Travel – Page 6 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Savoring The Valley’s Best: Ana Liz Taqueria

Michelle Cardenas

In an effort to expand our educational experiences, we decided to embrace the culture of The Valley by trying one of the things they do best: food. We visited Ana Liz Taqueria, located in Mission, Texas, known for its innovative Mexican cuisine. The taqueria is owned by Ana Liz Pulido, who won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in Texas in 2024, which you can read about here, here, and here. Despite the award-winning status, however, the prices are very reasonable.

One of the standout features of Ana Liz Taqueria is their commitment to making everything from scratch, including their tortillas. All of their tortillas are made by rehydrating and grinding the corn—a traditional practice in Mexico.

The taqueria staff starts their day at 7:00 AM to begin prepping the food, although the restaurant doesn’t open to the public until 4 PM. This dedication to preparation ensures that every dish is fresh and flavorful.

We approach things differently in LEAP and Ana Liz Taqueria is different. For one thing, the wait was about 1.25 hours, with an additional 45 minutes wait for the food. They also only have tables that seat up to four people, and they only have room for about 18 people total in the restaurant (winning the James Beard award has really strained their capacity and resources).

We wanted to turn this into an advantage, so we divided our groups such that two Hispanic students would be with two non-Hispanic individuals at each table. In this manner, those less familiar with Mexican dishes could learn from those who were more familiar with such food.

The menu included many traditional items, but it also featured a good selection of newly interpreted dishes. We were first greeted by an assortment of salsas, including salsa de habanero, salsa verde con tomatillos, sour cream, and chili oil.

Victoria and I were in charge of ordering an assortment of dishes for our table, which consisted of Professor Yawn and Stephanie. We ordered the traditional tacos de fajita, a staple in Mexican cuisine and a must-try item on the menu. For a vegetarian option, we indulged in tacos de nopal topped with a slice of queso Oaxaca. We also had tacos de discada, which contain a mixture of different meats such as fajita, sausage, chorizo, and chicharrón. The name of this dish originates from the large disk-shaped pan in which all the meats are cooked and combined. In order to balance everything out, we ordered one item from the “Botanas” (Snack) section of the menu. One of the most popular Botanas in Mexico is corn, so we ordered a side of corn ribs seasoned with white salt, lime, and chili oil.

Cinthia and Yajaira were in charge of placing the order for their table, which included Chrissy and Olivia. They also had tacos de fajita and discada. Some of the more interesting items they ordered included the “Copy,” which consisted of a tortilla made with both regular and blue corn with fajita. The tacos de chile relleno also proved to be delicious, with fajita, bell peppers, and melted Oaxacan cheese.

We also had Vampiros (Vampires) de fajita, an intricate and delicious dish. The name of this dish is inspired by the fried dark blue corn tortilla, which resembles the night sky—the time when vampires come out to eat. The Vampiro had a smooth layer of avocado on the bottom, followed by fajita, and queso Oaxaca melted to a crisp. This item was by far one of the table’s favorites and it was something I had never tried before.

Our visit to Ana Liz Taqueria was an incredible culinary experience that not only satisfied our taste buds but also gave us a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and traditions of The Valley.

Ana Liz Pulido’s dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish, making her taqueria a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexican culinary traditions and ongoing innovation.

City Management: From the Experts

Our third day at the TCMA was to be our longest, at least with scheduled events. We had a full day of conference sessions, a networking dinner, and, of course, some final practice on our presentations and study for our knowledge contest. Accordingly, we were up early and, more or less, ready to take the day on.

Opening General Session: Transforming Workplace Dynamics

The conference kicked off with a compelling keynote by Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, who shared findings from a global workplace survey.

He highlighted key elements essential for a healthy work environment: high trust, pride in meaningful work, and strong camaraderie.

Drawing parallels with conquering Mount Everest, Bush emphasized the importance of believing in one’s capabilities to achieve seemingly impossible goals.

Bush classified leaders into various types, ranging from unintentional leaders who lack clarity in their roles to Level 5 leaders inspired by Jim Collins’ concept of comprehensive leadership. He underscored the transformative impact of AI on workplaces, urging attendees to embrace and leverage AI capabilities proactively.

Building a Workplace Culture for Innovation, Productivity, and Sustainability: Leading with Love

In the first of the concurrent sessions, attended by Yajaira, Michelle, Victoria, and Cinthia, the students heard from Dr. Church, whom they had met with the night before over dinner.

Dr. Church emphasized the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that fosters innovation, enhances productivity, and promotes sustainability. Executives are increasingly challenged with retaining top talent, developing future leaders, and maintaining a positive employment brand that resonates with their employees and the public.

For this to be successful, companies must leverage employee values for enhanced productivity and loyalty, implementing effective motivation techniques, and fostering a culture conducive to innovation and knowledge creation. It’s important for leader to ensure that employees’ personal goals and organizational values are in alignment, a situation that increase productivity, with people working together toward team goals.

The New City Manager: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Another of the concurrent sessions, “The New City Manager,” was one of our favorites, providing invaluable insights from experienced leaders stepping into new roles:

James Attaway of Quitman advised new managers to trust their teams while verifying details, stressing the importance of building a supportive organizational culture.
Terrell Smith from Marshall regretted not immediately focusing on understanding building codes and city charters, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge. He encouraged realistic expectations about city resources and confident negotiation of their value.
Ashley Wayman from Rollingwood emphasized recognizing personal value and impact as a new manager. She highlighted the significance of understanding key stakeholders in the community for effective navigation of city dynamics.

Moderator Mayra Cantu shared a community engagement success story from Bartlett, illustrating the power of transparency and collaboration in gaining community support for city projects.

Losing the Chair: Lessons in City Management

In the session “Losing the Chair,” experienced city managers Hector Forestier and Jared Miller shared candid insights about the prospects of losing your job in the volatile city-management business:

Hector Forestier emphasized the importance of networking and understanding contracts, reflecting on his early career without a contract and the subsequent lessons learned from peers.
Jared Miller echoed similar sentiments, stressing the necessity of contract negotiation awareness and shared personal experiences, including the negotiation of favorable terms and benefits.

Paul Parker, who mentored both Forestier and Miller, provided additional guidance on navigating city management challenges and contract negotiations.

Interestingly, Forestier was the City Manager of Willis, TX, and he started an internship program there.

His first intern was Zach Goodlander, a LEAP Ambassador. Goodlander is now the acting City Manager of Fulshear, TX.

Awards

As part of our networking efforts, we attended the awards luncheon, and we were happy to see UNT Professor Robert Bland…

…receive a service award. The University of North Texas not only has an excellent reputation for their MPA program (especially City Management), they have also (spoiler alert) won every ICB ever held at TCMA. Many thanks to Professor Bland for his service.

Also, SHSU Alum and Manager in Residence, Laurie Brewer–Assistant City Manager for Georgetown–won the Mentor Award for her great service. She has been a friendly face and wonderful supporter of our team, and we congratulate Ms. Brewer.

Key Takeaways and Reflections

The conference was a great way to learn about the challenges that face city managers and other city staff, while also learning some leadership styles to overcome those challenges. We are very appreciative of the support we’ve seen here, and for the tips provided that may make us more productive and effective leaders in the community.

Making the Most of a Dark and Stormy Day

Yes, Tropical Storm Albert is encroaching on the Gulf of Mexico, but duty beckons. The LEAP Ambassadors are representing SHSU and the City of Huntsville in the TCMA‘s annual “Intercollegiate Bowl (ICB),” in which University programs compete for the title of the “Best Public Administration Program in Texas.”

But to participate, we first had to get there, and this involved loading up a 12-passenger van, and driving the eight hours to South Padre. Eight hours is a long time, but it’s especially a long time when it involves navigating a tropical storm.

University of St. Thomas

In our typical LEAP fashion, however, we made the most of our travels by learning as much as possible. Thus, we did a bit of homework on modern architecture and, specifically, Philip Johnson, whose buildings dotted our travels.

Our first stop was the University of St. Thomas, where we saw Johnson’s beautiful “St. Basil Chapel.” This post-modern design features a sphere (the dome), a cube (the chapel proper), and a plane, the latter of which cuts through the structure.

The front, made of concrete, is marked by a conspicuous cleft on the right side.

This is the entrance, designed to resemble a tent’s entrance, and it serves as a transitional space, ushering visitors in from the outdoors, but not quite indoors.

From this de-facto foyer, doors then lead into the interior, which is as beautiful as the exterior.

The Ceiling of the St. Basil Chapel (*Olivia Discon)*

Along the wall was an etching of the stations of the cross…

Victoria Medrano following the Stations of the Cross (*Olivia Discon*)

… a beautiful sculpture served functionally as the alter; and a pipe organ loomed large on the front-right wall.

The interior was illuminated through three openings, providing a diffuse and ethereal lighting of the chapel.

The chapel is the culmination of an “academic village,” which Johnson modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s design of the University of Virginia (which we visited in March!). In Johnson’s case, the chapel is at the north end of the campus, with the library on the south end, and academic buildings on the east and west sides.

And, interestingly, in one of those buildings, we saw the artwork of an old friend, David Adickes!

Smither Park

Although it rained for about 90 percent of the day, the precipitation courteously stopped or slowed at key points along our journey, including a stop at Houston’s Smither Park.

Recycled mundanities are placed in ways that create patterns which, in turn, can create beauty.

Thus discarded tiles turn into a river; old SHSU pins turn into a bright sun;

and broken glass, old signs, and other odds and ends turn into a “Fish Amphitheater.”

And have you ever seen a gecko playing the piano?

Corpus Christi

A few hours later, we rolled into Corpus Christi, where we resumed both our Philip Johnson tutorial and our refresher in Huntsville natives central to the Texas art world. Although the Art Museum of South Texas, showing much less resilience than SHSU students, closed for the day owing to the storm, we stopped by to see Johnson’s design.

The building, which has been expanded by Ricardo Legorreta, is stark white, with clean lines. It is perched on the seawall, and from the interior, at times provides a bunker like view into the harbor, where the USS Lexington serves as a historic artifact and museum.

Although we could not enter the building, we did peek through the windows, seeing a Dale Chihuly, Jesus Moroles, and Charles Pebworth. The real treat, however, was on the Museum’s lawn, where a large James Surls welcomes visitors.

The highlight for this group, however, was the Selena Memorial, which is on Corpus Christi’s Shoreline Drive. The site features a statue of Selena looking to the sea…

… a white flower facing west, and a cupola atop the memorial–which is titled “Mirador de la Flor,” or “Overlook of the Flower.”

Despite the rain, there were half a dozen people paying respects and taking selfies at the Memorial, us among them.

It was an interesting experience, interacting at a space designed to memorialize Selena’s tragically early death, while also capturing some of the hope and beauty reflected by Selena’s music.

And it was somewhat appropriate for the occasion, as our bi-cultural group returned to the car, slogged through torrential rains to South Padre, with hopes of a sunnier tomorrow and a bright future ahead.

A Day With the Founding Fathers

It’s difficult to see everything in Washington, DC. Knowing we would have limited time, we wanted to prioritize, and we made a “Founding Fathers” tour a priority. Fortunately, there are a lot of presidential homes in this area, and we were able to see Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Monticello.

Mt. Vernon

Olivia Discon

Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon stands as a testament to the life and legacy of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Visiting this historic estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Father of the United States. After all, we had to see for ourselves what compelled President Washington to remark “I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and Representatives of every Power in Europe”.

As you approach Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate emerges, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Potomac. The estate’s centerpiece, the mansion itself, is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, with its iconic cupola and striking symmetry. Interestingly enough, the structure was entirely crafted with wood and painted with sand to make the exterior appear as stone.

Before our tour, we witnessed a performance on the field, where a group of volunteers played “Grand Old Flag” and “Star Spangled Banner.” The music filled the air, creating a sense of reverence and patriotism that was truly moving. The crowd, including us, thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful moment!

Stepping inside the Home, you are transported back in time to the days when Washington called Mount Vernon home.

The mansion’s interior reflects the elegance and charm of the period, with meticulously restored rooms that offer a glimpse into Washington’s life as a plantation owner, military leader, and statesman.

The 9 guest rooms, in particular, are stunningly beautiful, showcasing the luxury and comfort that guests of Mount Vernon would have experienced.

During the tour, we also had the opportunity to see George Washington’s place of death, adding a poignant note to the visit. Standing in the room where Washington spent his final moments was a powerful reminder of his humanity and longstanding impact on the United States of America.

We also had the honor of participating in a ceremony for George Washington at his tomb. It was here that we were able to pledge allegiance, listen to a piccolo rendition of “Taps” before our President.

The ceremony was a beautiful and respectful tribute to Washington’s memory, highlighting the reverence with which he is still held by many Americans today.

In our short time in D.C., we had the opportunity to witness both our first and current U.S. President’s firsthand. These experiences have very built on top of each other to reinforce and contextualize the future experiences we will make both in the rest of our time in D.C. and beyond.

Montpelier

Olivia Discon

In the midst of exploring the foundation of our country (and its various presidential residences), it seemed only fitting to add another to our list: James Madison’s “Montpelier.” The home of the founding father was a testament to his remarkable intellect, his refined attention to detail and his dedication to serving others.

The elegance of the mansion was immediately noted upon entry.

The grand foyer, with soaring ceilings and an immediate immersion into fanciful busts and portraiture, welcomed us into the home with a sense of grandeur. The parlors and sitting rooms, with their period furnishings and delicate decor, spoke of a time when entertaining was an art form.

My favorite room in President Madison’s lavish home was his study. His desk was littered with papers…

…and the room’s walls were lined with books.

It was here that he spent hours contemplating the future of the nation. The study opened into one of the most intriguing features of the home, which would be President Madison’s final resting place. Even as President Madison continued to grow sick, his sharp wit and intellectual curiosity never faltered. Though he laid in bed sick, there was a door that connected the bedroom to the dining room, allowing him to engage in conversations with guests and work late into the night without disturbing his wife, Dolley.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Montpelier was its gardens. Similarly to Madison’s Presidential counterparts, the gardens were a testament to his desire to create a retreat from the demands of such a highly publicized life. We spent a bit of time here enjoying the serene landscape and botanical design.

It was easy to imagine James Madison himself walking these halls, pondering the future of the young nation he helped create…

…and we were immensely grateful to be guests—albeit a couple of centuries late!

Monticello

Michelle Cardenas

After visiting Washington’s Mount Vernon and James Madison’s Montpelier, we were eager to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. His beautiful estate is located in the rolling hills of Virginia.

I was extremely excited to visit Monticello, especially after my recent viewing of “Thomas Jefferson” by Ken Burns, a documentary that gave me a little bit of insight into Jefferson’s life and his home. Jefferson inherited thousands of acres from his father after he passed away. He had high hopes of one day building a home and with that the idea of Monticello was born.

Thomas Jefferson was incredibly intelligent; he was a man knowledgeable of many disciplines. He served as the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. However, he also had an incline toward architecture, engineering, innovation, and design. His love for Greek and Roman architecture influenced his design for Monticello as well as his admiration for the works of Andrea Palladio.

The home is incredible, the elements of the exterior are incredible, showcasing symmetry and one of the most famous Jeffersonian features, the dome. However, it does not compare to the interior of the home. Each room showcased amazing pieces that were collected by Jefferson and put on display for guests to observe and indulge in. Clocks, hunting trophies, animal skins, and fossils were on display.

The Parlor, which was my favorite room, was adorned with several paintings, portraits, chairs, Jefferson’s gadgets…

…beautiful drapery, chess boards, and maps.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Monticello is Jefferson’s inventive spirit. He wasn’t just a statesman; he was a visionary inventor. Jefferson created ingenious devices to make his daily life easier and more convenient. Amongst these inventions was the polygraph, a machine capable of making three copies of a document simultaneously. His home was adorned with various pulley systems, orchestrating tasks like serving wine with remarkable efficiency.

Construction of the home began in 1769 and concluded over 40 years later. The residence includes multiple guest bedrooms and cellars for food and wine storage to accommodate guests. Additionally, the home also included living quarters for servants, a blacksmith’s workshop,…

…a kitchen area, stables, and extensive farmland surrounding the main residence.

Walking through the halls of Monticello, there was something to admire in every corner. Jefferson held Monticello near and dear to his heart, it was his haven from his hectic career and political efforts. The home is a true testament to his brilliance and creativity. As we explored the grounds, we were reminded of the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation’s past and left an incredible mark on its future.

National League of Cities: Congressional City Conference

Well-Made Plans

After registering for the Congressional City Conference, we had a detailed schedule that we hoped to follow. That changed at about 5am on Monday morning, when Professor Yawn called us letting us know that, well, plans had changed.

Instead of arriving at 9:15am for the 9:45am opening, we would be arriving at 7:30am, in time to register and get in line. And why would we need to arrive so early? Because overnight, President Joe Biden had been announced as the key speaker, and this, understandably, creates a large crowd.

Opening Session

With Biden scheduled to speak, the introductory speakers had the difficult task of capturing a distracted audience, although some nice opening ceremonies helped set the stage.

It also helped that Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and well-respected historian, was Biden’s lead-in.

Like Biden, Goodwin is in her 80s, and also like Biden, she came out feisty and lively, quickly drawing the audience to her. She regaled the more than 1,000 attendees with stories of her days in college, when she was an anti-LBJ, anti-Vietnam War activist, and nonetheless, the President selected her for a fellowship. She didn’t always agree with his policies, she noted, but she did see things from his perspective, and this made for a good relationship. In fact, he asked her to help him with his memoirs in his post-presidency.

Goodwin also discussed how local leaders play a role in making Presidents successful, highlighting civil rights as an example. She also discussed the key elements of leadership, one of which she emphasized: the experience of personal struggles, which allows presidents to grow personally and to empathize with others.

This, of course, has applied to many presidents and leaders–and she highlights Abe Lincoln, FDR, LBJ, and Teddy Roosevelt. It could also apply to President Biden, whose life has been marked by the death of two children and a spouse.

And it was a feisty President Biden who showed up to speak to the large crowd of municipal leaders.

Echoing many of the themes from his State of the Union speech–albeit with a greater emphasis on more local matters–Biden stressed his support for efforts to rein in gun violence, his call to pass the “toughest border bill ever drafted,” and his economic track record.

He also hearkened back to the formation of the National League of Cities, which occurred in 1924–and he insisted that he was NOT in the room for that initial get together.

Biden’s speech was greeted enthusiastically by the large crowd, and he received an extended ovation.

After the opening session, we returned to the National League of Cities conference for a very interesting general session. This session featured multiple remarkable speakers who presented projects and shared their expertise. NLC’s 2nd Vice President, Steve Patterson, expertly emceed the general session.

Among the speakers was Julie Su, the United States Deputy Secretary of Labor, who shared some important points on the pivotal role of local leaders in shaping labor policies and fostering economic growth within their communities. She emphasized the necessity for collaboration between federal and local forms of government to effectively address challenges in labor. Amongst the issues she presented, child care and transportation seemed to be the most pressing issue for the Biden Administration. Secretary Su made sure to emphasize the crucial intersection between local government and national labor initiatives.

One of the sections of the general session included a panel discussion moderated by NLC’s First Vice President, Sharon Weston Broome. The participants included Mark Hayes, Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League; Steve Marshall, Attorney General of the State of Alabama; and Donald Mason, Mayor of Janesville, Ohio. The topic of discussion was the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths over the past few years. The panelists shared the devastating impacts the crisis has had on their communities. Attorney General Marshall highlighted the financial costs that opioid-related incidents bring to Americans, citing a cost of $98 billion. Director Mark Hayes shared a very personal story about losing his son to a fentanyl overdose, emphasizing the urgent need to address the crisis to prevent others from experiencing such pain.

The panelists mentioned the importance of flexibility and learning from mistakes, acknowledging the varied approaches taken by all 50 states in tackling the crisis based on their unique community needs. They encouraged city officials to take initiative and not be afraid of failing in the process.

Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, concluded the National League of Cities general session. He emphasized the difficulty of local government and gave props to all the officials for their hard work in serving their community. Buttigieg also highlighted the $1.3 trillion infrastructure deal that is allowing communities and cities to improve. He introduced new grant programs with the ultimate goal of enhancing communities.

During his discussion, he spotlighted Baltimore’s 150-year-old railroads and stations that will be fixed and replaced so they can be used by citizens. Buttigieg mentioned how important transportation is, closing his session with a very insightful quote worthy of reflection: “Transportation is not just a connection to the other side of town but a connection to opportunity.” left This observation left a lasting impression on me, making him my favorite speaker of the general session.

Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth

Olivia Discon

Later that afternoon, our group decided to attend one of the “Deep Dive” panels, which offers a more specialized conversation regarding some of the most pressing city matters. We decided to take a ‘deep dive’ with the “Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth” panel. Having some experience with the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development department, we thought this panel would be a great way to expand our understanding of what comprises a healthy economy for a city.

This panel had no shortage of experience. We had the pleasure to hear a bit from Brittany Stich, Senior Advisor of the U.S. Department of Labor, Tess Mason-Elder, Director of Office Relations of Americorps; Colleen Rathgeb Associate Deputy Assistant Director of ACF; Catherine McConnell, Policy Advisor for U.S. Department of Education; Paige Shelvin, Strategic Advisor for IWD and USDOT; and moderated by Adriana Rocha Garcia, Council Member of San Antonio.

To attract, retain, and expand businesses to a city, there are a multitude of factors that incentivize businesses to choose that city, and for workers to choose to work there. A good standard of living is at the forefront of that choice. This, of course, comes in many forms, including the quality of the city’s cost of living, safety, education, community events, and existing businesses. Interestingly, this panel placed an emphasis on childcare facilities, career and technical education, and good infrastructure to incentivize a strong workforce. While these factors may not appear to be a crucial aspect to this issue, they are implicit and are potentially one of the deciding factors between one city or another. It was incredibly stimulating to consider how some of the talking points tied into a common outcome for cities, and ponder how Huntsville may fit into the equation.

Shear Madness is Sheer Fun!

by Cinthia Villarreal

As LEAP Ambassadors, we do our best to maximize our experiences. This means taking as many opportunities as possible in a given location. So, following a day of conference sessions, we took advantage of a free evening to see “Shear Madness” at the beautiful Kennedy Center.

As we entered the building, a majestic, jaw-dropping hall with worldwide flags hung from the tall ceiling greeted us…

…and at the end, windows from top to bottom with a red dragon on it allowed us to see into the Potomac River.

To add to it, the sun setting on the other side of the building gave us an amazing reflection inside the hall and an awesome view of the D.C. skyline.

While wandering around the building, we were able to recognize the artists of the various art pieces at the patio. Throughout the trip, we have seen numerous works of Lichtenstein so, even though not a fan favorite, we still felt proud to recognize his art.

This trip we have learned and gotten to know the work of Joel Shapiro. Using rectangular abstracts of human figures, Shapiro captures movement of the human body.

Olivia and I saw Debra Butterfield’s work on our Southwest trip at the Texas Tech campus and were ecstatic to see her work again, and in the other side of the country, too.

As we entered the Kennedy Center’s lobby, beautiful chandeliers showed the way into the theatre…

…and we were ready for the play to begin.

The play takes place in a present-day Georgetown in retro styled beauty salon where Tony Whitcomb and Barbara DeMarco, the hair stylists; Mrs. Shubert; Eddie Lawrence, an antique dealer; and Nick O’Brien, an undercover police officer, are introduced to the public.

As Tony and Barbara are at work, they get sidetracked and wrapped in current gossip, frequently unbothered about their costumer’s time or even safety. Suddenly a piano starts playing and Tony begins to complain about Isabel, the upstairs elderly neighbor who is also a worldwide recognized pianist.

Suddenly, the group is told that Isabel has been mysteriously murdered and everyone becomes a suspect to an open crime. As the interrogations begin, the crew starts acting suspiciously and begin to throw each other under the bus with the police in order to not be the main suspect.

What truly made this experience one-of-a-kind, is when Officer O’Brien turned to the public for their insight on the case. With this, the play became interactive, and the crowd begins calling the actors out for lying, covering each other, or acting suspicious. He then invited the public to ask questions, which forced the actors to come up with the answer impromptu, and consequently, start improvising with jokes about current affairs and even about the audience.

Being new to the theater world, I never thought I would find the theater so captivating and humorous. It was amazing to witness the true skills needed for improvisation and I seriously admire the actor’s professionalism and readiness for staying in character without knowing what was to come.

In a small way, it’s like being a LEAP Ambassador, grabbing opportunities as they come, even when we don’t know what might be around the corner!

Exploring America Through Art–A Day at the Smithsonian

Michelle Cardenas

After exploring several museums in Washington D.C., it was time to stop by the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This museum is well known for housing the National Portrait Gallery and its collection of presidential portraits, while also having an impressive collection of works by both established and emerging artists.

Upon entering the museum, we were immediately greeted by the works of renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. Stuart is mostly known for his presidential portraits, including his famous depiction of George Washington found on the dollar bill.

Additionally, the museum featured pieces by other notable artists such as Thomas Sully, who did the famous work of Andrew Jackson…

…and Norman Rockwell, who softened Richard Nixon in his official portrait.

A standout highlight of SAAM is Amy Sherald’s remarkable portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Sherald’s portrayal of Mrs. Obama was intriguing. She captured the persona of the former First Lady but also challenged traditional portraiture.

Other notable portraits include Kehinde Wiley’s depiction of Barack Obama, Peter Hurd’s portrait of LBJ, Chuck Close’s complex mosaic of Bill Clinton; and Elaine de Kooning’s atypical portrait of Kennedy . It was wonderful to see how different artists envisioned our past and present presidents in a painting.

And, of course, we would be remiss if we did mention seeing a bust of “our very own” Sam Houston!

But the Museum does not exclusively reflect portraits of presidents and other notables. They are an American Art Museum as well, and I was able to see a work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a personal favorite of mine, whose work I admired only online before visiting the museum. We were also fortunate enough to reinforce our knowledge and recognition of Alexander Calder.

We saw Edward Hopper works…

…a work by one of Professor Yawn’s favorites, Thomas Hart Benton…

…and pieces by artists as diverse as Grandma Moses, Georgia O’Keeffe, Fredric Remington, Samuel Morse, and Luis Jimenez.

One of the pieces we saw was by John Rogers, and his work is also owned by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.

We also saw a piece by Sam Houston alum James Surls…

SAAM’s diverse collection reflects all the changes of American life and its history. Through these portraits and artworks we gained a deeper understanding of our history while connecting it to art.

Whether we were in awe of presidential portraits, or discovering new favorites among the museum’s vast collection, or encountering iconic works by beloved artists, we sure enjoyed our time at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

CCC Trail: Palo Duro State Park

Olivia Discon

Palo Duro Canyon is sometimes boastfully referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” and that’s not really fair to the Grand Canyon. But taken on its own, it is in fact a grand and beautiful adventure.

LEAP Ambassadors on the
Lighthouse Trail, 2018

The LEAP Ambassadors have traveled to Palo Duro twice, once in 2018, and again in January of this year. It was my first trip to a State Park!

It was beautiful, and I enjoyed the activity, the beauty, and the idea that the State is preserving these areas for the use of all.

The best shot I was able to get was when we were returning from the CCC Trail, just before sunset. It was a beautiful short hike, one where I also learned about the Civilian Conservation Corps–part of FDR’s Works Progress Administration.

What struck me most, though, was the beauty. And as we were heading back, I saw this beautiful view, with Professor Yawn and Stephanie hiking and providing a sense of scale, and I got the image!

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