Immersion teaches culture
By NELLIE WILLIAMS
News Writer
Lingering in the shadows of extreme poverty and a widening gap between the rich and the poor, the children of Brazil dance.
For six Saint Mary's students and Sister Linda Kors, the dancing children were just one example of beauty in a culture that has become used to living in a shadow. The group had the opportunity to observe a school play in one of Brazil's poverty stricken barrios as a part of Saint Mary's inaugural immersion trip during October break.
"It was somewhat shocking in a way to see the beautiful dancers and then see how they live and how they want to get out of their present situation," she said.
"I really enjoyed meeting the people and the fact that they allowed us to go into their lives," said Jessica Delgado, a sophomore who went on the trip. "I enjoyed the kids. They were very respectful."
Kors and the student representatives were the first group to take an immersion trip to Brazil, where participants would study culture, economics, and lifestyles.
The group traveled to the states of Sao Paulo and Parana, experiencing poverty, interacting with the Sisters of the Holy Cross, visiting schools, and experiencing a different culture.
The group stayed with the Sisters of the Holy Cross, visited a paper factory, shopped at a street market, and toured schools.
"It was learning as we went. The sisters in Brazil helped with our agenda. We were their guests," said junior Stephanie Rosenthal.
But the learning did not come void of life lessons, sometimes which were hard to learn.
One tour the group took to a low-income housing complex in San Paulo was a startling realization of the poverty the country faces. A resident interviewed by the students told the group that the housing was a former high rise building, and projects similar to it were being proposed for the nearer future, and asked for their support.
Many students felt helpless after witnessing the living conditions.
"When we had reflection time together, I told them that each person has to find their own little avenue," Kors said.
Many students noted the humbleness and simplicity of life the Brazilians live with. "They are not materialistic. They are very humble and content with their lives," said Delgado. "That's how they live and that's life. That kind of peace and humbleness is very rare to find in the United States."
The Sunday mass the group attended was lively and full of energy. "It's always interesting to see how even though the people have so little they celebrate. And loud, too," said Kors.
Students saw the difference between Brazil and their own country.
"It was a good chance to explore another culture and escape from our little, sheltered world," said Katie Claussen, a junior.
"I describe my immersion as one of the toughest, yet best weeks of my life," said junior Jill Fenske. "I've never learned so much about myself, my own country, and another country's situation in such little time."
All News Stories for Tuesday, November 2, 1999
