Monday’s lecture

Monday’s lecture took me by suprise.  I had no idea how much history Poland has.  Before the whole getting to go to Poland situation, I bearly knew Poland existed. Isn’t that sad? Thanks to the great opportunity of going, I have now learned about such a beautiful country. It is amazing how old Poland is when this country is about a few hundred years old! Wow! Poland could be our great great great…… ancestor! Any way, I am thrilled to have had the chance on Monday to learn about such interesting facts. Our trip is coming up soon, and how great is that?!

Diana

I have always been fascinated by other countries and their differing cultures. It interests me to learn about how other types of people do things and how they carry themselves among the environment of a completely different world.  I am extremely excited about going to Poland because I absolutely love learning about other countries. I have been to Europe a few times, but I never once considered to take a trip to Poland. Before this competition of winning a trip to Poland, I never even knew what it looked like! I am looking forward to meeting the people, and tasting the foods, and seeing all that there is to see. I truly believe this will be an extremely life changing experience simply because of the fact that we are going to be able to see the actual concentration camps from the Holocaust. Just thinking about it, is pretty crazy.  In going on this trip, the main thing to remember is to keep an open mind and just take in this new environment to the full. I can’t wait to go and I can’t believe it is almost here! I have a feeling that I will be writing something down in my journal for most of the time that we are there. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am incredibly thankful that I get to partake in it.

Adriana

Open to Change

First I just want to say that I was very upset that I had to miss class last Monday and I am very excited for tomorrow!  I agree with Allan about how wonderful it is to read about everyone’s personal encounters in their essay reflections and their individual wants of change.  Everyone has been so open and willing to groups, pairings, and research topics, and I know that each will experience, if they have not done so already, a positive change.  For me, this experience has really opened me personally to all the change of being able to interact closely with people of different backgrounds, studying a different culture, and making new memories.  I used to be a person that was content with my group of friends and staying in my comfort zone, but now I really have opened up to this change of experiences. I find it kind of ironic that the sermon in mass today was that for a person to make a change is that we must remain open to new ideas.  Duh, right!  Everyone else has probably figured this out by now.  Anyways, my point is that personally me being open to have even participated in the essay contest was a big step and I can already see a change in myself.  A positive change in my outlook and how I want to make a change so that I may be able to have an impact on someone else.  I’m just so excited that I have had this opportunity to experience my change with this group that I have learned so much from already.  I know that there is tons more in store for the semester and our BIG TRIP and I’m bouncing off the walls I’m SO EXCITED….less than 4 weeks!!!

Alyson