BY AS H L E Y A . W I L L I A M S
Visit to nation’s capital inspires civic-minded undergrads The Leadership UMiami program gives students a greater understanding of what community activism really means. LANDON COLES KEPT HIS EYES ON THE DOME OF THE U.S. CAPITOL AS HE APPROACHED THE GRASSY LAWN IN FRONT OF the home of the U.S. Congress. Once through the security checkpoint, the sound of ringing bells, signaling the day’s opening session, echoed off the white pillars and high marble walls. Coles was thrilled to be enveloped by the history inside. Since he was a child growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, he has been fascinated by American history, learning about everything from the exploits of George Washington during the Revolutionary War to the increase in women and minority participation in government service. It was his love of history and nation that prompted Coles to apply to Leadership UMiami, a program for University of Miami students who seek to hone their critical thinking skills to evoke positive changes at the University and beyond.
38 MIAMI Spring 2020 miami.edu/magazine