On the first day, the students where able to visit the city and go see some of the incredible monuments found in the city. 

In the afternoon, Congressman Ritchie Torres, a representative of the Bronx, NY, met with us in his office. Torres comes from both Puerto Rican and Afro descent, and when he was younger he lived in a family that didn't was struggling financially. This experience led him to have a rough life at the beginning. He told us his story of how he suffered from mental health issues and how he dropped out of college. Yet it is even better how he was able to get better and to in the end be able to become involved with he government and ultimately a congressman. As a congressman, Torres has been able to help the Bronx especially the Puerto Rican community have a better life and hopefully become more stable financially.

After a packed morning, we went to Georgetown to walk around and see the nice environment. We then met with alumni Rafa Velez '22, who is currently studying International Affairs at Georgetown University. He gave us a tour around campus and we were able to engage in an active conversation with him where he shared with us his college experiences, and how TASIS prepared him for what he is doing currently. 

Angelo '15 recently became the official Assistant Press Secretary at the White House. We were able to have a 2-hour long conversation with him where he gave us an insight into his job. Some of the highlights are the effects that the Taliban overtaking Afghanistan had on his job and him given how we directly interacted with the refugees. He also stated how he wishes to help Puerto Rico one day and allow his home to be better. Not only that but he also told us his experience in college and TASIS and how all his academic journey led him to be as succesful as he is right now. 

We had the beginning of the LEAD conference. We were lucky to be able to hear Sarah Wells' story during the opening ceremony. Olympic medallist, Sarah Wells shared with the attendees her emotional story on how despite all her roadblocks she was still able to go to the Olympics. During her speech, she expressed how after her epic win she tried again for the next Olympics yet she pushed an injury too far and did not qualify. Years later she got to the finals of the Amazing Race, yet she had a shortcoming and arrived second.  During her whole presentation, she hinted at a big idea. How half a second can make a big change. She says this because when she lost in the Olympics she lost by half a second. That idea perfectly encompasses how if one gives up, or has a negative thought for even half a second, it can change entirely your outcome. 

Our amazing Student Council president, Alana Fuentes had the honor to present at the conference! She shared with students from all around the world about this school year's theme: LEAP. With the "Let's Embrace Authentic Personalities" mentality, one can include every member of your student body.

On September 18, Juan Brendaña, a motivational speaker, came to TASIS to talk to the student body. After the keynote session, Bendaña met with the Student Council, the NHS and NJHS boards, and members of the Leadership Academy to further explain his ideas and the role of leaders in our school community.