In a powerful demonstration of advocacy, resilience, and interdisciplinary collaboration, a group of Florida International University (FIU) students traveled to Washington, D.C., to engage with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and fellow change-makers. What began as a three-day fly-in quickly transformed into a deep personal and eye-opening experience that tied local concerns to national policy and global impact.
Organized by the Office of Global Learning Initiatives, the trip aligned with the mission of FIU’s Transformation Contest, which celebrates the role of intercultural experiences in shaping students’ worldviews. This year’s finalists found themselves on the frontlines of pressing policy debates ranging from education, to immigration, international diplomacy and national security.
Rihanna Bajnath, a Political Science student, reflected “I now understand that being involved in non-profits and policy research can lead to real reform. We met with the Office of Representative Federica Wilson and spoke about the Pell Grant crisis. We were not just heard but also empowered to speak as students and as citizens.”
The students, representing five distinct majors, discovered that despite their academic differences, they were united in purpose. For Ashley Prado, a Computer Science major, the trip underscored the role students play in shaping international education: “We’re not preparing to lead, we already are. NAFSA and the Peace Corps made that clear. Our voices, our experiences, they matter, and when we speak up, we influence systems.”
The D.C. experience also highlighted surprising intersections between seemingly unrelated fields. Cristian Rodriguez, a Crime Science major, reflected on their visits to the National Press Club and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation: “There was a strong connection between foreign policy and international education. Both are shaped by executive actions, and both affect communities like mine, filled with international students.”
Other students drew connections between global shifts and local immigrant communities. Jordan Saenz, a Philosophy major student, emphasized the relevance of the visit to the Victims of Communism Memorial for understanding immigration in Miami: “It helped explain why so many Cuban families flee to the U.S. These stories are personal, and they resonant with others."
Beyond policy and advocacy, the trip sparked their thinking about future goals.
Ashley reflected, “I left with a stronger voice, a deeper sense of purpose, and a renewed commitment to making a difference. […] This wasn’t just a trip, it was a turning point.”
“In all the chaos, I’ve learned to focus on what really matters,” said Cristian. “This fly-in helped me see through the noise to find clarity in action.”
“Meeting with organizations working toward what I also want to achieve changed how I see my role in it all,” said Jordan. “I now understand the value of collaboration and shared purpose.”
The group’s time at the Florida House, in honor of National Orange Juice Day, provided a celebratory moment, one that recognized the students not just as visitors, but as contributors to Florida’s academic and civic life.
Throughout the experience, students discovered that advocacy isn’t reserved for the powerful. It begins with sharing a story, asking questions, and showing up.
“I believe more students should have this opportunity,” said Rihanna. “This trip showed us that advocacy is human, it’s hopeful.”
As these FIU students return to their communities and classrooms, they carry more than memories. They bring back insight, inspiration, and the determination to drive change from the local level to Capitol Hill.