This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend the Fourth of July with friends and family in Washington D.C. Eager to embark upon my very first solo road trip (I told you I could do it, Mom!) and first-ever visit to Capital City, I left the office Friday anticipating a weekend filled with great food and plenty of patriotism—the perfect way to celebrate making it to the halfway point of the fellowship.

With only three days in the area, I made it my mission to explore the area as intricately as possible, creating my own personal version of D.C. Bingo in which I would all of the major historical landmarks and neighborhoods the city had to offer. After one long day of touring many of the city’s standouts, such as the White House, the Washington Monument, and my personal favorite, the Lincoln Memorial, my friends and I decided to take an impromptu trip to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, a famous nonprofit with the mission of “telling the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation’s history, development, and culture.”

As I roamed amongst the hundreds of portraits of Americans, famed for their remarkable character and achievements, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by their accomplishments. These Americans, these famous artists, inventors, performers, activists, and leaders, capitalized on their talents and dreams to form our nation’s collective identity. Their tireless work and dedicated passion significantly shaped American society, allowing us to understand who we are and what we can aspire to be. Perhaps most importantly, seeing their faces allowed me to pose the very possible notion that one day, my hard work and dedication could make a difference in the world significant enough to shape society too.

This summer, I’ve been able to explore my own passions and interests through experiences that have allowed me to question what it is that truly ignites my fire. The individuals depicted through the Smithsonian’s portraiture were once upon a time, very “average” people, individuals with hopes and dreams similar to my own who were able to overcome obstacles to achieve impact. Seeing their faces reminded me that substantial change does not come from superheroes or miraculous instances of fate. Instead, it results from a tireless commitment to values and the ability to inspire others to follow suit– something I feel I am extremely capable of.

Reflecting on my visit to D.C., I was reminded of our amazing potential as individuals when we seek out our dreams. For now, I will continue exploring my passions in the areas of the nonprofit excellence and accountability, and I hope to inspire you to do the same. With this summer’s group of passionate fellows, I wouldn’t be surprised if twenty years down the line, I saw one of their faces memorialized through the portraiture at the Gallery.

Here I am geeking out at the Lincoln Memorial. You can tell I really am not excited at all.

My fabulous tour guide and I at the Washington Memorial.