Washington, DC: Global Gateway Summer 2025 (Discoveries)
Catalina C: An Impactful Moment – District of Columbia Courtrooms Court Hearing May 2025
During my study abroad experience in Washington, D.C., one of the impactful moments was attending a court case at the District Court of Columbia, in downtown D.C. I’ve always known I wanted to work in legal and political spaces, but nothing prepared me for an experience like this.
The case I got to listen to in the courtroom was very hard to listen to because I could see the family and the defendant in the courtroom in distress and overwhelmed with emotions. I felt a mix of anger and frustration, and a sense of helplessness. While I can’t share the specifics of the case, it revealed just how deeply systemic failures affect people’s lives. I was especially struck by the lack of effort to assemble a diverse jury, despite nearly 90% of the defendants being Black men, the jury looked nothing like them. That moment made it clear how representation is still missing from our justice system. I realized that when those in power don’t reflect the communities they serve, fairness becomes almost or nearly impossible.
This experience only deepened my commitment to pursue a career in law and policy. I’m incredibly passion to help build systems that are not only fair and inclusive, but equitable and accessible to all. It reminded me that while many of these spaces were never designed with marginalized communities, it’s up to us to step in, speak up, and create change. Our presence in these rooms is a form of resilience. After having an experience like this I am more now than ever ready to find new spaces where I can advocate for justice, build meaningful connections, and create a sense of belonging for others like me.
Leo O: Local Interactions
On Friday, May 23rd, the cohort and I toured the prestigious Howard University—one of many historically Black Colleges/Universities in the United States. In Oklahoma, I attended a historically Black middle school and high school. Because of that life experience, the opportunity to witness such a significant institution was one of the planned experiences that I was looking forward to in the program. I even wrote about it in my personal writing sample while applying for Global Gateway.
We had two tour guides who were rising seniors at the university; one of which was a Washington D.C. native. Overall, the entire tour was an amazing experience. I have friends who attend the university, so it was great to see buildings and streets that they would reference in real life. At UW, I am involved in the Multicultural Greek Council, and we are taught about the National Pan-Hellenic Council—also known as the Divine Nine. Five of these nine Black Greek-lettered organizations were founded at Howard University, so it was cool to see the small monuments dedicated to them. While on the tour, we also ran into some Wisconsin natives who were visiting the campus because their son will be attending in the Fall which was a fun side conversation.
Besides the substance of the tour, I absolutely loved our tour guides. Although I do appreciate the wisdom and advice that UW-Madison alumni and other professionals have given to the cohort, it can feel overwhelming at times. Especially as a first-generation Latino student, I have not seen much representation from the professionals that we have spoken with. The tour guides served as a breath of fresh air from the heavy and anxiety-inducing conversations that we have had related to post-graduation.
The opportunity to walk the campus and interact with the people of Howard University will definitely be one of the more memorable experiences that I will carry with me from the program.
Evelyn R: Sustainability in DC
The first thing I noticed when I left the airport was how green DC is. The city is overflowing with luscious trees and flowers. Fun fact: DC is recognized as having the #1 park system in the US. According to Sustainable DC, district agencies and partners regularly plant thousands of trees citywide each year.
A specific place I’d like to highlight is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. My cohort was able to tour the library and see the beautiful roof gardens. The roof is split into four sections: the Seasonal Viewing Garden, Native Pollinator Garden, Shade Garden, and the Sensory Garden. The ever-changing gardens spread awareness about conservation and provide a space for the public to experience nature all year round. Additionally, the library also has a temporary exhibit called “Wonders of D.C. Trees,” which uses sculptures, paintings, and mixed media to showcase the tree life of DC. Overall, the MLK library does a great job at promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The last thing I’d like to mention is the birdlife of DC. As birds are one of my favorite animals, I’ve found paradise in this bird-filled city. From ducks to sparrows, pigeons to blackbirds, there’s no shortage of birds in this city. One practice I’ve adopted since being here has been bird feeding. Whenever I want alone time, I take myself to one of the many parks in DC and feed some veggie chips or bread to the birds. While not the most heroic conservation effort, I find joy in providing nourishment to my fellow earth beings. This is a practice I will definitely take with me back home.
Mulu Y: A Home away from Home in DC
Every morning in D.C., we walk for twenty-five minutes from our Navy Yard hotel to the United Methodist Building, where we take class. Over time, it established a daily pattern, but first it felt interminable, especially in the summer heat. As I became closer to my peers, those walks became a time for genuine conversation and laughing. The distance feels shorter now, but it hasn’t altered. Routine may become ritualized via connection, I’ve discovered.
I normally ride my bike to class back in Madison. I’ve been able to calm down, think more deeply, and truly appreciate the beauty of the city around me by walking everywhere. The United Methodist Building itself seems like a significant location for gathering because of its imposing design and historical significance. I now link it with learning, developing, and discovering new ways to express myself.
We spend our days exploring outside of class. We frequently keep strolling after lectures or museum visits, without really knowing where we’re going, simply taking in the excitement of D.C. The trip to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, was one of my favorite experiences. The picturesque river vistas, cobblestone walkways, and neighborhood stores made the approximately one-hour drive from our hotel well worth it. We also took a stroll around Georgetown last week, which is another charming neighborhood that opened my eyes to the true size and diversity of the D.C. region.
The surroundings around our classroom is one location that I will really miss. We’ve had some of our greatest chats at the coffee shops and delicious local restaurants that surround the convenient and easy-to-access Metro station. I now incorporate that entire region into my regular routine.
I’ve learned from this experience that “home” isn’t necessarily a set location. It can occasionally be discovered in new walks, lunches, and impromptu excursions with individuals you’re still getting to know. What was strange is now familiar, and I will remember these things long after we return home.
