WKU News

During the 2018 Capital Experience trip, WKU students visited the White House, met with Congressman Brett Guthrie and rode bikes around the National Mall.

Eight WKU students and two staff members traveled to Washington, D.C., to immerse themselves in the history of our country during the Department of Student Activities’ Alternative Spring Break trip.

Among all the programming the department has to offer, Alternative Spring Break trips are one of the signature programs through Leadership and Volunteerism. Alternative Break trips are designed to offer students an opportunity to provide service to communities and individuals in need and allow them the platform to engage in cultural and educational experiences.

Senior Sidney Leavell of Lexington said, “We got a first-hand experience of how The Hill works, and with the museums, it gave us the opportunity to build on prior knowledge of the holocaust and African American history.” 

During the 2018 Capital Experience trip, students had the chance to explore several museums and monuments, meet with Congressman Brett Guthrie and observe a House vote, and sit second row at Ford’s Theatre to watch The Wiz.

“The holocaust museum was definitely my favorite part,” said Madeline Marita, a senior from Florence. “I have never been to a museum where every single visitor was so quiet and respectful. Walking through it in silence really gave everyone time to reflect on how such a great tragedy came about and what we can do to ensure nothing like that ever happens again.” 

“I learned so many things I did not previously know and I feel like I’m less ignorant of the struggles that different races have had to go through,” Louisville sophomore John Hasner said, reflecting on the visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

When not soaking up knowledge from Smithsonian museums, the students were able to enjoy bike riding around the National Mall and eating at some of D.C.’s top-rated eateries. From a restaurant in honor of Alexander Hamilton to rolled ice cream, stomachs were not disappointed on this trip. And if a student didn’t have a sense of direction prior to the excursion, they have one now; as public transportation was the primary means of getting around town.

The Student Activities Office hosts service and cultural/educational trips during both fall and spring break.  To learn more about these trips and the Student Activities Office, visit www.wku.edu/sao or contact Josclynn Brandon, Coordinator of Student Activities, at (270) 745-4434.