Students Absorb D.C.'s Diverse Culture During Spring Getaway

A "Cultural Immersion" trip to Washington, D.C., over Spring Break acquainted Penn College students with the smorgasbord of issues, art, food and ethnicity in the nation's capital. Organized by the Student Activities Office, the March 7-12 experience included visits to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where the group attended "Shomyo no Kai," a vocal performance by Buddhist monks from Japan; the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Arlington National Cemetery; the Newseum; and varied monuments, eateries and neighborhoods throughout the city. The group (members of which provided these photos for PCToday) also sat down with Patience Peabody, communications director at LIFT, to learn about the work the agency does in raising people out of poverty.

Gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial – and behind their fellow student Todd D. Robatin, of Selinsgrove – are (from left) Leslie J. Schafferman, of Williamsport; Alyssa J. Morales, of Reading; Allen M. Brown, of Hazleton; Jessica L. Reed, of Muncy; Kenny Eugene, of Philadelphia; and Kashiki E. Harrison, of Williamsport.

This delectable cupcake from Georgetown's Baked and Wired was among the culinary temptations in a week that included Thai, Ethiopian and Vietnamese fare.

... and check out the Capitol view from the building's rooftop.

The group visits the Newseum, taking an opportunity to touch a piece of the Berlin Wall ...

The gate to Chinatown highlights the neighborhood in which the students stayed, offering convenient access to many of the city's attractions.

Jessica Reed pauses in front of Pennsylvania Avenue's most famous residence.

Allen Brown and Alyssa Morales snap a "selfie" at the Eastern Market, a shoppers'oasis for everything from furniture to fresh produce to art.

Students unwind at Busboys and Poets, a restaurant/bookstore operated by D.C. mayoral candidate Andy Shallal.