By Amari W.
To be honest, I don’t even know where I would start when it comes to talking about what I loved most about DC3C. We did so many fun activities inside the building and outdoors, and there were so many different experiences that made this summer memorable for me.
My First Day
On my first day, I honestly did not expect it to go the way it did because I actually fell asleep during the first day. Mrs. Thomas was like, “If you fall asleep, that’s a sent home,” and I instantly got up and started paying attention. At that moment, I thought Mrs. Thomas was nobody to play with!
But as I spent more time around her and started learning from her, I realized that she was actually an amazing person and really fun to be around—especially when she would pass out gift cards when we got a question right. That definitely made things more interesting and made me want to participate even more.
Building Connections Through Games
I also didn’t expect to meet the people I met and become as comfortable with them as I did. We played games together, learned about each other, and were able to be vulnerable without feeling judged. I think that was one of the best things about DC3C.
Ms. Harrington and Mr. Fridie always came up with games and activities that were actually fun while still teaching us something. One activity I remember was when she had us partner up into twos and asked us questions about the other person, like, “What’s their favorite thing to do after work?” or “During lunch break, what fast-food place do they eat at the most?”
It was fun because we had to actually pay attention to the person we were partnered with. Activities like that brought us closer to each other and made the space in the room feel lighter every day. I think everyone enjoyed those moments. We went from being people who were still getting to know each other to becoming people who could laugh, talk, and feel comfortable around one another.
Learning Skills for Our Future
DC3C was also about more than having fun. They taught us about hard and soft skills and how we can use them in everyday life and in the workplace. They taught us how important it is to communicate, work with others, be responsible, and be transparent in the workplace.
They also had us write about what we wanted to do, what we wanted to become, and what pushed us to keep going. We talked about the importance of young Black men and women educating ourselves so that we can make an impact in our communities. Those conversations made me think more about my future and the type of person I want to become.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Another thing I loved about DC3C was the field trips because we got to experience things that we probably would not have experienced otherwise.
One of the field trips we went on was to Washington, DC Fire & EMS. We got to walk around and see how they train. Mr. Woods explained to us that they have buildings where they can set up fire simulations so firefighters can train on how to rescue people, work as a team, and stay calm in stressful situations.
We also got to see some of the physical training they have to do. They have to run up stairs while carrying heavy equipment, including a hose bundle. Mr. Woods allowed us to put the hose bundle on our shoulders, and I was actually the first person to do it. I was able to hold it on my own, which was really exciting! It made me understand that being a firefighter takes a lot of strength, preparation, teamwork, and determination.
After that, Mr. Woods walked us around some more and showed us a training scene where someone was in a car accident. They were learning how to respond to the situation and check vital signs.
We also met another firefighter who sat down and talked with us about his background. He told us about his experience in the field and explained how being a firefighter showed him what brotherhood really means and how the people around you will show up and support you. That was inspiring to hear because it showed me that a career can also create relationships and a sense of family.
Mr. Woods also talked to us about the steps to becoming a firefighter or EMS professional and the qualifications you need. We learned about the CPAT program, which tests whether someone is physically prepared to perform important job-related tasks. Getting to see all of this in person gave me a better understanding of what goes into these careers.
Exploring Government and Politics
We also went to the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court.
At the U.S. Capitol, we learned about how the U.S. government works and the roles of the House and Senate. Being there in person made what we learned feel more real because we were actually standing in a place where important decisions are made.
At the Library of Congress, we did a scavenger hunt based on the history and information inside the library. We also got to walk around and learn about its history.
Some of us went to get a Library of Congress card, and I was one of the people who wanted one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t over 18 yet, so I wasn’t able to get one. I was definitely upset because I really wanted one and wanted to be able to read a book and explore the library more, but I know there is always a next time.
Next, we went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where we learned about the judicial branch, how justices interpret the Constitution, and how important court decisions can affect our country.
Being able to visit these places helped me understand government in a different way because I wasn’t just hearing about it in a classroom—I was actually seeing where history and important decisions happen.
Seeing My Future More Clearly
After all of that, we ended up going to the John A. Wilson Building to meet Mr. Josh Gibson. We were able to ask him questions, and he answered them and gave us information about government and politics. He told us about how members of Congress and other government officials debate serious problems and issues that affect people.
One of my favorite parts was being able to sit in the chairs where government officials have meetings and important conversations. I also had a one-on-one conversation with Mr. Gibson because I am interested in majoring in politics, especially the legislative branch. Being able to talk to him about something I am interested in made that field trip one of my favorites.
All of these field trips made me more self-aware about different careers and opportunities that are available to me. They showed me how important it is to use the resources around me and take advantage of opportunities when they come my way because you never know what you might learn from them or who you might meet.
What I Would Change
When it comes to what I didn’t like about DC3C, honestly, there really isn’t much I can say. I enjoyed almost everything about the experience.
Of course, there were days when I was tired or moments when something challenged me, but I wouldn’t say those were things I disliked. If anything, those moments helped me learn and grow. The only thing I probably didn’t like was knowing that the summer would eventually come to an end.
More Than a Summer Program
It was an amazing summer and an amazing experience to meet people who had different perspectives and personalities and still be able to come together. In such a short amount of time, we became like a family. We laughed together, learned together, challenged each other, and created memories that I know I will remember.
I want to thank everyone who played a part in making this experience what it was, especially Mr. Fridie, because if it wasn’t for him, I would not have been in a room with so many supportive, encouraging, and welcoming people.
DC3C gave me more than just a summer experience. It gave me memories, knowledge, new connections, and opportunities to see different possibilities for my future. I came into DC3C not knowing exactly what to expect, and I am leaving knowing that sometimes the experiences you least expect can become some of the experiences you appreciate the most.