This February, dozens of Riordan students attended an annual trip to Washington, D.C.
In the nation’s capital, the students and faculty participated in a week long program known as Close Up.
Close Up is a program where students from all across the country meet each other and extensively collaborate throughout the entire week, while experiencing a city dense with history, political functionality, and invaluable experiences.
“It was a great experience because we get to make new friends from all around the country, and form a family with them,” said Sean Reyes ’25.
“I learned so much about government and collaborating with others,” he added.
With the people that Riordan students met, landmarks such as the various war memorials throughout the beautifully designed grass mall, the intention was to spread the positive, negative, and controversial aspects of American history.
Participants at Close Up also learned how to discuss their different opinions thoroughly, with open minds and proper
debate etiquette.
Thomas Slattery ’24, a participant in this year’s Close Up journey, commented, “Although you need to be prepared for walking several miles a day, I would recommend going to DC.”
He continued, “It was quite fun meeting people that you’ll never see for the rest of your life.”
