The Importance of Community

Today we interviewed Charlotte Clymer. She is a very cool person, and she really illustrates the importance and power of community.

She talked about how a sense of community has made her realize that having solid values is important. I think this is an interesting concept, and it inspires me to participate more in my community and in activities around me. Another thing she said that I find interesting and that has changed how I think is that when I have arguments or conversations with others I should “take a step back and ask if I’m wrong, even if I think I’m completely right.” It’s important to consider if I’m wrong because I expect others to do the same, and if I’m not willing to do so then I can’t expect others to do so either. This is a powerful idea that I had never thought about before, and it makes me want to be more mindful of what I’m saying and recognize that the other party in an argument might be right, and even if they aren’t they still deserve that respect.

Near the end of the interview, I asked her a question about a drink, the French 75, which I found out from an interview online is her favorite drink. The name sounds like it might have some military history, and I learned that it does, as the drink is named after the French 75mm gun. I asked her if she had looked up the history of the drink, and she said she would look more into it. It was one of my favorite moments of the interview because the way she reacted to the question was so funny.

All in all, the interview was amazing, and she said many extremely interesting and important things, and I hope to talk to her again one day.

-Mateo Borrego

Who Am I to Decide That I’m Going to Quit?

Today we spoke with activist Charlotte Clymer. This was the last of our eight interviews, and it felt like the perfect culmination to this incredible week and brought us back to many themes that have been consistent throughout our interviews. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Charlotte. She is very educated on the history of social movements. She was also incredibly interested in what we had to say and gave us really thought provoking answers. Just as important, she was hilarious. 

Charlotte served in the army for six years, and has since become an activist for LGBTQ+ and feminist rights. As a trans woman and activist in DC who also is religious and grew up in a conservative part of Texas, she has always had a very complex relationship with her identity. I wanted to ask Charlotte about patriotism, because I was curious about what it looks like to perform a deeply patriotic act for your country while also protesting that country’s prejudice towards a marginalized group of which you are a part. Charlotte made it clear that it is possible to do both, and she gave us examples from history. She said that the greatest act of patriotism is being there when your country needs you, and prioritizing your country and Constitution over the prejudice you’ve experienced in times of need. She explained that you are serving a higher purpose that this country is worth defending despite its imperfections. 

A theme that we’d brought up in our interview with Linda Ryden is the dangerous idea of cancel culture, and our society’s inability to give someone a second chance when they make a mistake. Charlotte brought this up on her own, telling us she doesn’t believe in cancel culture. She explained that there’s a difference between making mistakes in good faith and bad faith, and that sometimes people just don’t know that they are doing the wrong thing. Additionally, it is crucial that we be able to step back and consider for a second that we could be wrong, because it is what we are expecting the other person to do when we disagree, so we need to give them that same grace. Another theme that came up is the power of difference. Charlotte said, “The way we get better as a country is by noticing nuance and complexity in each other.” Learning to work with people different from us or who we don’t agree with is a crucial ability. The first step is actually recognizing that there are differences so that we can see what everyone can bring to the table. This is crucial, even if we don’t always agree, so that we don’t have blind spots as a society. She explained that it is unhealthy to say things like “race is just made up,” or “gender doesn’t matter,” because it minimizes the importance of our fundamentally unique perspectives. In doing so we are ignoring the truth that we are all different, and we need to use those differences to form a good society. 

A theme that had come up talking with another activist this week is that change is slow. Charlotte had a lot to say about this, and I found her views to be inspirational. Referencing the famous quote, “plant the seeds for the trees whose shade we will never enjoy,” she made it clear that you must keep fighting for a future you may not be around to see. Her view is that we have a responsibility to the generation that comes after us because the generation that came before us felt they had a responsibility towards us. Especially as a woman, it’s important for me to remember that many people fought their whole lives to give me the rights I now take for granted. I owe them a lot, and so I owe it to the next generation to do the same thing they did. In other words, it’s about something much bigger than me. As Charlotte said, “Who am I to decide that I’m going to quit?”

-Rosemary Konviser

The Importance of Intention

Charlotte Clymer was the last interview we had in DC, and let me just say it was a great way to end our interview experience. She is very unique. She is from Texas, she is religious, and she has been in the military, but she is also a transgender woman who works as an activist in DC.

Charlotte’s main theme that she kept going back to is intent. She talked a lot about how intent can change the meaning of a mistake. For example, while talking to us she made the mistake of using someone else’s catch phrase without knowing its origins. Although this was a mistake that she could be criticized for, she simply apologized and realized that she had done wrong. Her point is that this was a well-intended mistake: it was not made in order to harm somebody else. This is different than if she wanted to use the catch phrase in order to gain success, especially if she had already known its origins.

I was struck by how she thinks about how other people think. I asked her, “Do you think the rapid progress in LGBTQ+ communities and awareness in the last twenty years has led to the mass hate and criticism it’s facing today in political spaces?” She said yes, that a lot of people who disagree with LGBTQ+ are usually well-intended people, but they have become ashamed at not understanding LGBTQ+ people. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it’s important to remember that some people are confused and ashamed of their lack of understanding, and they are not fully able to sit with the uncomfortableness of seeing someone different from themselves.

It’s obvious to me that Charlotte has lived through different variations of identities, since she is both understanding and compassionate to those who are different from her. It was great to hear from someone so educated and full of understanding.

-Cora Kayne

Becoming Somebody

Licy Do Canto speaks with clarity and humility, and it seemed that he spoke not to seek attention but connection. Listening to him reminded us that leadership is not about status but about service and self awareness.

He began by stressing the importance of being yourself. In a world where many feel pressured to fit in or perform, he reminded us that our greatest strength lies in showing up as we truly are. Authenticity is not only powerful but necessary. He also reflected on how each generation often believes it is living through the worst of times. While the challenges are real, this perspective can cloud our ability to see hope, to act, and to move forward. History shows that change is possible, but only if we believe in it. He also emphasized that true leadership means helping others become better people. In doing so, we help create better leaders. Listening, he said, is at the heart of leadership.

A thoughtful speaker must first be a thoughtful listener. He spoke about vulnerability, especially in spaces like Washington, DC, where it is often scarce but badly needed. People crave honesty and real connection. Being open is not a weakness but a strength. He also noted that we can learn much about a person by the company they keep. Surrounding oneself with wise, thoughtful people leads to personal growth and better decisions. His message was clear: being somebody is not about titles or applause; it’s about showing up with purpose, honesty, and heart.

-Gage Saul

What Divides Us Is the Thing That Brings Us Together

Before going to DC, when we were assigned people to research, I was assigned Ray Suarez instead of Licy Do Canto. I got so busy researching him that I didn’t do much research on Mr. Do Canto. That would change the night before we were assigned to interview him, as I was able to do some research and write a question that Shannon complimented. It was the highest compliment I would get about a question the entire trip, and it made me excited to talk with him.

The next day, we went to his office building, and as we were waiting outside, he found us. My first impression of him was positive. He seemed outgoing and very interested in us. When we finally got to the meeting room and he began speaking, he was very talkative and friendly. He had a lot to say about religion, our potential as young people, how he was once in our shoes, and his background and career. He talked about how walking Ted Kennendy’s dog was “the most important job I had ever had.” He also talked about Walt Disney’s original deal with NBC to make the point that you need to deal with challenges in order to achieve success. Walt Disney had been rejected many times before he made the deal with NBC, but he eventually became incredibly successful. He also talked about how he was taught by his mentors to never repeat himself in a conversation, and how he got a job working for Rep. Barney Frank after an interview that lasted only three and a half minutes. Finally, he talked about the current situation in this country and stated, “What divides us is the thing that brings us together.”

-Kyler Nishimura

Shoot For the Stars

Of all the brilliant people we interviewed, Licy Do Canto was the most excited to talk to us. He said that he saw himself in all of us and felt strongly we were all the same, but that he is just “a bit further down the road” than we are. He spoke a lot about what was fulfilling to him and what really matters to him. He spoke passionately about providing opportunities for young people and supporting and lifting up those in need. When asked how he feels about running for a position of power in this country, he replied, “The highest privilege I could ever have is sitting in front of you.” 

A common thread running through all of our interviews is the power of community and human connections. To be honest, before coming to DC, I pictured the city as intimidating and full of self-important people who prioritize their own personal agendas over everything else. However, what I’ve found to be true is the complete opposite, and the interview with Mr. Do Canto really confirmed that view. He has built his career in DC on connections. He advises interesting people who know other interesting people with whom he can connect, and the network of interesting people grows wider. He stated, “It’s important to have inspiration in one’s life, to be around people who inspire you to be better than you ever thought you could be.” 

Talking with Licy was the first time I could picture myself sitting in the chair he was sitting in. Throughout the week, and as we talked to more people, I have been falling more and more in love with the idea of living in DC. The connections people build, the things they are able to accomplish, and the success they can achieve through the resources the city provides is impressive and extremely tempting. The good in DC is so good, and I love the idea that I could be a part of it. He also stated that “vulnerability in this town is in short supply and high demand.” It’s exciting to think that I could be someone who brings that sort of vulnerability to DC, that I could, as he said, “be in places where I can contribute in a significant and impactful way.”

He also talked a lot about going as far as you can with what you’ve been given in life, to “embrace the opportunity to contribute with the talents [God] gave you.” Finally, he talked about a mentor he had growing up who told him to “shoot-for the stars,” beyond local policy and government, and move to DC, where he is now in a position to be the person who connects us with other star-shooters and impressive people doing amazing things in this amazing city.

-Lucy Yen

Hope From An Unexpected Place

Before today I had no idea what the Pentagon is or what it is for. I just thought that It was a strangely shaped government building that did some very important things. From the second I first stepped into that building I was shocked at the range of people who work there. There are many people doing different and very important tasks that help our country to function and to remain safe. Seeing so many people doing so many good things in one place gave me hope for our country because it showed me that the American people can find ways to work together no matter how different we are as long as we have a common goal. 

All the people that we talked to while in the Pentagon were so true to themselves and their mission, and it was incredibly inspiring. Officer Jackson, the person who set up our visit, is a retired army soldier who now works at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the police force at the Pentagon. He said his goal is to help as many people as possible no matter what that entails. He said even if it is just giving someone directions while on patrol, he feels satisfied that he has done his job.

We also interviewed Officer Jackson’s boss, the agency chief. He said his purpose is to provide resources to his staff to keep people like Officer Jackson ready for whatever they have to deal with. Helping others is what makes him feel he is doing his duty and fulfilling his mission. Finally, we talked to a NBC reporter, who works at the Pentagon and has reported from combat zones. She said that even though her job is sometimes dangerous, the benefits that come from bringing the truth to the people of America justify the risks she takes.

In general, I was impressed with the pure resolve that the people who work in the Pentagon exhibit. They have given me a little more trust in the government and shown that even in this difficult political situation there are still a lot of people in government doing a lot of good.

-Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp

A Surprising Realization

Today we went to the Pentagon, where we were given a tour by Officer Jackson.

When I started the day, I knew nothing about the Pentagon besides that it is somehow related to the government. We talked to a number of people, including Corey Walton, chief of staff of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, and a NBC correspondent. Until today, I had only seen the government and military as depicted in TV shows and movies, usually portrayed as hard, rough people. However, what I saw today was completely different. Corey’s enthusiastic presence and obvious love for his job lifted the room. He explained his job in a way that made me think I would love it too if it were my job.

Before visiting the Pentagon, I thought joining the military seemed like you were just giving away your life and independence. However, I now see that joining the military is not really like that; it’s willingly choosing to devote your energy and life to a greater good. Every military member I talked to was genuinely excited and interested to talk to me, and more than happy to answer any questions I had. I learned a lot, and I left the Pentagon with a newfound interest, as I’m now seriously considering joining the military airforce (Sorry, Mom).

-Lennon Smith

Our Visit to the Pentagon

Our visit to the Pentagon was a mix of formal and informal, which was unexpected. As someone who likes a comfortable work environment, I never imagined that working there could feel like a viable option.

Our morning started early with us getting dressed in our suits and gathering for breakfast. We were all excited as we rode the Metro. We had to follow the routine security procedures like those at an airport. Belts, jackets, phones all went into bins and rolled through the scanning machines as we passed through security checks.

Our guide for the day was Officer Jackson from the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. We began by entering an office, leaving our devices behind, and engaging in an insightful conversation with Corey Walton, the Chief of Staff of the agency. Corey shared anecdotes of his work and the ways in which individuals attempted to break Pentagon security.

After the interview we ate delectable Lebanese cuisine and I had a mango lassi at the Pentagon food court. Then we posed for photos with Mr. Jackson and Mr. Corey and then we visited the 9/11 memorial, where Mr. Jackson told about his Army team’s experiences during that tragic event. We stood in silence at the site where one of the planes had struck the Pentagon.

Finally, Officer Jackson talked about the new Space Force, and we saw models and he shared fascinating facts about it. We wrapped up our visit with a stop at the Pentagon gift shop. We said goodbye and headed back home on the Metro, reminiscing about our amazing experience at the Pentagon.

-Hans Hagge

In Service of the Truth

I was incredibly nervous to visit the Pentagon. Throughout the week, and especially in the beginning, I was very intimidated by my interviewees. However, I’ve become more comfortable interviewing people. Similarly, the longer I spent at the Pentagon, the more comfortable I became.

The impromptu interviews there were some of the most transformative I’ve had during my time in DC. My favorite interview at the Pentagon was with an NBC Pentagon correspondent. I have long considered being a reporter, and talking to her confirmed my desire to become one, and now I want more than ever to pursue that career. 

Throughout our DC trip, the topic of service to something higher than oneself has been discussed. I bring this up because the NBC correspondent recounted her time as an embedded reporter covering foreign wars, where she faced constant danger. Hearing her story gave me a new understanding of what it means to take risks in the service of the truth, of others, and of something bigger than yourself. It’s one thing to report the news from the safety of a studio; it’s another thing entirely to live in the uncertainty of war zones, guided only by the purpose of informing the world.

For me, the Pentagon doesn’t just symbolize power and bureaucracy; it is a space where people devote themselves to something that is far more important than personal gain, serving the greater good. The journalist who risks her life to tell a story and the police officer who dedicates his life to public service both share a sense of duty that makes me rethink what kind of life I want to live.

-Eli Moody

The Pentagon, Public Service, and Lebanese Food

I was already familiar with the Pentagon before we went there. I had read several books on it, including one about 9/11, and I had even been to the Pentagon once, although I was unable to go inside. I was therefore most excited to visit the Pentagon, and I was not disappointed.

We took the Metro, and we arrived on time. We were met by our guide, Officer Anthony Jackson, who works for the Pentagon police force. He led us inside, where we took some pictures and met a therapy dog named Charlie. He had apparently not become an actual service dog because he was “too motivated by food.” After that, we went to Officer Jackson’s office, and we got to interview his boss. He was very nice, and along with Officer Jackson, he was very dedicated to his job and service to others. He was also very interested in talking to us.

After our impromptu interview with the police chief, we had another unexpected interview, this time with a correspondent from NBC. She has been to numerous countries, and has served as a war correspondent. She is a highly impressive woman, and I was struck by her sense of service to others. I was also impressed by her work commitment and the positive nature she radiated for her interview. Afterwards we got Lebanese food, which I was fortunately able to eat, as I am gluten free. What was even more surprising was that it was great, and I ended up saving some for leftovers.

Finally, we went to the 9/11 memorial, and I found out that Officer Jackson had been at the Pentagon as a soldier to help with the aftermath of the attack. He and his Army platoon were there for several weeks, helping to clean up. As we left, I was struck by one last thing, that my keen interest—almost an obsession—in military history felt validated.

-Kyler Nishimura