Spotlight- Student Raises Money to Achieve Dream of Visiting Washington D.C.

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Ashley Black

1: What did you find most interesting about your trip?

“I loved being able to see so many different cultures and people. Washington D.C. has a lot of different things to see, especially the people, and I loved it. I was assigned a roommate from my school and then we roomed with two random girls from anywhere in the country. At first I was nervous to room with two girls from any of the 50 states, but I knew whatever happened, it would be great. I absolutely loved my roommates. They became my best friends and I still talk to them. They were from Michigan and were so much fun to be with. That would be considered the most interesting part of my trip: meeting new people.”

2: Was it difficult to get the sponsorship money?  How long did it take you? 

“It was difficult getting sponsors because I had to be willing to ask them for money, which was a challenge.  Everyone was nice whether they donated or not, but I understand that money is tight in most businesses right now and it was so kind and selfless for them to donate even a small amount to my cause. Every penny made a difference!”

3:  Who sponsored you?

Central Bank (Spanish Fork) $50

Canyon View Dental,  $25

Linda Peterson, retired teacher, $250

Mountain View Family Pharmacy $50

Dr. Kendall J. Barrows Orthodontics  $100

Dr. Cloward Dentistry $50

Dr. Thomas Orthodontics $50

American West Bank (Salem) $100

 4:  Why did you want to go?

“I wanted to go to Washington D.C. to gain a greater understanding of America's history and government. There is nothing like seeing history and government close-up. My dad mentioned  that he thinks every student should go to Washington D.C. before they graduate, and I found that to be true. It has also been on my bucket list from a young age to go to Arlington Cemetery. I can cross that off now!”

 5:  Explain your days.  Who did you meet?  What did you see?

“My day consisted of a very tight schedule because there is so much to see. We would wake up around 6:30 every day and wouldn’t go to bed until about one in the morning.  We would see something new every single day.  The first six days we were in D.C.,  and then took a bus to Jamestown, which is about two hours outside city boundaries. When I arrived there, I felt like I went back in time. One of my favorite memories was the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It represents honor, integrity, triumph, and success. I believe all the founding fathers were inspired by God and seeing the memorials and quotes from the founding fathers confirmed that for me! I loved D.C. and hope someday I will be able to go back and learn more. There was so much to see in so little time, but it gives me a good excuse to go back again. “