My journey into Washington, DC to visit the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) began a little shaky because I found myself lost once I exited the metro. I hadn't taken the metro in quite sometime and was quite frustrated. After a few phone calls and perplexing looks, I was able to locate the building, which was just across the street from the metro I just exited. At any rate...
Visiting the IHEP was very informative and enlightening regarding the work that this dynamic non-profit organization does. I was most shocked by the very few people that work for the organization; yet, appears to get a tremendous amount of work done as it relates to higher education. The organization is also funded by corporations, which came as a surprise to me, as well. I was even more intrigued by the work the organization does when it was mentioned that they received monies from WalMart to spearhead education initiatives, such as The WalMart Minority Student Success Initiatives. As many of my student colleagues expressed, I, too, am a bit apprehensive when I learn that WalMart is involved in something, but their contribution appears to be for a good cause. Also, to learn that Bill and Melinda Gates' foundation supports an initiative that would seek to help those individuals who are incarcerated to transition into higher education, was very encouraging. Overall, the dialogue amongst the class and the individuals who does so much good, and important, work at IHEP, solidified my desire to pursue a profession in higher education. But now I question, do I want to seek a position, in addition to teaching, in higher education research? The verdict is still out.
After our discourse with IHEP, several of my classmates and myself, decided to feed our bellies after intellectually feeding our minds. We had great conversation, great food, and I enjoyed getting to know great people. This interaction with my classmates was long overdue and I wish I had done this much sooner in the semester. These people might very well be my colleagues in the future and I am grateful to have began a relationship with my student colleagues that I hope to develop further.
And not be outdone, as I made my trek back towards my home, I found myself lost on the train and going in the opposite direction in which my home resided. What a day!!!
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