Jim Lyons, Denerick Lindsey, Ruth Linton and Candace Mitchell discussing their trips to Washington, DC

Candace Mitchell, who is president of her senior class, had never been out of Texas or on an airplane until she traveled to Washington, DC, with more than 20 other students from her high school. She says, "We went everywhere. We saw all the monuments. We went to museums, the Library of Congress, the Capitol. I'm studying government right now, and I saw all the things that we're talking about."

Ms. Mitchell and thousands of students from all over the United States visit the nation's capital each year through programs organized by the Close Up Foundation. The opportunity to witness the Federal government in action has proven to be a valuable educational tool.

In addition to visiting historic sites and government buildings, Ms. Mitchell also had the opportunity to meet students from throughout the United States. She says, "I had two roommates from New York, and they were just like old friends. We got along so well and had so much fun. Every night we'd come back to the hotel and talk about what happened and what we saw."

Jim Lyons, magnet coordinator at the Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, says, "Meeting people from all over is an educational experience in itself. Ms. Mitchell realized that the kids from New York may talk a little differently but in a lot of ways they're the same."

Ms. Mitchell also interacted with congressmen and women, journalists and representatives from assorted government agencies. She says, "We went to the Pentagon and got to talk to someone from each branch of the armed services. I also got to meet Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who seemed very down to earth.

"In the seminars we attended, we learned about the media, lobbying, international relations and the judiciary. There was just so much to learn and to talk about!"

After a moment’s thought she adds, "I've always been a bit negative about the way government runs, but now that I've seen, heard and been taught some of the different aspects and procedures, I have a better understanding about why things happen the way they do."

She continues, "So many people can say, 'On spring break we're going here, for summer vacation we're going there', but this was the first time I ever left Texas. This was a great experience, and I will never forget it. Seeing so many people from so many different places get together to learn about their history and their government was astonishing to me."

Denerick Lindsey, who is president of his junior class, will visit Washington next year. "After hearing about Ms. Mitchell's experiences, I just have to go," he says. "I want to see everything, especially Howard University. The only part that I'm worried about is the airplane ride."

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