Today we went to Capitol Hill to represent our colleges and
universities and to advocate for other students going into higher education.
Susana prepared us with weeks in advance about the topics we would like to
address with representatives of our state. We had the opportunity to have
scheduled meetings with Senator Jeff Flake, Congressman Raul Grijalva, and
Congresswomen Martha McSally to advocate for concerns that we have as Hispanic
students that are in the process of receiving higher education.
We began our day by listening to a conference with other
students attending to HACU while eating breakfast. After that, we had a quick
meeting to learn basic ways that we could approach our Representatives in a
professional way. The highlight of my day today was not only walking through
high security connected tunnels in Capitol Hill, being able to watch President
Barack Obama pass by in his car, but also being able to talk to the
Representatives in a personal way and to know that they are interested and that
they understand the importance of Hispanic higher education and support it.
In my opinion, the barriers we as Hispanics face the most,
are financial barriers. In Capitol Hill I was able to advocate for those who
struggle with Financial Aid. I discussed about how many times, Financial Aid
becomes a barrier in order for students to complete a higher education. We
first met with Elizabeth Jones, Senator Flake’s Legislative Correspondent, and
I was able to present a proposal for an increase in Financial Aid for four year
institutions, to create a less complicated form of Financial Aid, and that there
should also be a summer Pell Grant in order for students to finish their education
at a faster pace.
I was very excited today that I got to meet Congressman Raul
Grijalva. I advocated for the same things as the previous meeting with
Elizabeth Jones, but this time, Congressman Grijalva was present. I felt that
he really understood the barriers that we face in higher education. I was felt
extremely important during this meeting because he took the time to sit with us
and listen to what we had to tell him.
Finally, we had the opportunity to speak to one of Congresswomen
Martha McSally’s Legislative Correspondent. With Congresswomen McSally we were
able to discuss more issues that take place directly in our communities. We
addressed the issue about Douglas not having a hospital and also that our town
lacks of recreational activities for children, youth, adults, and families as a
whole.
Today was an informative day full of new experiences and
adventures. I am really not looking forward for tomorrow because it is our last
day here, but I am hoping that this is not the last time that I am here.
