East Tennessee State University students traveled to Washington, D.C., during fall break, Oct. 10-12, as part of the Mountains to Monuments program, an educational experience that allowed students to explore American history, culture and government beyond the classroom.
The three-day trip brought together students from various majors and class years to visit historical landmarks, connect with ETSU alumni and learn more about the nation’s capital.
Sierra Arguello, a senior double majoring in English and media and communications, said the trip was her first opportunity to visit Washington.
“This experience fulfilled both my curiosity for this city and a deeper appreciation for our own region,” Arguello said.
Students arrived Oct. 10 and began their visit with a group dinner and orientation at We, The Pizza, followed by an evening of independent exploration of Washington’s monuments and memorials.
“My favorite was the nights spent walking around the monuments and memorials,” Arguello said. “I enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing this rare opportunity with them.”
On Oct. 11, students visited the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, with opportunities to independently explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Georgeline E. Udogu, a first-year doctoral student in early childhood education, said the experience gave her a deeper understanding of American history and identity.
“The statement from a painting at the National Museum of American History, ‘We make the United States TOGETHER,’ stayed with me,” Udogu said. “It reminded me that people do not need the same background or agree on everything to contribute to a nation.”
Zionjah Jarrett, a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in instrumental performance, said his favorite experience was visiting the “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa” exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
“Seeing salsa explored within the broader context of American history was especially meaningful,” Jarrett said.
Jarrett also visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where conversations with international students helped him better understand how different backgrounds influence perspectives on history.
That evening, students traveled to Meiwah Restaurant in Chevy Chase, Maryland, for dinner at the restaurant owned by ETSU alumnus Larry La.
On Oct. 12, students met with Jessica Mosley, program manager for academies and institutes at the Appalachian Regional Commission, to learn about the organization’s work supporting economic development throughout Appalachia.
“Through speaking with the Appalachian Regional Commission, engaging in conversation with peers, and gaining a broader perspective, I gained valuable tools I can apply to my area,” Arguello said.
The trip concluded with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol before students returned to Johnson City.
All three students emphasized the importance of educational experiences that allow students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
“These trips turn history from something students read into something they can see, question, and connect to their own lives,” Udogu said.
Jarrett said opportunities like Mountains to Monuments encourage students to bring new perspectives back to their Appalachian communities.
“These experiences help develop curious, empathetic students who are better equipped to engage with the world around them,” Jarrett said.
For Udogu, the trip left a lasting impression.
“I came back with more questions than answers, and I think that is one of education’s best outcomes,” she said.
