In March, four students accompanied local business and industry leaders, elected officials, and staff members from San Jacinto College and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region on a trip to Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, the students and others on the trip met with federal elected officials to discuss issues and concerns related to our region. Here’s what those students had to say about the Washington, D.C. visits.
Stephen Torres
Major: Process Technology
If you could go back and pick one person to meet with, who would it be and why?
U.S. Congressman Gene Green was the person I had the most desire to meet with. To hear his opinion and insight of our concerns mattered most to me because he is the Congressman from my district. Not only do his decisions have an impact on my field of study, but it will affect my community directly.
How do you plan on applying what you have learned on the trip during your academic career?
As treasurer of the Process Technology Club at San Jacito College I intend to relay my experience gained during this trip to the other members of this program. By doing so, I hope to increase morale and advocacy for the process technology industry.
What did you enjoy most about the trip?
I found the most enjoyment from gaining perspectives of the men and women whose experience, both in life and work, was far greater than mine.
Hope Cory
Major: Public Policy
Did you learn anything from your time in Washington, D.C.?
Yes! I learned so much on our trip to D.C. I learned a lot about the Port Houston, how it functions, and its vital importance not only to our country, but the world. I was also able to learn how each specific topic works, its intended benefits and how they relate to me and my future.
What did you enjoy most about the trip?
I loved sitting in on meetings with individuals who are representing me. It was an honor to be able to meet and speak with U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, U.S. Congressman Gene Green, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and U.S. Senator John Cornyn. I loved getting to see all the monuments and museums. D.C. has such a rich history and I am thankful I could experience it. Even though it was extremely cold, I really loved the weather. I have never experienced “real snow” like we did in D.C.!
If you could go back and pick one person to meet with, who would it be and why?
I think I would go back and speak with Ted Cruz. I really loved his engagement during the meeting, especially when the students were speaking.
Kevin Rodriguez
Major: Molecular Biology
Did you learn anything from your time in Washington, D.C.?
Absolutely! This trip really taught me what it is like to present yourself in a professional manner. Going into the trip you feel that professionalism and respect are standard everywhere you go, but the level of both is doubled when you are in your nation’s capital.
How do you plan to apply what you learned on the trip during your academic career?
I plan on using the ability to clearly present your needs to your “higher ups” in order to get those needs fulfilled. In my opinion, there really is no higher platform whether it be professionally or personally than going to your local representatives and telling them what you need. Whether it be for a rise or funding for research, I feel that this trip has given me perspective on how to ask for something respectfully.
If you could go back and pick one person to meet with, who would it be and why?
I wish that I could have had a visit with the president himself. I feel that if President Trump would have heard our needs, I would been able to get an idea of how far away we really are from getting our needs fulfilled.
Nicole Gery
Major: Human Resources
If you could go back and pick one person to meet with, who would it be and why?
I would have liked to meet the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump. If I had the opportunity I wouldn’t pass it up for any person with that amount of leadership over our country.
How do you plan on applying what you learned on the trip during your academic career?
I plan to take every opportunity to soak in as much information from intelligent people. I now believe that I can learn anything from anybody, no matter their status, their gender, their ethnicity, their agent, or their religious believes Whoever they are, I can learn something from them.
What did you enjoy most about the trip?
This trip gave me a whole new look into Washington, D.C. At the orientation dinner I was able to share a table with a vocational lobbyist who shared her experiences in policy. I really enjoyed seeing the government in a whole new light.
* Adapted from the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region First Quarter 2018 Newsletter
