IDEALS

“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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

Sunday, March 13, 2010

Woke up early to enjoy one last breakfast in the jungle with our new Mexican friends from the state of Tabasco. The six of us sat together and talked like old friends until it was time to start packing. We exchanged email addresses and hopefully one day we will meet again. Then it was time to go.

By Chrissy Peters - Second Year DSW Student

By Gary Warren

There is only one area left in Mexico that is considered to be 'jungle' and that is the Monte Azule Biosphere. It is a crescent shaped region that extends from the state of Chiapas into the country of Guatemala. Immensely rich in minerals, potential hydro power, oil, gas, and biodiversity, it has been a much sought after area for commercial exploitation. It is also the poorest state in Mexico, with the lowest life expectancy, lowest rate of literacy, lowest income per person, and highest death rate for infants.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

“To be a defender of rights in Mexico is a great risk,” Center for Human Rights in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Loyalist students spent the morning visiting at Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas - Frayba, or the Center for Human Rights. This is a non-profit Civil Organization, independent of any government or political ideology or religious creed.