Michelle Newlands's blog
Our thoughts and final reflection of Quest 2010 **
“I’ve learned more about my country in the last two weeks being here in Mexico than I have living my whole life in Canada.” – Holly Hoekstra, DSW Student
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“It’s easy to turn the chancel at home about a commercial on poverty but to see it first hand is a completely new experience.” – Mia Howes, DSW Student
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Knowledge is power - Oblivion is bliss
Canadian soil has presented us with yet another challenge, describing our Quest.
People ask, ‘how was your trip?’ and it is a difficult question to answer. Was it a trip, yes in ways it was, was it a vacation, only from our normal 9-5’s and everyday lives. Yes there was sun and fun and good food but it was so much more than that. Every day was a challenge filled with tasks, learning experiences, growth and development. Things that for some is hard to believe.
Last Reflection
By Chrissy Peters
As I saw the lights of the Toronto Airport I realized that I was soon to be home again. I was nervous and so excited at the same time.
When in Mexico I learned a lot about human rights, social justice, international development, Mexican culture and about myself. I learned I am a leader and a team member, I am decisive and strong.
Blind Side
Monday, March 22, 2010
On the plane ride to Canada the in-flight movie was Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock and based on the true story of NFL player Sean Tuohy. The film is about a young, disadvantaged black man growing up on the tough side of town who is given a second chance. He is taken in by a well to-do family, given a place to stay, a proper education and an opportunity to try his luck at football.
Many could say this film had little to do with our trip and in some ways I agree. But there was something about this film that seemed to tie everything together for me.
The dots again...
by Gary Warren
March 21, 2010
I wrote earlier about connecting the dots or trying to make sense of the last 5 weeks here. That includes exit interviews for the students on a DSW placement. One will be returning to Cuernavaca tonight to finish her placement, so for her it a mid course discussion. The ‘dots’ for all include:
· Organizing a learning community complete with committees for health, planning and reflection
· Finding your way around a strange town, communicating without knowing the language, and buying food essentials
Our last night in Mexico, looking at all the little lights and seeing the big picture
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Never in my life can I recall five weeks going by so quickly. It seems only yesterday the four of us girls met at 5:00am at the doors to the Toronto Pierson Airport to begin our journey. Within this short period of time we have grown as individuals, as a team and have learned so much about ourselves, each other and the world around us.
Making sense of it all
by Gary Warren
It starts with a random comment about how much there is to do here, and so little time left. Someone is reminded about some last minute shopping that has to be done. Another then asks about our return schedule. It gets serious when one person checks their airline ticket and starts to count the ‘number of sleeps’ left. We are winding down. And with all the return preparation, we also have to make sense of it all. As one said, we have to connect the dots.
Jammin on the beach
by Gary Warren
A short one tonight ‘cause it is late. Caila (DSW student) is here now from Cuernavaca where she has been on placement in a school for street children. For her, it’s a long weekend, and it gives me a chance to ‘supervise’ her placement more closely.
Other friends will arrive tomorrow from Chiapas, so we will have a bit of a reunion.
Today we spent quite a while trying to figure out how we can support ourselves through experiential education when we return to Canada.
A girl named Lety
About six years ago the Quest group met with a young Mexican woman named Lety. She could not read, write or speak English but was still said to be wise beyond her years. One of the staff members at Loyalist College was taken away with this girl’s talent and potential and offered to sponsor her to go to school.
When Gary spoke to Lety about this opportunity and asked her, “Where do you want to go to school?” He thought she would have picked somewhere nearby, Cuernavaca, Mexico City, but no Lety replied, “I want to go to Loyalist College, I want to come to Canada!”
Day two in a fishing village
by Gary Warren
Early each morning I like to take a fitness walk and to get re-oriented to new places. Here, I also knew it was going to be hot, and it was still cool at 6:30 am. Two of the students beat me to it, and were up and gone before I got out to the street. They jogged in one direction, and I wandered in another (I’m afraid my jogging days are far behind me).
