Spelman College Student Shares Her Amtrak Journey

Last month, 30 students from Spelman College traveled on the Crescent from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. as part of a partnership with Amtrak.  The students met with Spelman alumni, toured Capitol Hill and even met with Amtrak staff. We recently chatted with Briana, a junior comparative women studies specialization in mass communications and production major at Spelman to find out how she enjoyed the journey.

As a child, Briana took her first long-distance trip with her family traveling from New York City to Georgia. But this ride with her fellow students was different, “I kind of knew what to expect before I boarded but this time around I was pleasantly surprised by the extra legroom. It was wonderful,” she said. That wasn’t the only Amtrak perk she and the other students enjoyed. “I liked the outlets and the conductors. They were very personable and accommodating to our group.”

While Briana isn’t a first time Amtrak rider, this was her first trip to the District. “I loved D.C.,” she shared. “I had an amazing time meeting with Spelman alumni and lobbying on the hill. That was an experience of a lifetime. On the hill, I also got to shadow Senator Cory Booker. That was definitely a highlight.”

When asked about how her train ride compared to other modes of transportation, Brian told us, “Trains definitely had more legroom and was a relatively smooth ride. I really loved that. I also liked being able to talk to who was in charge of getting me from point A to point B, that personal interaction.” She went on to share how her fellow student enjoyed the trip, “They loved it! The other alternative was the bus so this was more than we could have asked for,” she said.

Now that Briana is back on campus she’s had a chance to reflect on what the trip meant to her. “This trip reaffirmed why I made the choice to attend Spelman. It refueled me to go forth and continue my matriculation plans for whatever I’m going to do after graduation. In D.C., I got to see how legislation works, how the house works and how senate works, that was all incredible. These are things I have never been exposed to. It was terrific.”

Re-energized and focused, Briana is also doing what many Amtrak riders do when they return home. She’s planning her next trip. “Yes, I’ll take the train again. I’m actually thinking of taking a trip to Louisiana for Mardi Gras next year.” Here’s to her next Amtrak Adventure!

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