From the historic halls of Georgetown Law to the iconic corridors of the White House, the NexPoint Tower Scholars Class of 2025 experienced a journey of profound learning and discovery during the annual research trip to Washington, D.C. In February of 2024, the junior scholars traveled to the Hill for migration policy research on behalf of the Migration Policy Institute (“MPI”), a leading migration think tank and the client for their junior class practicum. Under the direction of two renowned scholars on migration, Professor James Hollifield and Dr. Pia Orrenius, Vice President for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the junior scholars are working on a policy proposal, “Facilitating Economic Growth: The Urgent Need for Reform in U.S. Immigration Policy for Low-Skilled Workers.” Anish Senthilkumar shares his experience below.
Our journey commenced on Saturday, February 10th, with an early morning flight. This marked the first time the cohort began their trip on a weekend, facilitating a more immersive experience in the nation’s capital. Our first event was a welcoming dinner, generously hosted by the family of Carter Spahn, a fellow Tower Scholar and Baltimore native, at Mi Vida, a local restaurant with stunning views of D.C. Wharf. This provided a delightful start to the trip; the evening was filled with engaging conversations and a warm atmosphere that set a positive tone for the days ahead.
On Sunday, February 11th, we were guided through Georgetown Law by Destiny Rose Murphy ’19, an alumna of the SMU Tower Scholars Program who attended both Georgetown Law and Yale Law School. She hosted the scholars for a lunch preceding the tour, where she and two colleagues provided scholars with insights and valuable advice on pursuing a career in law and policymaking. The day was also marked by cultural immersion as the cohort celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year in Chinatown and concluded the day watching the Super Bowl together.
Monday’s agenda was a deep dive into migration policy, beginning with a visit to the office of the Migration Policy Institute to speak with Dr. Andrew Selee, President of MPI. These discussions provided a foundational understanding of the intricate dynamics of migration policy, setting the stage for the week’s subsequent meetings and activities. The itinerary included impactful conversations with legislative figures like Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Representative Tony Gonzalez (TX-23), as well as informative sessions with Senator Cornyn’s staff and Judiciary Counsel, and a presentation from experts at the Canadian Embassy and Congressional Budget Office. These interactions offered diverse perspectives on the migration policy landscape, enhancing our project. Between these professional engagements, we had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.’s monumental landmarks, including the White House and the Smithsonian. These visits were not only educational but also a testament to the city’s rich political and cultural heritage. The trip was not just an academic excursion but also a journey of personal growth and community building. The time spent navigating the complexities of policy, coupled with shared moments of exploring the city, fostered a strong sense of community among the Tower Scholars. These shared experiences enriched our journey, making the policy learning process holistic and applicable.
Reflecting on our time in Washington, D.C., it is evident that the journey was a multifaceted experience, blending rigorous policy study with personal growth. The trip not only enhanced our understanding of migration policy but also solidified our aspirations and commitment to public service and policymaking. Seeing figures who are making a real-world impact in their respective careers showed us how we can use our personal experiences and knowledge gained from the Tower Scholars Program to go out and make the same impact in the world as well.
As we transitioned back to our regular academic routine, the memories of those days in D.C. lingered, continuing to inspire and influence our educational and professional paths. The Tower Scholars Program, with its visionary approach to learning, has profoundly impacted our lives, equipping us with invaluable experiences that will undoubtedly shape our future endeavors.
