Day One: Mount Vernon

Upon our arrival to Washington DC, we travelled to Mount Vernon to see the home of George Washington.  What a spectacular place!  Overlooking the Potomac River, the mansion and gardens sit on 500 acres today.  But in Washington's time, the grounds reached across 8,000 acres.  

We had a tour of the mansion... So amazing to be able to say that we stood where George Washington once stood.  And hit our heads on the same stairs that the 6'2" President hit his head! 

Photography inside the mansion is not permitted.  But we saw what was the original 4 room house and much of the expansion that Washington had built.  You can take a virtual tour through the the Mount Vernon website, www.mountvernon.org. 

Without a doubt, Washington left quite the legacy for us.  His political prowess helped to form a great nation and set the course for great leaders throughout history.  

Day One: Flying to Washington DC

What a day!
Bright and early at the airport!

Ranel Bautista shared, "25 students of the Student Leadership Institute were chosen to participate in The Washington DC Experience. We are visiting different historical places to learn from the national leaders.  Along the way, we will also have the opportunity to hear from some of today's leaders, and, of course, have lots of fun!  Each day is being led by a different group of student leaders. 

This trip is a great chance sharpen my leadership skills in a new setting and learn to synergize with other leaders with different skill sets." 

Once we landed and checked in at the hotel, we quickly loaded onto a charter bus to travel to Mount Vernon to see George Washington's home. 

The Washington DC Experience

The Alamo Colleges Student Leadership Institute (SLI) continues to provide the program capstone known as the Washington, D.C. Experience for a cohort of student leaders.

This five day/four night leadership experience requires student leaders to be actively engaged on several levels – in a large group setting, in small groups, and individual reflection.

Participants will:

• Be able to integrate their experiences into their leadership development process
• Demonstrate leadership strategies and practice new ways of exercising leadership, whether in a leadership role or as a member of a group

To capture every participant’s DC experience, the SLI Journal will be created and posted electronically.