Isabella Teti, Editor

Since late January, students in La Salle University’s “U.S. Foreign Policy & Haiti” class, taught by Dr. Mark Thomas, have spent the semester preparing for the trip of a lifetime. However, not without first understanding the significance behind the reason for our journey.

As participants in this class, we studied Haiti’s political and governmental conditions, which have become nothing short of tragic. The people of Haiti are suffering immensely, living under the constant threat of gang violence, human rights violations and widespread food insecurity. By examining the effects of a full governmental collapse, our class was able to discuss not only what the United States is doing to help, but also brainstorm our own solutions to the overall crisis.

Through both textbook study and in-depth class discussions, we developed a well-rounded understanding of Haiti’s situation, equipping us to advocate for the country during our travel study experience.

Our travel study took place over La Salle’s spring break and was nothing short of unforgettable. We visited some of the nation’s most beautiful and significant landmarks, including the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Capitol Building, the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. We also visited the U.S. Senate’s Hart Building where we met with the staff of Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), and the U.S. House’s Longworth Building where we spoke with the staff of Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA). We discussed the situation in Haiti and learned about their efforts to develop a plan of action. Both offices shared their insights and allowed our class to offer our perspectives and propose potential solutions for U.S. involvement. One of the most exciting moments of the trip was touring the Capitol and receiving passes from Representative Evans’ office to visit the House of Representatives gallery.

Another highlight was our visit to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where we were briefed by Think Tank staff who have been studying Haiti’s economic and political conditions for many years. This experience offered a different perspective than our meetings on Capitol Hill. We also had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador of Kenya to the United States, David Kerich. He and his staff provided detailed information about Kenya’s peacekeeping missions in Haiti, explaining how their country is helping to reduce violence and restore security. We were able to ask thoughtful questions and learn about both the progress and challenges they’ve encountered.

One of my favorite experiences was touring the Pentagon. We explored the history of the U.S. military branches and visited the moving 9/11 Memorial where we heard a touching story about one of the heroes who lost their life that day. It was a place I had always wanted to visit, and I’m grateful to have finally experienced it. Later that day, we visited Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a rare and emotional moment. I was especially honored to see both a male and a female soldier perform the ceremony. We also toured the Holocaust Museum, a place I had long wanted to visit. Though somber, the museum provided extensive insight into both the origins and the aftermath of the Holocaust, far more than I had previously known.

During the trip, we also connected with La Salle alumni working in various government roles, from lawyers to federal agency employees. We even met alumni currently in law school, who offered helpful perspectives on the law school experience—guidance that was particularly valuable to students like myself.

All in all, the trip was a tremendous success. It was educational in the truest sense, as we applied what we learned in class at La Salle to conversations at some of the highest levels of government. This experience proved that La Salle is not only educating us about global issues like Haiti’s crisis, but is also preparing us—as future lawyers, politicians and public servants—to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through this opportunity, La Salle has shown its dedication to shaping the future of our country with integrity and purpose.