Spending spring break with seven Gonzaga students has been a tremendous affirmation to the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. Students had the rare opportunity to learn about the realities of urban communities. The entire week was filled with amazing people like Eardley, from Sri Lanka, who spoke of the biblical intersection to the contemporary debate over immigration; and Jose who gave us a walking tour of Pilsen, a predominately Mexican neighborhood, that featured the outdoor murals that were not just art for art’s sake, but displayed complex images that had political or social content.
The amount of information everyone was provided to about East Indians, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, African-Americans, and the elderly LGBT, and more was astounding. My personal highlights include seeing the President Barack Obama quilt exhibition in the DuSable African American Museum and being reminded of why its important to remain connected to your cultural history. Another moment I found moving, as did the students, was our lunch and conversation about campus issues with 10 Loyola University students.
There will always be something to learn, to embrace and to advocate for, and I believe this trip provided an up close and personal experience to just that. Until next year…
Tracy