Academics
Seminars Provide Inside View of Politics
Students from MDC’s Honors College and leaders of the Student Government Association at each of MDC’s eight campuses got an exciting, first-hand look at national politics during a weeklong seminar in Washington, D.C.
The prestigious Inside Washington seminar, presented by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, instilled perspective into the 2012 election campaign through a combination of lectures from prominent guest speakers, panel discussions, site visits and group dialogues. Students heard directly from the journalists covering the 2012 elections, leaders of special interest groups and other distinguished insiders, including members of Congress.
Thoughtful Preparation
MDC Associate Professor Diego Tibaquirá said students began preparing more than a month before the trip with orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with various political issues.
“Our students were remarkable,” Tibaquirá said. “They were well-prepared, engaged and had a lot of insightful questions.”
Living History
More than two dozen students also had the opportunity to visit several historic sites in the nation’s capital, including a tour of the White House arranged by Miami Dade College President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, who chairs the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
After visiting the White House for the first time, Honors College student Amalia Mariaca said she felt proud to say she is a resident of the U.S and is eager to become a citizen.
“Being born in Bolivia, I did not immediately realize the greatness of this country,” she said. “My experience in Washington made me become conscious of what makes the United States the powerful nation it is today, which is the distinct ability of this country’s people to improve upon their current situation.”
— AMS