Spring break for two UMPI clubs meant it was time to journey beyond the County. After weeks of planning students packed their bags to travel and broaden their horizons.
The sky was still black early Sunday morning when UMPI students and professors hit the road to Washington, D.C.
Over four days, members of the University Times Club and International Students Club explored our nation’s capital.
On foot and by public transit, trip goers spread out across the city. Part educational, part exploration, students soaked up the District of Columbia.
U Times members made a day of the popular Newseum, the journalism museum.
“I think the history of news is meaningful,” Tong Liu, U Times vice president, said.
Liu was most impressed with the Newseum. He said it’s important to teach the history and importance of news.
“We might never know of some stories without the Newseum,” he said.
Ning Sun, U Times club member, was afraid the Newseum might be boring.
“It was so amazing,” Sun said. “It had movies, it was interactive. My favorite was the history of the FBI. It was really special.”
If Sun had her way she would like extra time to do more exploring.
Day three called for a city tour by double decker bus. Students made their way to Union Station to take in the sites and history of D.C.
Just yards away from the Washington Monument, students witnessed the president’s motorcade ride through the National Mall.
Finishing the tour on foot, the students splintered across the mall to visit memorials. Before breaking for lunch they took time to gaze across the mall from atop the Lincoln Memorial steps.
D.C.’s popular attractions were overwhelmed by springtime tourists. Families aimed their selfie sticks and smiled. And local shops welcomed you to choice D.C. merchandise.
Early morning on their last day, students said goodbye to the bright pink petals on the blooming cherry blossom trees, hopped on a plane and made their way back to Maine.
Back home and feet back on the ground, the trip goers looked forward to sharing their stories and photos with friends and family. It won’t be long before spring break is back and ready to give more students the opportunity to explore and enrich their lives.
