Washington & Canada STEM Trip - Araceli Gomez Chavez

I never thought that an FHLA trip could be so memorable. The people and activities that were carried out made it an experience that would never be forgotten. However, the most important aspect of this trip was the fact that the students made it possible. Amid our busy summer schedules, we, as a group, found the time to conduct fundraisers to earn money. It's incredible to think that students possess the power and potential to heed the guidance of their advisors and then follow through to raise enough money to travel outside of the country. This is an experience that most individuals haven't had the chance to encounter. While obstacles may stand in one's path, as the Future Hispanic Leaders of America, we were able to turn that experience into a reality.

The STEM aspects of this trip provided a profound learning experience. The Museum of Flight was a particularly captivating destination. The exhibits allowed us to step into aircraft and truly comprehend Boeing's work. Witnessing the potential people have when they collaborate is astonishing. I had the opportunity to explore an aircraft large enough to have three columns of seats, unlike the usual two columns in most aircraft I've been on. The museum also hosted several NASA exhibits, providing insight into the advancements made by NASA.

Another STEM aspect that left an impression on me was Microsoft. I never imagined Microsoft to be such a massive corporation. Witnessing the size of the campus and the ongoing expansion plans was mind-boggling. Microsoft hires numerous employees daily for their wide range of available positions. Every individual working at Microsoft contributes to the company's functioning and success. The array of job opportunities Microsoft offers might very well shape my near future.

Ultimately, the STEM component of this trip opened a new perspective for me. It allowed me to envision myself in one of these corporations. Given the technological advancements shaping the world, these corporations are undoubtedly the future. Witnessing their operations and possibilities showed me a potential path into a similar field.

I'm deeply appreciative of all the students who joined this trip, as well as our advisors. Observing individuals with shared interests working toward a common goal was gratifying. The laughter shared among the students will always hold a special place in my heart. I take pride in witnessing the bright future that lies ahead for all of us in the Latino population. Our advisors played a significant role in this trip. They hold the key to making an experience like this possible, possessing the necessary experience and knowledge. Their understanding of what works and what doesn't in fundraising enabled us to raise the substantial amount of money we did. This funding expanded the possibilities of the trip, even allowing us to venture outside of the country. While money unlocks opportunities, we had to put in substantial effort and engage in diverse forms of fundraising to obtain it. In conclusion, this trip would not have materialized without the students' hard work and the advisors' guidance.

This trip will forever remain a cherished memory. Exploring Seattle and traversing the city was captivating. Canada offered a wholly unique experience. Being in a place where understanding others' speech wasn't always possible was intriguing. Given that French is commonly spoken in Canada, most people in Vancouver conversed in French rather than English. Additionally, as the places we visited were tourist attractions, it was fascinating to witness the diverse array of people from around the world who came to tour Canada. It never crossed my mind that individuals from London would dedicate part of their summer to visit Grouse Mountain, yet they did.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend students to sign up for this trip. It offers something different and provides a fresh perspective on the world. There's so much to see, and this trip makes that possibility a reality.