their duty. Generals busily discussed secretive matters in stern tones with slight creases on their brows, likely discussing some fateful decision with millions of lives at stake, while Congressmen conversed with each other in easy tones and knowing chuckles, as if the entire city was in on some inside joke. The difference in the urgent, busy atmosphere of Washington D.C. from the relatively laid-back tone of Madison jolted my mind a bit, and left me more than a little self-conscious in my shorts, sneakers, and UW-Madison hoodie. Despite being conditioned by the relaxed Midwestern-ness of Madison, I found myself affected by the atmosphere of the capital city, hurrying my steps and doing my best to look like I knew what I was doing. Until this moment, I never truly realized how self-important an entire city of hundreds of thousands of people could be. Although some people may find this sort of environment suffocating or exhausting, I was instead inspired. The busy lifestyle of walking from building to building with documents and dreams in hand had sold me an image of the kind of life I could one day grasp if I put in sufficient effort.
