Student Reflection

Student Reflection

Bonners Serve In Washington, D.C.

by Cassidy Belcher, junior elementary education major

Sixteen first-year Bonner Scholars from Mars Hill University set out to Washington, D.C., on March 6, 2020, to serve the community and experience the diverse culture of D.C. This trip, which took place during the university’s spring break, was the first time that many of the students had the opportunity to visit the historical sites and monuments of Washington D.C. Accompanying the students were Cindy Frost, Bonner Coordinator, and Tommy Justice, pastor of Mars Hill Baptist Church.

The few days we spent together brought us closer together and allowed us to grow as a family of Bonner Scholars. We did not realize that this trip would be the last time we would all be together before the COVID-19 pandemic caused our semester to come to an unexpected end. Looking back, my fellow Bonners and I are thankful to have experienced and served in the beauty of Washington D.C. together. On Saturday, Bonner students volunteered with communitysupport programs through the National Baptist Memorial Church, learned about different non-profit organizations around the city, and spent time picking up trash on the streets. Bonners visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History, where we became more educated on social justice issues, including racism and oppression. As a group we reflected on what we learned from each day and how it expanded our perspectives. On Sunday, students had a free day to explore the city. Some MHU Bonners serving with a non-profit in Washington D.C. (top) and seeing the sights students attended a morning service at the National Baptist (bottom). Memorial Church and met many welcoming members who provided tasty refreshments and gave our scholars a glimpse into the culture of this community. Scholars also visited the National Zoo and spent time exploring the landmarks at the National Mall. The students had fun riding scooters through the streets of Washington and for many, this was the first time we had to learn to navigate the subway system, a task which brought out leadership qualities in our fellow Bonners. We spent time visiting national landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the White House during the day. In the evenings, we enjoyed great food from a few of the best spots in D.C., like the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, where we got to meet the owner, and Zorba’s Cafe, where we enjoyed Greek food. The highlight of the trip was learning about the history of the community we stayed in and experiencing the diverse food, cultures, and people of D.C. All that we experienced will no doubt broaden our perspectives, as we go back to Mars Hill in the fall.