USA: Anissa Hernandez (The Five Senses in DC)
The Five Senses in DC
Washington, D.C., in November is beautiful. Everywhere you look, tall trees blaze red, orange, and yellow. The wind rushes through the branches, leaves loosen and drift, and sidewalks crackle underfoot. D.C. is a very dog-friendly city; there’s a park a few blocks from my apartment on the way to class where people walk, play, and chat with other dog owners. You also see students, interns, and professionals in business-casual, some heading home after long days, others hustling to work with coffee in hand.
A block from my apartment is a favorite: Jacobs, a corner coffee shop that always smells like fresh pastries and beans. My go-to order is a cheese danish and a matcha with oat milk. It’s small, busy, and full of regulars; the owner and staff are warm and welcoming. I feel comfortable on my block, but walking nine minutes north to my local Aldi, the vibe shifts. There is more visible poverty, crowded buses, and occasional public intoxication. It can be overstimulating. D.C. natives strike me as bold, confident, and direct. Coming from the Midwest, I’m used to a different cadence, with people who are more friendly, polite, and soft-edged. When I wear UW–Madison gear, fellow Midwesterners spot it instantly and shout “On, Wisconsin!” with a grin. During the week, D.C. can feel transactional, like I’m always “networking.” Even the Capitol Hill church I attend every Sunday fills with Hill staff and interns.
Given the current political climate, I’ve felt better than I expected. I’ve been proud to see community members stand up for what’s right.
Anissa Dayanara Hernández Ruiz
Major: Legal Studies & Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin