Washington, DC: Global Gateway Summer 2025 (Reflections)
Shayna C: Final Reflections
As the program comes to an end, I am reminded of the countless memories, valuable learning experiences, and lasting friendships that I have made over the last three weeks. My time in Washington D.C. was incredibly well-spent thanks to the packed itinerary that Lucas Young, Hannah Roberg, Amy Gangl, and the IAP team put together for us – our cohort explored museums, visited tourist spots, and spoke with several UW-Madison alumni about their experiences post-graduation. Some of my favorite visits were to the African American History Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Kennedy Center!
Not only were we allowed the time to explore D.C., but we were also afforded the space to learn about political polarization and discuss its far-reaching consequences in class. It was truly valuable to have a safe space where I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts, engaging in meaningful discourse, and exploring the psychology behind the extremism that has defined recent American politics. I’m deeply thankful for the insights I’ve gained not only from my instructor, Amy Gangl, but also from each member of my cohort. Together, we were able to reflect thoughtfully on the current state of politics while experiencing it firsthand through our interactions with the city.
I am struck by the weight of the bonds I’ve made with every single member of my cohort – it has been so fulfilling to study alongside you all, to learn from you, to experience D.C. with you, and to laugh with you over round after round of card games! If I had any final thoughts, it’s that I am so grateful to have engaged with this specific course, with this amazing instructor, with this incredible group of people – I don’t know how I got so lucky. The one thing I’ll miss most about D.C. is walking from museum to museum until my feet feel like they’re going to fall off. There’s so much to see, so much to explore, so much to learn – to be immersed in a bustling city, where every day is a new adventure, has been so rewarding. I’m leaving D.C. not only with a deeper understanding of political polarization but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue engaging thoughtfully with the world around me. I can’t wait to apply all that I’ve learned to my future studies on the UW-Madison campus!
Christine I: Memories
As my time in Washington draws to an end, I am grateful for this program and how it has enriched my experience in D.C. Not only have I built new friendships with my cohort, but I have also deepened my knowledge of the framework of our legal system and the rise of political polarization within it. Throughout this excursion, I have seen numerous historic sites, engaged in stimulating in-class discussions with my peers, read intriguing class materials, and explored new places and cuisines that D.C has to offer. In just three weeks, I have experienced so many lasting memories, that it is so difficult to express just one, but one that stands out is taking a trolley ride throughout the city.
During this trolley tour, I had the opportunity of seeing and visiting various historic sites/monuments like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the White House, just to name a few. Not only was it a great way for me to engage in DC’s culture, but I also got to learn more about the history of the city through the stories from our driver. Furthermore, this tour gave me the chance to connect with my cohort by engaging in conversations and learning more about their hobbies and backgrounds. What made the ride even more memorable was watching the sunset while driving through DC. Of all the sites we visited that day, I really enjoyed going to the MLK Jr. Memorial. Standing at this memorial, I felt awestruck and filled with deep reverence for his tireless efforts in helping secure the rights and liberty for all Americans. I’m filled with gratitude that I got to go on this tour early in the program, as it offered me an introduction to the picturesque view of the history and beauty that lies in the heart of DC. As I leave this excursion, I am grateful for the university partners for sponsoring this program, for Professor Amy Gangl, Lucas Young, Hannah Roberg, Carmen Pitz, and others who planned and formulated the itinerary of the program and the curriculum of this course. Lastly, I am grateful to my cohort for making this program fun and immersive. I want to thank you all for making this excursion a memory that I will never forget!
Ellie J: Final Reflections
Washington, D.C. is a city filled with diverse populations and a unique history everywhere you look. As I leave this beautiful place with a full heart, I am beyond pleased with my experience. I have enjoyed every last moment here, especially the conversation with Judge Rainey Brandt, the Monuments by Moonlight trolley tour, and the group dinners! One thing I loved most was the amount of knowledge I gained about this city and the people here within a limited time. Whether walking through the downtowns of Georgetown and Alexandria or learning how to navigate the Metro, there is a special culture and history within every part of D.C.
Something that surprised me the most on this program was the course content. The conversations we had in the classroom about U.S. politics opened my eyes to many new things I never would have thought of before taking this course. I respect that each of us went into discussions and lessons with open minds and felt comfortable sharing life experiences to make each conversation all the more valuable for us. The topics covered in this course have changed and influenced the way I see politics, this country, and the world. I can’t wait to see how each of us applies the course material and the Washington D.C. program to our lives in Madison!
Nonetheless, it was the people who really brought this journey to life for me. I never realized how close of a bond I could form with someone in just a couple of days, and I have Global Gateway to thank for this friendship. I am grateful for the kindness and friendliness of each person and would not wish to experience D.C. with anyone else. Our cohort shared many laughs and jokes that have truly made this program worthwhile, and I am definitely going to miss our late-night card games and ice cream runs! As we depart from D. C. I am sad to say goodbye, but I will forever be thankful for the relationships we developed and the memories we share. I am excited to see what each of our futures hold beyond this experience!