Going to Washington, D.C. was not on my original 2026 bingo card. However, I am so glad I got the opportunity to go with the NIU political science department, especially as a first-generation Mexican-American student whose family hadn’t been before.
Arriving there on March 8 was something else. The architecture and monuments around me were beautiful and the weather was amazing, compared to the eternal winter we have in Illinois. The weather made me feel like I was back at home in Georgia, especially because of the humidity.
On the second day, we wasted no time and hit the ground running. We took a trip to Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon and to Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office.
The Pentagon was one of the most exciting because I didn’t think I would ever have the chance to visit, considering how strict they are. It was interesting to see all the history on the walls, but the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth “I WANT YOU TO USE AI” posters were a bit strange.
Those didn’t feel like they belonged there. Especially since they were plastered on awkward spots. The posters along with other AI-generated ones made the place feel dystopian. I wouldn’t have expected to see those types of things in the Pentagon.
As for meeting Duckworth — that was one of the major highlights of the trip. It was awesome being able to meet the senator I had seen standing her ground in court videos online. She is a wise and fearless individual that I personally look up to and want to be like.
To end off the day, I and a few others visited the notable Library of Congress. Thomas Jefferson’s Library was remarkable. Jefferson once said “I cannot live without books,” and I couldn’t agree more. The other artwork inside was stunning too.
On the third day we toured a portion of the White House which had a peculiar vibe to it. I’m surprised there weren’t more gold-trimmed decorations on the inside.
There was a lot of construction going on on the outside too. I wonder what next golden exhibition will be built per the 47th president’s request, or what historic area will be destroyed next.
The Capitol was also quite beautiful. Once again, the architecture was one-of-a-kind, along with the statues inside.
After this, we were able to go see all the representatives’ offices which made the day even better. It was astonishing seeing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ office. There are so many sticky notes outside her office; words from so many supporters across the nation.
One of the biggest highlights of this day was sitting on the House floor. It was a privilege to be there, and to see the Senate floor from the gallery. Regardless of the current Congress making faulty decisions, I think these places are still extraordinary to see. Additionally, being able to stand on the Speaker’s Balcony was remarkable. That is a core memory.
On the last day of this thrilling trip, we saw the Supreme Court. It was also beautiful and looked very regal on the inside. Having a trial there must be intimidating, to say the least. The National Museum of Women in the Arts was also nice and I would recommend it to any person visiting the district.
Off schedule, a friend and I took the wrong bus and accidentally stumbled across the Trump and Epstein Titanic sculpture. It was intriguing to see in person because it had gone up the day before. The anonymous artist who has done this series of statues is impressive; they always put them in the right spot and know how to get people’s attention. I don’t think many people who have gone to D.C. can say they’ve seen the notorious statues in person.
In all, I loved this trip, and I met really good people. I was fan-girling a lot but that’s because I like politics, so seeing the Capitol was an important thing for me. It also showed me that I would love to live there; working on the hill would be a dream.
To anyone who has the chance to see the district, I would recommend going. I think it’s important to see the nation’s history before there are any major changes; and in our current climate, you never know when they’re coming. It is also an empowering feeling to be there, especially if politics is a career you are pursuing.
