I’ll never forget it. Traveling for the first time without my parents – some of my peers’ first time traveling at all – historical walks through sites I’d only read about in textbooks, late nights with friends, seeing where each President serves in office, standing in the exact spot Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to give his famous “I Have a Dream Speech”, the smell of patriotism wafting through the air in our nation’s capital.

It may have been 18 years ago, but I’ll never forget my first trip to Washington, D.C.

There are many reasons why Educational Travel is so important for students. As someone who often struggled to sit still at a desk for hours, I found that experiencing the sights I had only heard about in lectures was truly transformative. It was my first time flying on an airplane without my parents, my first trip with friends/peers, and my first visit to Washington, D.C. This experience not only marked a significant shift in my maturity, but it also helped me gain a level of confidence that I hadn't had before traveling independently.

Growth & Maturity

One of the most impactful experiences of this trip was our visit to the Holocaust Museum. While much of our 8th grade history lessons focused on the Holocaust, nothing can truly prepare you for the shock of experiencing that museum firsthand. There is a maturity that comes from seeing the history and the effects of such a mass genocide with your own eyes. This experience fosters a personal growth that reading from a textbook simply cannot offer.

A Sense of Patriotism

Washington, D.C. is rich in history, from the iconic Capitol Hill to the White House, and from the Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery. I was fortunate to be selected as one of the students to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. I clearly remember it was pouring rain that day, but as they say, the show must go on, regardless of the weather! That experience is etched in my memory forever, and I still talk about it today. Witnessing these events firsthand instilled in me a sense of patriotism and pride in my country that I will always cherish.

Experience Cultural Diversity

Washington, D.C., is not only filled with museums and monuments, but it also boasts a vibrant culture of diversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in various ethnic experiences at museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Mexican Cultural Institute. These institutions offer insights into the American experience through the lens of different cultures.

In addition to its museums, D.C. is home to a wide range of languages, including English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Russian, and German, reflecting its multicultural population.

Don't forget to explore the diverse culinary scene as well. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Ethiopia on U Street, and Columbia Heights feature an array of restaurants where you can savor cuisines from around the world, including Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Peruvian, Chinese, and Indian, to name just a few.

Visiting Washington, D.C. feels like stepping into a lively classroom where history comes to life! The hands-on learning experience is priceless. I was in 8th grade when I first went, and honestly, that trip has stayed with me forever. I was fortunate to share that adventure with friends, many of whom I still spend time with today. We love to look back and reminisce about our unforgettable 8th-grade trip to D.C.! My hope for all students is that they have the same invaluable experience, one that they can cherish for a lifetime.