Student Quotes from Religion in Mexico Course
Dr. Michael McKale Spring 2007
Richard Thompson
“I for one, would first like to speak about the particular group that I would become close friends with in the duration of the trip. I have been in many programs that required a group of people to become attached yet none was more influential than our trip to Mexico. Personally, I only happened to know two people, before the trip, well enough to call them good friends. As this trip developed I found myself creating amazing friendships with a variety of people whom share drastically different views. What I am trying to say, is that a trip such as one to a foreign country brings a group of individuals together in ways one can not imitate any other way. It is the common bond that unifies the group as a team that cares for each other in a very unique way. I feel that the friendships I have made on this endeavor will carry on much further than anyone would care to guess. This has not only helped me better my sense as a student, but that of a human being.”
“I’ll be the first to say that it actually took a trip to a third world country to understand a little piece of life. The trip to Cuernavaca not only helps you develop a cultural understanding but it helps you understand the universal language of life. With that at hand and not to sound too weird, the most important part of the trip can not actually be spoken in words. The powers and forces present in Mexico surround and embrace the body. While existing in a new world, it is true that every breath taken, sound that is heard and every smell wafted through the nose becomes part of the experience. As this experience grows, it becomes a part of your life in an unchangeable way. I speculate that my memory and image of Mexico might fade away with age but the feeling and the experience of Mexico will live with me, as a part of me forever.”
Jonathan Hay
“Mexico has taught me a lot about myself. It has also changed my perspective of the world that we live in. I feel my eyes are open and I can see the world the way that it really is. There are so many great things in Mexico to see and experience that I would never experience anywhere else.”
Cara Dinger
“The religion in Mexico course has made me think about issues and ideas that I never thought I would have to ponder before. First off, by taking this course I have come to the conclusion that I am extremely grateful for even having been given the opportunity to study abroad. If it were not for the support and monetary contributions from my family, I would not be in Mexico today. I would not have been able to experience the food, culture, people, music, and religion that I have encountered thus far.”
Leah Warmkessel
“I learned so much during this trip. My Spanish has improved dramatically and I’ve learned so much about the Mexican culture. Spending time with my family was one of the best parts of the trip. Our parents were wonderful they always welcomed as much conversation as possible and constantly kept us laughing. The Mexican family is a very tight circle and we were welcomed so generously into the family, they treated us like one of their own. Our family always made sure we had everything we needed and kept the delicious food coming. I couldn’t have lucked out with a better family. They’ve helped me so much and I’ll always stay close with them. I’ve met so many people here, friends from Mexico, and many friends from other parts of the United States. I learned about everything imaginable from art, to culture, to food, to lifestyles, and I even learned a lot about myself. I’m taking so much away from this experience; it was the best month of my life this far. I’m so glad I made the decision to come on this trip; words cannot even express my graditude.”
Winston Robinson
“This has been the most rewarding trip of my life to this point. Part vacation, part mission work and part school, it has opened my eyes to a view of the world I never could have expected to see. I’ve seen how a simple smile and hello can put people at ease and despite obvious differences can help people see that we are inherently the same. That has to be one of the biggest things I take from this trip. The ability to see people as people and not as Mexican, Black, White or other is one of the most important tools we can use to effect change in this world.”
“The next step is to build bridges with our neighbors in Mexico. It is hard to believe that we cannot or rather have not reached out in they way a neighbor should. There is no doubt in my mind that our two countries can help each other in ways we don’t yet understand.”
“My overall impression of Mexico was and is an extremely favorable one. The beauty, the art, the history, the perseverance of the people, everything was positive for me.”
Karen Flaig
“Being here has been one of the best experiences of my life and it has really opened me up to other cultures and the way they work.
Virginia Russo
“I have had such an amazing experience living with a Mexican family and being able to share their traditions and living style. The families are also very extensive and large. I can just tell how much they love each other by watching them when they are together. Family life is amazing here. I am lucky to be in an Italian family that shares close bonds similar to the Mexican family. It is an amazing experience.”
“The culture of Mexico is amazing and unexplainable. Every second of the day here is filled with culture that you do not even realize. Mexicans are proud to be Mexican and so many of them have the same things in common during their everyday life. Nationalism, religion, and love for family are the three biggest cultural impacts for me. Everywhere I walk there is a cross or The Virgin of Guadalupe, but primarily the Virgin. Religion is assumed in the Mexican culture even in the home. For example, in my house every room has a cross or the Virgin, and mama and papa have a candle burning for their loved ones all around the clock.”
Devin Sweetney
“This class and this trip really helped me understand Mexico culture and why this country is the way it is. I really enjoyed this class because my whole perspective has changed and I have also learned not to judge a book by its cover. This class has opened my eyes to life and its essentials. I think that the most enjoyable part of this class was when we went to visit the orphanage for those two days. To see the smile on those kids faces was a truly a blessing and it touch me as a person and really made me realize that the material things in life doesn’t matter. The kids weren’t happy because we gave them clothes, shoes, candy, and toys; they were happy that we were actually spending time with them and showing them love. This experience will stay with me forever.
Alexandra Misuraca
“In conclusion, my experience in Mexico was about wisdom. Learning Spanish, learning about the Mexican culture, learning about myself, religion, and learning about other cultures. Aside from being in the classroom, I gained so much experience and knowledge by being completely wrapped up in the Mexican culture including the opportunity to live with a Mexican family. Traveling around Mexico gave me the opportunity to witness the various ways of life. Going to school with international students allowed me to explore different culture and traditions in other countries. I am a different person after my experience in Mexico. I am a better person. I have grown in so many ways. This was a true blessing and privilege. I will always be extremely thankful for my opportunity to live and study in Mexico.
Edward Kelly
“I wouldn’t trade this experience here for anything in the world. The art and culture that I have seen cannot be compared to anything that I have seen in the states, and I have been to New York City and have seen many art museums. This country is very bright and vibrant. The people are lively, entertaining, and are warm hearted. I have experienced some hospitality before this trip, but nothing compares to the Mexican hospitality that everyone on this trip has received. The statement: “Mi casa es su casa,” is essential to the everyday lives of the Mexican people. If there is one thing that I have learned from these people, is to treat the guests of your home as family. If we as a people could learn to treat the entire world as brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons the world would be a better place.”
“Now as I go home I must never forget this experience. What we all have to do is find a way to be neighborly to our southern friends, and find ways to help them out both economically and politically. We have to pressure our politics to act now before it is too late for the Latino people. Everyone on this trip should feel closer to the Latin community now that we know where they come from. Help Mexico fix Mexico, and we would be surprised how much better the entire Latin America would follow. This trip has opened up eyes to the crimes against humanity by our government, and I want to try to do something about it. The best thing a good neighbor can do is to take someone into his or home in a time of distress, and if a Mexican family who jumped the border in attempt to make money for their family came to my house, I would welcome them with open arms. Mexico needs our help, and one person can make a difference, because if something is not done, there could be disaster awaiting people south of the border.”
Stacy Irwin
“My time in Mexico has changed my entire way of thinking. I was exposed to problems which I was not aware existed. I will now be more conscious of who is making my stuff and if it is through fair trade. I was also touched by their culture and the way in which they value family and religion so much. When I return home I will be thankful for things such as an uncorrupt police force, having sufficient clean water, and having basic rights as a citizen. This trip has truly changed my life and I’m thankful I was able to experience Mexico.
Prudence Ross
“This was most definitely a once in a life time adventure and I am glad I had the opportunity to experience it.
Travaughn Harper
“My time in Mexico was great from the excursions, food, culture, and just the experience alone. I thought this class was one of the best classes I ever took just because of all the information I learned.”
Laura Caldwell
“I knew this trip to Mexico would be an eye opener for me and a true awakening to the problems in our world, but I never had anticipated that it would impact me as much as it has. I am becoming more aware of what is going on around me in the world and I understand that this will be one of the greatest endeavors culturally of my life.”
“My own personal reflection of Mexico is one that will be hard to put into words. Everything that I have experienced and learned about will leave an impression forever on me. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to have stayed in Mexico for this long and feel as though I have grown up and become more educated throughout this process.”
“Overall, my trip to Mexico wasn’t anything I had expected. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to dream up something this magnificent. The lessons I learned, the people I have met, and the relationships I made will never be forgotten. I hope one day I have the opportunity to come back to Mexico and experience it all over again.”
Mexico Quotes 2007
Dr. Michael McKale 10/04/07