Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Exploring Nature in the Rio Grande Valley

by Christina Biello

Following a grueling morning of competition and a light afternoon of sessions…

…we headed out to tour the Rio Grande Valley. Accordingly, we traveled through Brownsville, to Harlingen, into McAllen, and to Edinburg, TX. Of course, with some hikes and adventures before us, we felt it necessary to arm up with coffee and ice cream…

…and then began with a stop in Harlingen, at the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park.

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

After a challenging competition, we sought solace in the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley’s parks. Our first destination, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, introduced me to this vibrant region and marked my second hike with LEAP since last spring’s memorable time with the City Fellows at Eastham Thomason Park. It was a journey filled with delightful encounters with unfamiliar bird species, lizards, and butterflies, each adding to the day’s sense of discovery.

As we ventured along the trails, Yajaira’s keen eye caught sight of a Texas Spiny Lizard—a master of disguise amidst the flora. Its small size and effective camouflage made it difficult for us to spot even with her guidance.

Throughout our walk, the vibrant Green Jays stole the show with their emerald-green body and striking blue facial features. I found myself captivated by their beauty and unique behaviors.

Among the most memorable moments was our encounter with a Chachalaca, a large, completely brown bird that confidently strutted along the pathway, affording us a rare close-up view.

Later, another of its kind revealed itself nestled discreetly among the trees!

Our wildlife observations extended beyond bird species, including bunnies hopping along the path.

Additionally, the trails were filled with numerous butterflies…

…fluttering alongside impressively large dragonflies….

…and we saw the occasional water bird, including Black Bellied Whistling Ducks.

We also took shots of the Valley’s interesting flora, including a triangle cactus…

…an aloe plant of some sort (suggestions welcome!)…

…and a sulphur butterfly on a white flower…

Perhaps the best shot of the day came from Cinthia, who captured a Buff Bellied Hummingbird “eating” at a Turk’s Cap flower.

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Excited to explore another park, we made our way to Estero Llano Grande State Park. We spotted two park rangers gathered around a table with a container on it as we approached the entrance. Upon closer inspection, we realized it contained a tarantula! The rangers explained that they found it in the parking lot and placed it in the container to ensure its safety. Personally, not being a fan of spiders, I opted to keep my distance…

As we began walking into the trails, one of the first sights that caught our attention was a multi-family bird dwelling! I discovered that the species, the Purple Martin, often inhabits these man-made houses to build their nests. The structure was vibrant and quite charming. Stephanie elaborated on how these birds prefer such homes, which are frequently provided for them.

A House Sparrow “Squatting” in a Purple Martin Home

The prospect of encountering alligators along the Alligator Trail, mentioned by Professor Yawn, filled Olivia, Cinthia, and me with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Walking cautiously by the river, we kept a respectful distance from the water’s edge. Despite our concerns, we were delighted to spot a baby alligator lurking in the water!

Naturally, our next question was about the whereabouts of its mother…

As we reached the expansive deck overlooking Ibis Pond, we settled in for a moment to take it all in. It was a serene conclusion to our time in South Padre, blending relaxation with learning. I cherished the opportunity to reflect quietly with the group, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

The InterCollegiate Bowl: Showdown & Takeaways

by Olivia Discon

The TCMA annual conference is designed for current and aspiring city managers to gain professional development and to network. But as a way of cultivating the next generation of city managers, they sponsor a “InterCollegiate Bowl” (ICB).

The ICB involves numerous components, which are described here and here, but our focus today was to highlight our (1) community service project and (2) capstone project. Our team was led by Team Captain, Olivia Discon, and members Cinthia Villarreal, Yajaira Gutierrez Marin, Chrissy Biello, Victoria Medrano, and Michelle Cardenas.

Our competition included teams of Master of Public Administration students from around the state, many of them seasoned professionals in the public admin world.

In short, we expected stiff competition, and that’s what we got!

For our Community Service project, we decided to highlight our Citizenship Preparatory Course, which was conducted in April. The five-week course, helping local immigrants learn how to pass the naturalization exam, proved to be a resounding success! With a 121% improvement in the local immigrants test scores, our project reflected the resilience of our community and a job well done. But there was an implicit success that can’t be measured, which are the relationships made through this course. Many of the people we’ve met have become friends and have come to have a true stake in the Huntsville community. Following the course, 9 of the 22 students attended a Huntsville City Council Meeting, where they were recognized by City Council for their efforts.

We approached our Capstone as we do with everything in LEAP: as a cross-disciplinary learning opportunity with the goal of serving others. Addressing issues such as infrastructure, marketing, quality of life, strategic planning, and workforce development, the project reflected individual internship experiences at the City of Huntsville to showcase substantive projects that ultimately benefitted the community.

What we hadn’t realized is that through our capstone, we caught a glimpse into what it is like to be a City Manager. Overseeing multiple projects that overlap with one another was an extraordinary learning experience that cannot be taught in the classroom.

Our opportunity to showcase these projects occurred on Saturday morning, from 7:30-10am. The presentations, which took place in the front hall, involved numerous people stopping by to learn more about our projects, and some of these were “mystery graders.” These mysterious types were actually city managers who were part of a team assessing our projects.

Following these components of our grading, we were in first place, having completed these aspects of the Bowl with about 99 percent of the possible points. Only the Jeopardy contest was left.

Jeopardy

In the final portion of the ICB, worth 750 points, was a Jeopardy-style game all about local government. To prepare for this component of the contest, we studied some 250 terms and concepts associated with city management. This was a bit of overkill, because we were not told of the categories until the first day of the conference. Once we learned these, we refined our studying to these areas: Budget & Taxes; Planning & Zoning; Economic Development; City Council and; Human Resources.

But even with the preparation, we learned some new information at the last minute. For example, our entrance was done “spirit style,” with strutting and intro music, a prospect that made us nervous.

The lead-in to the competition was done up right by TCMA, with teams showing their spirit as they came in.

SHSU entered last, a grand entrance, befitting our first-place (at the time…) status.

Whooping it up is not our style, but we did our best, with Olivia as our official team captain and Michelle as our “team spirit leader.”

It was our first time in this competition, and our inexperience was telling.

Many of the opposing teams had returning members, who not only knew the format, but also knew key tactics and, surprisingly in some cases, the questions.

This learning curve got us, and while we did not excel in this contest, we were satisfied knowing that while we might not have been the first to hit the buzzer…

…we did know the answers to about eighty-five percent of the questions (we did learn, on the spot, what a “claw-back provision” is….). And we had fun.

In the end, we finished third. The top three were close, with UNT Masters of Public Administration leading the way (1020 points), TAMU’s Masters of Public Service team in second (976 points), and the LEAP Center’s undergraduate team in third, with 930 points.

UTSA’s Masters program finished fourth with 530 points, and SFA’s Masters program served as the caboose.

Takeaways

Our goals for this contest were not related to points or placement. Rather, our goal was to do the best we could do on the individual components. We wanted to network with city officials, learning from them, and developing relationships. We wanted a broad-based curriculum in our coaching, which we accomplished, setting up meetings with a City Manager, two City Secretaries, a City Attorney, an HR Director, and a Police Chief. And we served our community by completing our volunteer project, while also learning a lot about city government, even if the Jeopardy contest didn’t fully reflect our learning. What was most important to us is that we achieved these goals while doing, we hope, good things for the community and others.

In preparing for the ICB, we had many coaches and mentors along the way, all of whom are experts in their discipline. Brian Beasley, Director of HR for the City of Huntsville provided us with a great Mock Interview; Thomas Leeper, City Attorney of Bryan generously spent time answering questions about legal aspects of municipal government; Stephanie Fors, Former City Secretary of Huntsville discussed the politics of a changing council for a charter officer (and served as a great “Team Mom”); Miranda Estrada, Economic Development Specialist of Huntsville served as a mentor and supporter; Fabrice Kabona, City Manager of Madisonville taught us much about Madisonville and City Management; Chief Kevin Lunsford, Former Police Chief of Huntsville educated us on policing and politics; Kristy Doll, City Secretary of Huntsville instructed us on agendas, organization, and parliamentary procedure; Sam Masiel, Assistant City Manager of Huntsville was a key supporter and; Aron Kulhavy, City Manager of Huntsville asked some excellent questions in a preview session. Each provided invaluable guidance for our team of young professionals. We truly appreciated the time each of these individuals put into shaping our paths for the better, and while we may not have won the TCMA ICB, we came home feeling like winners!

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.

TCMA InterCollegiate Bowl: The Lead Up

Each year, the Texas City Management Association hosts a conference, for high-ranking public officials to learn more about the challenges facing (and solutions for) local government. One of the goals of the TCMA is to attract, recruit, and develop young professionals who might seek a career in government. To that end, they sponsor the “InterCollegiate Bowl (ICB)”, allowing college students to compete for the title of “Best Public Administration School in Texas.”

Competitors:

Our participation in this contest was unique, in that we are the only undergraduate team competing–indeed, as far as we know, we are the only undergraduate team to ever compete. This year, the competitors included:

Sam Houston State University (The LEAP Center)
UTSA (MPA Program)
TAMU (Bush School’s MPA Program)
SFA (MPA Program)
UNT (MPA Program)

It is a little intimidating, because our competition is generally older (our mean team age is 20) and more professionally experienced. But our goal is not necessarily to win (although we aren’t averse to the idea…), but to do the best we can do. And what we know we can control is our preparation and our professionalism, and we want to excel in those areas.

Contest Components:

The contest consists of five broad components:

Networking: involving developing fully a LinkedIn profile, making connections in City Government, and attending a regional TCMA meeting;
Coaching: working with city professionals to learn the careers in the field;
Community Service: a specific project that benefits the community;
Capstone Project: A research project that can benefit the communtiy;
A knowledge contest: A Jeopardy-style game reflecting the knowledge of the students about city government.

The networking, coaching, and community service aspects of the contest were largely completed prior to the event, and we submitted our completed folder early on Day One of the TCMA.

Our capstone was also completed, but the grading of that component is done at the conference on Day 3. Thus, we stayed late on Day 2, and we set up our presentation so we would be ready for the morning session.

There is much to do before our “showdown day,” which is Saturday, June 22, but we’ve done what we can do, and the results show it!

Of course, the other teams will catch up and get very close to our score before the Jeopardy-Style knowledge contest, but at this early stage, our preparation has paid off!

Navigating the TCMA: Day 1

Following our day of travel and storm-related adventure, we were ready to get down to business in preparation of our “Intercollegiate Bowl.”

The contest is part of the larger Texas City Management Association Conference, in which City Managers (and other managers and stakeholders) come together to learn about trends in urban governance. While all the attendees will be attending sessions on employee retention, staff morale, and urban planning, we, the students, will also be preparing for the ICB.

We were greeted with a much better weather day than yesterday, for which we were grateful.

We were also thankful for the networking lunch, where we learned a bit more about the contest from Crane Petty, and we met with students from other Universities participating in the ICB. It is valuable to us meet with the other students–all of whom are graduate students, and most of whom are already in the professional field.

This was followed by a session led by “young professionals,” in which we had the chance to break into group discussions. Our group were asked questions such as “What is the biggest issue facing your community?” Or “when is a good time to bring up an issue to City Council?” Responses to the latter included comments such as, “when they understand their role better,” “when we get a new city manager,” and “when we can convince them they thought of it.”

The culmination of the day was dinner at “Louie’s Backyard,” where the opening reception was held.

We were fortunate to share a table with Trish Kordas and Dr. Maria Church, the latter of whom is speaking at the conference.

Both were interesting, and they provided tips on networking, public speaking, and promoting a culture of leadership. We are looking forward to Dr. Church’s talk!

As our first day wound down, we found new ways to enjoy it. Olivia won a gift basket, we listened to the band play oldies, and we spent time with friends and mentors, such as Aron Kulhavy and Sam Maisel, while meeting other professionals in the field.

Of course, the City Managers and other City staff did not have an ICB to prepare for, so we left a bit earlier than the others. Following a debriefing at the hotel, we renewed our studying for the Jeopardy contest, which will likely decide the ultimate winner of the title, “The Best Public Administration Program in Texas.”

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.

On the Outskirts of DC, the Center of Education

Cinthia Villarreal

To experience DC fully, we thought it important to visit just outside of the nation’s capital and explore a work by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Pope-Leighey House, and Old Town Alexandria.

Interestingly, Old Town Alexandria was, for many years, part of Washington, DC, but it was ceded back to Virginia in 1846. George Washington had a house in Alexandria, and he, in fact, surveyed the streets, which are laid out in a grid pattern.

It was a pleasure to see the historic buildings, the red-bricked streets, and the beautiful harbor area while learning more about the nation’s history and George Washington.

We also had the opportunity to see history of a more recent version: the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Pope-Leighey house is the essence of what Wright believed a home should be. It is a “Usonian” home, so designated by Wright to reflect its fundamental democratic and American nature. Like almost all of his houses, it embodies a horizontal motif, embodying, Wright believed, the non-hierarchical society in the United States. Moreover, as a Usonian, it was designed to be affordable.

To keep them affordable, Wright kept them small, while still incorporating his unique touches.

Wright was a firm believer that a home’s first purpose is to provide shelter from the outdoors. He exemplified this by having a low roof as one entered the house, in order to transfer the person to a sense of confinement and safety–shelter.

Beyond the entrance, however, the interior opens in the central living area, where the need for mere “shelter” gives way to higher order needs of family togetherness. This sense of “compression and release” was central to Wright’s architectural philosophy, and this has been, over the decades, adapted to the “open-floor concept” of today.

Another aspect of huge importance for Wright is connection with nature. He wanted his design to blend with the outdoors, to be one with its surroundings, which he achieved at times by using materials from the immediate surroundings for the material structure of the home.

He also utilized “transitional spaces” to usher people from the outside of the home to the inside. So, the outside eaves might provide light, similar to outdoor windows.

The indoors, too, might have windows in unusual places, to allow for light from the outdoors.

And, in the “community spaces,” the windows would be large (and they often opened, as doors) to allow full interactivity with nature.

Wright’s Usonian designs definitely stand out to us compared to the historical houses we have visited and will visit throughout this week. Nonetheless, this was a great opportunity for us to expand out limited knowledge in architecture and see how history, art, and social living interact.

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