The Kentucky Wesleyan College Office of Equity and Inclusion concluded Winter Break with an Alternative Break trip to Washington, D.C. Led by Office of Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Lori Thurman, seven students, including Te’Asia Calhoun ’27, participated in a week-long expedition that combined cultural exploration, service, and personal reflection.
The trip gave students the chance to visit iconic landmarks, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and the White House. For many, the museum visits were especially impactful. Their museum visits included the African American Museum, American History Museum, Holocaust Museum, American Indian Museum, and Air and Space Museum.
Te’Asia, a freshman psychology major at Kentucky Wesleyan, reflected on her travel and learning experiences.
“The Smithsonian museums were my favorite part because I like reading and learning about history,” T’Asia shared. “The Holocaust Museum was the most intense and thought-provoking.”
Te’Asia noted that the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was the highlight of her trip. Even before leaving Owensboro, she had researched the museum and planned a course of action for hitting each exhibit that she wanted to see.
“The museum was profound, inspiring, and beautifully constructed. Representation is important, and I’m glad African-Americans have a museum that holds our history and showcases our resilience and courage,” she explained.
At the NMAAHC, Te’Asia was particularly moved by the exhibit on educator, civil and women’s rights leader, and political advisor Mary McLeod Bethune.
“The exhibit highlighted Bethune’s foundation she made for Black women to hold space. She bought land to provide education to Black girls. She sold homemade pies and ice cream to purchase the land and only had $1.50 in starting funds. I thought that fact was phenomenal,” she reflected.
Te’Asia also learned about how McLeod Bethune advocated for Black women to be given a chance to help aid in World War ll, which led to the 6888th Postal Battalion. The women in the Battalion aided in helping keep the soldiers’ morale up by sorting mail that had previously gone undelivered. They were given six months to sort 17 million pieces of mail, and they did it in three months. The history of the Battalion was recently highlighted in the movie The Six Triple Eight.
Overall, Te’Asia felt “joy, sadness, shock, and contemplation,” throughout her visit to the NMAAHC.
The group also participated in service work alongside the Salvation Army Grate Patrol, distributing essential bags, winter clothing, and meals to homeless individuals. Te’Asia described the emotional impact of the experience, explaining that she better understood how the combination of cold, hungriness, and uncertainty over lack of basic needs can mentally and emotionally affect those individuals.
In addition to cultural and service experiences, the students enjoyed a memorable pizza lunch with Judge Robert Wilkins and his staff. Judge Wilkins shared wisdom that resonated deeply with the group. When Te’Asia was forced out of her comfort zone by Judge Wilkins unexpectedly calling on her, she took the opportunity to ask what advice he lives by. Judge Wilkins shared that he always prepares for the worst but has faith for the best.
Some other fun activities included exploring Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and a lunch trip to a German restaurant. At the restaurant, students tried a plate of six different types of brats. Te’Asia, an admittedly picky eater, concluded that she really enjoyed four of the options, with the Debreziner brat being her favorite.
For Te’Asia, the trip was also a personal milestone. It was her first time on a plane and one of the few trips she’s taken in her life. She was especially proud of her hard work in saving up money to fund her portion of the trip.
“Usually, I’m the type of person to be weary or talk myself out of doing things out of my comfort zone, but with this, I was urging myself to take this opportunity. My motto or realization for the year had been, ‘Change can be scary, but change can be good,’” she said.
The group faced numerous weather challenges that led to closures and schedule adjustments, but the trip’s theme of flexibility and adaptability helped everyone maintain a positive spirit.
“There was a lot of walking and getting lost and then finding our way,” T’Asia said, “but overall, the trip was outstanding. It provided self-gratification for me, and I’m ecstatic that I got to have the opportunity to experience this by way of Mrs. Thurman and KWC.”
The Alternative Break trip to Washington, D.C. exemplifies Kentucky Wesleyan’s commitment to fostering meaningful learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, empowering students to engage with history, culture, and service in transformative ways.