Four Lone Star College-Kingwood students are reflecting on their trip to the nation’s capital as part of the Washington, D.C. Experience.
The students - Rowan Chang, Roberto Portillo Osorio, Ruben Zarco, and Alexa Quinn - traveled to Washington February 9-13 with a group of more than 30 other LSC students selected from across the system.
During the week, they toured the Mount Vernon home of George Washington, experienced the awe of the National Archives, and visited several Smithsonian Museums and various war memorials.
“Visiting Washington D.C. opened my eyes to the power of history and the impact one person can make on the world. It inspired me to dream bigger and reminded me that dedication and effort can turn any goal into reality,” shared Roberto.
The students also had the opportunity to meet with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and enjoyed lunch with LSC Chancellor Mario Castillo and several Trustees.
One of the most powerful moments was witnessing the arrival of the Buddhist Monks during their Walk for Peace.
"This experience gave me a wonderful memory,” Rowan remarked. “Everything I saw, everything I learned, and everyone I met during the trip deepened my understanding of this country. This trip will always have a place in my heart as I continue my journey in the United States."
The students toured the Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol, Thomas Jefferson’s home, and visited the gravesites of pivotal historical figures at Arlington National Cemetery.
“Being in Washington, D.C. was a powerful experience for me,” shared Alexa. “It was hard to put into words what it felt like to stand in the place where so many decisions are made that affect not only my life, but the lives of people in my community. It reminded me how important it is for students and everyday people to have a voice in those conversations because, those decisions directly impact our future.”
Ruben also reflected on what the trip meant to him.
"This trip allowed me to walk in the footsteps of leaders, lawmakers, and changemakers. It was a powerful reminder that history is not just something we study, it is something we actively shape.”
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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