Spring break, Mexico style

arrived in Cuemavaca, Mexico with a loaded itinerary in hand. The groups emersion into Mexican culture began immediately after reaching their destination. Instead of staying at a hotel, the students and faculty on the trip were required to stay with a host family. Generally, the group was divided in groups of twos and then housed with Mexican families.

"This was an adventure on its own, considering that the families only spoke Spanish. I was so nervous at first," Craig Warrington, a junior accounting major, said.

John Pino, a junior English major, said, "One of the best things about this trip was the way the Mexican families welcomed us into their homes."

They did more than tour ancient villages; this group did some volunteer work at a secondary school. The group considers this event perhaps one of the most memorable. The children treated them like celebrities, running after them and pleading for an autograph.

"I couldn't believe how excited they were to see Americans. I signed some autographs that day," Erik Harris, a junior accounting major, said.

Pino said, "As someone who is interested in the field of education, visiting this school was certainly a culture shock for me. I've never seen kids having more fun at school. They were so excited to learn."

said, "This trip definitely opened my eyes. I noticed similarities, but I also noticed differences. They just value everything so much more. Yes they want the same things we want, at the end of the day; but, it is more of a priority for us. We are much more materialistic it seems."

By the end of the trip the Cabrini group had been united by what they saw, what they had experienced and what they had endured.

Harris said, "This trip and their culture has changed me. It made me appreciate my family. I also found a new family in my group mates."

YADIRA R. TOLEDO ASST. SPOKrS EDITOR YRT722@CABRINI.EDU

This spring break, while many of Cabrini's students and faculty were at home relaxing, a group, led by Dr. Nicholas Uliano and Professor Ann Servey, left the country in true spirit of an alternative spring break. The group of 22 students headed to Mexico with hopes of making a difference. But, not only did they give to others during this weeklong excursion, they also received much more than they had ever anticipated.

"It was such an absolutely amazing experience," Susan Moraca, a junior chemistry major, said.

On Friday, Feb. 24, they

During their stay, the group took a trip to Tepoztlan, a beautiful Indian village famous for its energy. While in this ancient village, the members of the Cabrini group spent a couple hours climbing a mountain to reach the Tepozteco Pyramid.

"There were elderly women in skirts and sandals passing by us with such ease, while we struggled to make oJir way to the top," Servey said.

Twice during their Mexican spring break, the Cabrini group visited an orphanage or children's home dedicated to housing of physically and sexually abused children. In one of their two visits to this saddening children's home, the group offered a donation worth $300.

Uliano said, ''The trip was a learning experience in a complete way, 100 percent."

Melani Gomes, a senior English and communication major,

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@yahoogroups.com. The editors will review your points each week and make corrections if warranted.