What happens when 36 top-of-their-class seniors with a demonstrated interest in Diplomacy and International Relations have unprecedented access to U.S. foreign affairs leadership in D.C.?

For Distinguished Student Ambassador Program (DSAP) participants, it's the melding of next-level mentorship, comprehensive language immersion, and experiential leadership development.

 

 

In a recent trip to the nation's capital, students visited a wide variety of governmental organizations and landmarks, applying their classroom experiences to real-world opportunities for professional development. Stops during the first half of the trip included the U.S. Capitol, where they spent time with staffers from the offices of several national and Texas-based legislators, including Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Lance Gooden, and Rep. Henry Cuellar.

 

 

Applying their trilingual education while in D.C., DSAP participants also engaged with representatives at the Chinese Embassy to the U.S., including Minister Counselor Madam Shen Xuesong. Later in the week, they also ventured to the Embassy of Mexico in D.C., where Lourdes Zozaya and Maria Rodriguez addressed the group. Discussions covered topics such as immigration, the history of trade across North America (including NAFTA), and key policies influencing Mexican politics.

 

 

 

"Being an ILTexas student has allowed me to learn leadership and language skills that greatly prepared me for this trip. I think that my background in leadership made each of the speakers’ lessons resonate even more than it would have before," said Brienna McCafferty following the experience. McCafferty is a senior at ILTexas Keller-Saginaw High School. She, like the majority of DSAP participants, is a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at her home campus.

ILTexas' motto, "Others Before Self," resonated throughout the trip, with visits to the Pentagon and U.S. Naval Academy, focusing on careers in foreign affairs, public service, military leadership, and beyond. The D.C. Rotary club also welcomed the ambassadors for a lunch meeting with Sofia DeMarteno, Development Director at Boys Town, and Sheldon Ray, Sr. Vice President, Investments, at Raymond James.

 

Lieutenant General Charles Hooper (Ret.) addressed students visiting the Cohen Group, a government relations agency with a long-standing history supporting ILTexas. During their time at the U.S. Department of State, students met with Colin Crosby, Deputy Coordinator for Bilateral Affairs in the Office of China Coordination, and Judy Kuo, Director of the Office of Taiwan Coordination. Crosby and Kuo discussed diplomacy and international service, as well as the importance of both politicians and long-time public service professionals.

"I’m leaving with a new perspective on my future," said Faith Odungide, a senior at ILTexas Katy Westpark High School. As a former volunteer at Texas Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the U.S., and a member of Red Cross for Youth, Odungide's interest in a career in global health brought her to DSAP.

Many resonated with the final leg of the trip, which included visits to Mount Zion Cemetary, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and the Holocaust Museum learn more about the impact of international events on foreign policy, military service, and public opinion. 

 

 

"This trip truly opened my eyes and helped me realize that I can change the world," said Gracie Shin. Healthcare accessibility, especially medication, is of particular interest to Shin, a senior at ILTexas Garland High School. Shin added, "All of the people we've encountered helped me see that it's not how you start, but how you end that matters."