A recent study tour to Washington, D.C. turned out to be a life-changing journey for a group of students from La Salle University. This educational trip gave them the chance to experience the world of politics, diplomacy, and law-making in a hands-on way. Led by professor Mark Thomas, Ph.D., the students not only explored important places but also left a strong impression wherever they went.
Exploring the Heart of American Politics
The students visited some of the most powerful and historic sites in the United States. They toured the Capitol, the Pentagon, the Kenyan Embassy, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. These visits helped them understand how decisions are made at the highest levels of government and what role history and diplomacy play in shaping the future.
From learning about international relations at global policy think tanks to observing how American lawmakers operate, the trip gave them a real-world view of how the country runs. Each day was packed with learning, and the experiences were both exciting and eye-opening.
Standing Out for the Right Reasons
Throughout the tour, La Salle students made a name for themselves by asking smart questions and showing a clear passion for what they were learning. Whether they were speaking to diplomats, judges, or policy experts, their curiosity and drive stood out.
Students on the trip included Bashirah Armstrong, Lilly Billarrial, Lucas Dekaney, Sofia Frost, Assamaou Gakou, Madison Griffin, Kelly Laguna, Patrick Malloy, Lawrence Mani, Kayla McCray, Alliayh Suber, John Palombaro, Jessica Perez-Salinas, Isabella Teti, Gvantsa Tvaliashvili, Victoria Victor, and Cole Welsh.
An Unexpected Chance to See the Law in Action
One highlight of the trip came from a last-minute opportunity to visit Superior Court Judge Shana Frost Matini. The students observed a real courtroom trial and later had a conversation with the judge. This moment was especially meaningful for those thinking about a career in law.
Senior student Kelly Laguna said, “It helped me realign my motivations. I really enjoyed the aspects of the trip that were related to the impact of law in the U.S.”
Another student, Jessica Perez-Salinas, shared, “One of my favorite parts of the trip was being able to see a superior judge preside over a case. That really cemented the fact I want to go into law.”
Learning More Than Just Politics
While visiting famous buildings and meeting leaders was important, students also grew in other ways. They cooked meals together, faced travel challenges as a team, and had honest talks about their goals and dreams. The tour helped many of them better understand what they want to do in life.
Senior Madison Griffin, who studies economics and political science, summed it up well: “I’ve only been to D.C. once before, and this was a very different experience. It was fun—and it was full.”
Future Plans and New Paths
Thanks to the connections made during the trip, many students are now applying for internships and job opportunities in government and policy-related fields. The success of this tour has already inspired plans for another one, with the next trip focused on domestic policy.
This educational journey proved that real-world exposure can truly shape young minds and help students turn their passions into career paths. Trips like these not only boost academic learning but also open doors to professional growth and personal transformation.
