Over spring break, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. as part of ACE 291: Ag Policy & Leadership. I knew going in that it would be a packed week full of meetings, tours, and panels—but what I didn’t expect was just how much it would shift my perspective about what a career in agriculture and policy might look like.

From conversations on Capitol Hill to visiting nonprofits and multinational companies, this trip challenged the way I thought about leadership, public service, and my own potential career paths. Rather than just sitting in a classroom learning about agricultural policy, (like we had for the past several weeks) we got to see it being shaped in real time—and meet the people who make it happen.

One moment that stood out to me was volunteering at DC Central Kitchen. Seeing firsthand how food insecurity is being tackled at a local level made me think about the broader systems we often talk about in class. Policy isn't just something discussed in conference rooms—it's something that can directly impact whether families are able to put food on the table. That was a grounding moment for me, reminding me why this work matters.

We also met with staff from Senators Durbin and Duckworth’s offices, and I found myself more inspired than I expected. Listening to them speak about the work they do in the office and policy priorities for the Midwest made me realize how deeply agriculture is woven into so many national issues—climate, trade, health, and economic development. It also made D.C. feel a little less distant and a little more accessible.

Before this trip, I wasn’t seriously considering a career in Washington. But after seeing how many different paths there are—working on the Hill, joining an advocacy organization, even working in the private sector with a policy lens—I’ve started to think a little differently.

You just have to be willing to show up, listen, and keep learning. Whether or not I end up living in D.C. someday, this trip helped me grow. I feel more confident in my ability to engage with complex issues, more curious about the intersection of agriculture and policy, and more motivated to find ways to contribute meaningfully—wherever I end up.