Our third day of the VAST25 trip was packed with learning, history, and travel.

We began the day with an early breakfast at our hotel before checking out at 8 a.m. The group picked up rental cars and, with some extra energy we set out for sightseeing.
Our first stop was the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), a powerful reminder of sacrifice and resilience. Standing before the iconic statue gave us the chance to reflect on history and the values of courage and unity.

Before arriving at George Washington University (GWU), we enjoyed lunch together at a lively spot near campus, where international flavors—including falafel—gave us a taste of D.C.’s diversity. At GWU, we were warmly welcomed by Jack and Nina, who guided us through campus and explained the history and traditions of the university. One highlight was the story of the hippo statue, an unusual but beloved campus symbol. Originally a gift from former university president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, the hippo has become a quirky yet important part of GWU’s identity, representing both curiosity and community spirit.

The academic highlight of the day was the inspiring lecture by Dr.Tarabishy at the George Washington School of Business. He began by reflecting on South Korea’s transformation—from one of the poorest countries to a developed nation, and the only one to “graduate” from World Bank assistance.

His point: nations, like people, thrive when they remember those who helped them. He then traced the history of George Washington’s vision for a national university, which eventually became GWU. Through financial struggles, land ownership, and resilience, the university built its legacy—turning land into buildings, and buildings into long-term value. Dr. Tarabishy also connected education to social responsibility, sharing the story of Ford Motor Company. While Henry Ford resisted unions, his son later embraced cooperation. That decision paid off during the 2008 crisis, when unions helped Ford survive while competitors collapsed.

His key message: students are the most powerful actors in the education system. Education is not just about degrees but about global investment in people, exchange, and sustainable progress. His lecture was both historical and forward-looking, showing us the importance of resilience, fairness, and vision. you can explore his profile at George Washington University School of Business

After the lecture, we made a quick stop at the Jefferson Memorial, one of D.C.’s most iconic landmarks. As the sun began to set, we hit the road toward Norfolk. On the way, we enjoyed dinner together, sharing laughs and reflections from the day.

By late evening, we arrived at the Marriott SpringHill Suites in Norfolk, tired but happy after a long journey.