Page Content

Testimonials from Participants in Cuernavaca 2008

The following reflections from the participants of the Cuernavaca 2008 Travel Study program reveal what can happen when you open yourself up to learn (or relearn) a language and experience its culture in your life. My thanks to these thoughtful border-crossers for sharing what they learned and for what they taught me in the journeying process.

--Dr. Peter J. Baird Cuernavaca Travel-Study program leader

 

I feel as though I had the most abundant overview of every aspect of Mexico and its people that is possible in two weeks time.  Now, when I walk down the streets of my neighborhood, I feel more connected to la gente.  I would definitely attend again and encourage others to do so.  I am excited for the possibility of going to Oaxaca next year on a similar program and I hope I am able to participate.

--Aria Galletti, USF Education grad student

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip this summer and I am looking forward to more traveling to Mexico, hopefully in the near future. I am so happy that I was able to go with a group that was so tight knit and friendly, and overall just fun. I know I improved my Spanish, learned more about the subjunctive than I did in 4 years of college, and made some friends that I will have for years to come.

--Jessica Hartman, future Spanish teacher, Sac State COE

 

In exploring the land, history and people of Mexico, I have a greater appreciation of those families that come to the United States for better, opportunities, jobs and education.  .. I believe that with an increased knowledge and understanding of Spanish, I can better communicate with the children and families that I serve.   By promoting Spanish vocabulary, greetings and language on daily basis in the classroom, I can foster better comprehension and build a stronger relationship with my Hispanic students…On a personal note, the trip was a wonderful experience.  It gave me the confidence to know that I can travel alone, join a group of like minded educators who enjoy exploring cultures, ideas, arts, language foods and much more. 
            I am grateful for this experience and thank you for the warm welcome that you, your family and students from Sacramento State offered to me.

--Nina Ruskey, veteran teacher from Wisconsin and Beginner in Spanish

 

Prior to venturing off to Mexico, I was timid and refrained, hesitant to take chances and sheepish around new people.  Although my primary goal for my trip was to learn to speak Spanish in past tense and increase my verbal communication skills, I found that I have taken away so much more than that.  Because of this trip I have grown on a personal as well as intellectual level.  Through experiencing the intricacies of Mexican culture, being a part of a group, and studying the Spanish language, I have developed various facets of my mind and personality.  Now that I am back feel more open and connected to people, willing to take risks, and more adventurous.
Even though I grew up around Spanish speakers my entire life, it is still a daunting task to become fluent.  In learning Spanish, I also learned patience with myself and my progress, I learned not to beat myself up over every little mistake and to not feel anxious if I did not know how to correctly convey certain ideas.  Being willing to make mistakes and making an effort were more important in learning to speak Spanish than flawless sentences.

--Erika Durán, undergraduate students Sacramento State University

 

A typical school day consisted of attending classes from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and then heading out for an afternoon trip hosted by the school or something that Peter had arranged. The afternoon trips were so incredibly educational, much more than I ever expected them to be…. All in all this was a wonderful trip. Definitely more of a cultural experience than just a language immersion.

--Lynn Nix, efficiency expert, traveling with her retired husband Daniel

 

My time in Mexico this last summer was life-changing, to say the least.  I have studied Spanish for years but had never had the chance to experience the Mexican culture like I did this last summer.  I was able to see what I have studied in books first-hand and able to take part in the everyday life that my students, who have come from Mexico, have experienced.  … Also, I would have been clueless had I not read the book “Mexican Lives” before I left for México.  The book explained things on a different level that I had never learned before.  Such as, what it’s like to be in the fayuca, or what mothers go through when their children illegally cross the border.  I was very impressed with the book and would recommend it for future visitors of México.  … In conclusion, this experience has been one that is priceless.  No matter how stressful it was to come up with the funds and how many people I had to ask for donations, it was such an experience that no money could really put a price on.  I recommend this trip for others to do and I will seriously be trying to go on next summer’s excursion to Oaxaca. 
Thanks soooo sooooo much Peter and his entire family ( I know you all helped). 

--Rebekah Cambell, future high school Spanish teacher and BMED grad.

 

During the two weeks I spent with our group I experienced more than I could have imagined.  Going to seminars, learning about Mexican economy and education in Mexico, and the many excursions all helped me to get a feel for Mexico.  I extended my stay in Mexico and was there for a total of 26 days.  I had a truly amazing time and met so many wonderful people.  I made memories that will last me a lifetime. 
Stephanie Kraft, Spanish high school teacher, Sacramento
Unfortunately I have been witness to many negative, untrue statements made about Mexican and Mexican-American people.  If Mexico can be so accepting of me and see past the stereotypes, why cannot people do the same here?  Spending time in Mexico has shown me that I cannot sit passively anymore when I hear people make unfounded generalizations and judgments about other groups of people.  By not challenging people to see the real person instead of the stereotype, I am allowing it to continue and spread to other people. ….  If I was not infected with the travel bug before, watch out world, here I come with even more energy!

--Sydney Nelson, preservice BCLAD  teacher, BMED

 

First let me say that I was introduced to the idea of language immersion some years ago – but I always thought I would never have time for an intense immersion program.  Then, last year I learned from a friend about this short-course language immersion program.  I thnk the fact it is sponsored by California State University Sacramento lent me a great deal of confidence in the program.  The two week structure of the program gave me the chance I needed – a push to have an immersion experience that I could manage in my life with home, work commitments and family.
       One important point for my travel was safety.  These are difficult times in Mexico with reported killings in the news.  Knowing I was part of a supported school group made a big difference on my decision to attend – I felt secure that the school would not allow student travel if it was not sure of their safety. 
       I did still improve my Spanish skills greatly.  This was confirmed for me recently when I spent half a day in a Sacramento health clinic.  Most of the patients we saw were Spanish speaking and I was really happy that I could understand all of the questions from the health care provider and about 80% of the responses from the patients.

--Leah Morris, Sacramento health educator