Friends:
Baylor University’s mission is not only “to prepare our students for worldwide leadership and service,” but to welcome students from literally around the globe. It is within that microcosm of a global community -- a “caring community” -- that we can truly learn from one another. The Center for International Education (CIE) offers abundant opportunities for global outreach. From faculty-led study abroad trips to exchange and affiliate programs, our students are afforded the extraordinary opportunity to travel and study other cultures, while at the same time learning from colleagues around the world. CIE also offers an array of valuable services to international students who choose to study at Baylor. This fall, our campus welcomed 624 new and returning international students –
representing 73 countries. They bless us by calling Baylor their second home. Our motto, Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana – for Baylor and for the world – echoes the Great Commission of Matthew’s Gospel: “therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As a Christian institution of higher learning in this, the Global Century, our mission is more important than ever. Our University’s commitment to global education is ever deeper. We are grateful for the important work of the Center for International Education in fulfilling Baylor’s lofty mission.
Yours Sincerely,
Kenneth Winston Starr
Kenneth Winston Starr
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D.K. moved here from China. He tells his Travel to Italy in experience on page “La Dolce Vita Di 23.
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Read President Ken Starr’s letter on page 2.
Su 6 Meet who pu
Baylor” to get a student’s perspective on a travel abroad experience.
Learn how Baylor and Costa Rica collaborate for future teachers on page 30.
The i5 China Program is making big strides across the pond. Read here to find out how.
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Sofia Pitouli moved across the ocean to chase down her dreams. Literally. This Greek track star is making huge strides to leave her mark at Baylor. Read on page 12.
Read about Judge Starr’s recent trip to meet the Pope in Rome. Bobby Leis has been everywhere and has a story or two to tell. Now he’s put down roots at Baylor.
Maxey Parrish has not only been on the U.S. Olympic Commitee, he’s supervised a couple study abroad experiences too.
unkanmi, the Nigerian student ut Baylor on a global scale.
MEET SUNKANMI AGBOMEJI
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o embark on a life-changing journey, Sunkanmi Agbomeji packed his bags and left Lagos, Nigeria. As a man who takes the initiative to fulfill his own dreams, Agbomeji didn’t end up in Waco by chance. Leaving the only home he’s known, he set out to broaden his global views and to further enrich his mind with an education from Baylor. “I was looking for an MBA program,” Agbomeji said. “I wanted one that had an affinity for international students and had a strong ethical base for training business leaders.”
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THE NIGERIAN STUDENT WHO PUT BAYLOR ON A GLOBAL SCALE
Having only traveled in West African countries, Agbomeji found adjusting to the United States to be challenging. The large selection of food from diverse cultures was overwhelming, which caused him to miss the simplicity of foods from home. The language barrier was another difficult obstacle to overcome. Nigerians speak British English, which differs greatly from
the American English language. Another difference is the education system. In Nigeria, it supplies students with all the necessary materials and information. In the U.S., however, students are expected to do independent research to meet their needs. Agbomeji believes this way of learning is more valuable. “The U.S. allows students to explore,” Agbomeji said. “It’s more of an open culture where you can meet people from different parts of the world. That’s how education should be.” Nigeria is more of a closed environment. A place where people work with those that they know. It’s a rare occasion to see people come together from different parts of the world. Fortunately for Agbomeji, Baylor supports his desire to reach out to other international students seeking to tackle global business issues. Agbomeji’s time in the U.S. has allowed him to meet people from different cultures, as well as take advantage of opportunities to understand diverse perspectives. “While working with others, you can find a solution that has a positive global impact,” Agbomeji said. “Technology
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has flattened the world, so someone from Australia can access the same information and do the same thing with someone from Morocco or Brazil.” One day, Agbomeji realized one thing that Baylor was lacking. It was a student organization that allowed this type of communication to happen between the 74 different nations represented on campus. To create a global business student organization, Agbomeji began communicating with Jim Anderson, a lecturer at Baylor. Agbomeji also reached out to other international students. In January 2013, Global Business Connect (GBC) was officially chartered as a Baylor student organization. Currently, Agbomeji serves as the organization’s president and works with other student chairs from Korea, India, El Salvador, the U.S. and Vietnam. Since its creation, the organization has sought to develop global minds, provide global business preparation and open global opportunities for students. Through this organization, members are able to connect with international companies within Waco. This allows students to interact with high-caliber global lead-
While working with others, you can find a solution that has a positive global impact.”
ers, obtain internships and an opportunity to collaborate on global issues. “It’s a way of matching responsibilities with various capabilities,” Agbomeji said. “Everyone contributes to the whole, strategic way of tackling an issue.” In the future, Agbomeji hopes to travel across the world to make positive global changes. With his determination and dedication, there is no doubt that he will one day reach all of his goals. BY BRIANA ROJAS
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WRITTEN BY MOLLIE KIRK
W
hen asking professor David G. Henry about Baylor’s i5 program in China, be prepared for a passionate story. The i5 program is not like most study broad experiences offered at Baylor. This program is intense, incorporating business, science and technology and intellectual property law. “[i5 China is a] unique combination of business, law and science and technology,” Henry said. However, it didn’t always incorporate intellectual property law. In 2010, the directors integrated this component as the third leg of the program. It solved the equation and is, “one link in the chain” of business, science and technology. The program benefits all students involved. Law students gain intellectual property prac-
The program has not only
IMPACTED THE STUDENTS,
But Also The Companies
THEY WORK WITH. tice through application of their knowledge of the law, while the business and engineering students learn how to protect their ideas and inventions. The i5 program isn’t just a trip to China, but a full-time job. Students put in “real world hours into real world projects.” During a 12-14 hour week, students help solve companies’ real issues and problems. The program has not only impacted students, but also the companies they work with. “Companies have redesigned their business models to fit i5,” Henry said. This Baylor program partners with prestigious students from universities such as the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, University of Nottingham at Ningbo and University of Macau. After working with Baylor students and seeing the impact they have made, some international students from these universities have transferred to Baylor.The study abroad experience has meant a lot to everyone on the trip and the lives it touches. It shows students an extreme side of the world, and that the United States isn’t the center of the universe. According to Professor Henry, studying abroad is important because it helps students find out what they’re capable of accomplishing. Living in China for 10 weeks is challenging. It’s a different world and truly shows the degree of differences between American and Chinese culture. Compared to life in the U.S., living in China is like living on Mars for some. Although it’s a different life, for Henry, it’s one of the most important things about studying abroad. “Broadening horizons is cliché, but you
learn to look at things differently, to take things in, to realize other ways of life,” Henry said. “Do it. Just do it.” Being an advisor of the i5 program wasn’t easy, and his role quickly evolved into something more. Leading with a smile, Henry shortly became a mentor for students. He was also someone that students looked up to. “ It is the most meaningful thing I do,” Henry said. “It is the best thing I know to do for mattering. To be chosen by a few to look up to. I couldn’t imagine a higher honor. Being appreciated by the most special people on Earth, there isn’t a better deal than that.” Not only did he change lives as an advisor, but his life also changed. His experience
with the i5 program has helped him appreciate what he has in life and has expanded his horizon. He hopes that every Baylor student can have the same experience. “Pick a program that’ll change your life rather than a place with good postcards or Facebook pictures,” Henry said. The i5 program in China is a lifechanging experience. The trip not only teaches about business, science and technology and law, but helps teach students about the
world, different cultures and reveals their full potential. i5 is an adventure of a lifetime.
Top: The i5 Program smiles for a group picture. Bottom left: The Great Wall of China extends more than 342 miles long. Bottom right: Intricate detail like this is no stranger to the buildings in China.
BY BRIANA ROJAS The trigger of a gun does more than tell Sofia Pitouli to move along a 1,500-meter path. This trigger strengthens her love for the path she’s taken in life and her pride in wearing a Baylor jersey. “Track was originally something I did for myself,” Pitouli said. “My family helped me mentally, but when I stepped onto the track, I knew it was only me.” Born and raised in Kifisia, Greece, Pitouli lived a life where resources were abundant and her education was rich. She attended one of the top three high schools in Europe and had an abudant amount of friends -but she wanted more. In an effort to broaden her experiences, Pitouli started running. “I wanted to see my limits,” Pitouli said. After two short years of competitive running, Pitouli reached out to Baylor’s head track and field coach, Todd Harbour. When Harbour told her a 4:31 pace wasn’t good enough for the team, Pitouli pushed herself to be better. So much better, that she beat the national record the following week. From there, Harbour booked his flight to meet Pitouli at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona. In her third year of running, Pitouli is enjoying life as a freshman on Baylor’s track team. At first, she felt lost in Waco. The culture was different and the transition was tough. However, the Baylor track team remained supportive and made her feel at home. “They’re my family,” Pitouli said. “I know they’re always going to be with me.”
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Pictured: President Ken Starr shakes the Pope’s hand in Rome in January of this past year.
by Paige Willis
Arab Christians’ mass exodus threatens hope for religious tolerance. Islamist extremists’ persecution of Arab Christians has jeopardized the development of Christianity in the Middle East. Though their faith remains unshaken, Christians across the globe are fleeing from oppression.
In conjunction with Georgetown University’s Religious Freedom Project, the Baylor Institute for the Studies of Religion hosted a two-day conference in late 2013 confronting religious freedom across the globe. During the international conference, Baylor President Ken Starr delivered a keynote address encouraging Western governments to lend more attention to the global matter. Starr has been a lead-
ing advocate in taking a stance against the injustices of persecution. Christianity and Freedom: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, the two-day conference, attracted leaders to address the ancient role Christianity played in the understanding and practice of freedom for all people. In an op-ed for USA Today titled “Ken Starr: No tolerance without Christianity” Starr stated that other minorities have faced similar reli-
gious persecution. These minorities include Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists. Therefore,the United States needs to see the bigger picture. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a British Muslim cabinet minister born of Pakistani parents, stated in a press release that Christianity has played a significant role in the foundation of cultures, and its followers are now escaping. She believes that underdeveloped countries will crumble without a strong foundation in Christianity. Starr urged the U.S., to “mount an aggressive diplomatic initiative to convince Middle Eastern societies to protect their Christian communities.� He said their failure in completing this task could spark calamities concerning global peace, freedom and justice for all people. His trip overseas was topped off with a visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
...UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES WILL CRUMBLE WITHOUT A STRONG FOUNDATION IN CHRISTIANITY.
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I
magine having the chance to work on the United States Olympic Committee, serve on a mission trip or participate in multiple study abroad experiences.
Pr of es so r Ma xe y Pa rr ish ha s do ne all of th e ab ov e.
With this traveling, Parrish has visited over 30 countries. Some would say he’s a one-of-a-kind world traveler. Parrish was chosen to help work on the public relations team at the World University Games in Czechoslovakia. Then in 1992, he was selected to work at the XXV Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work on the U.S. Olympic track and field team for media relations. With this, he was able to learn through an event he is very passionate about –track and field. He also realized the importance of his work. “[The games were] more personal than just working an event. We were there together. It was interesting, because you’re doing work viewed by billions of people,” Parrish said. His work was on a more intense level, but this was no different from his previous public relations efforts. As a part of the Olympics, he dealt with track and field world record holders like Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist. He learned a great deal from working the events and all of his work is important no matter how many readers there are. “[Working the Olympics] is no different from a Baylor softball event that [few] people are watching,” Parrish said. ”It is no different, just that it will be read by billions.” Working abroad showed Parrish that he wanted to do more. So when the opportunity to go on a mission trip came his way, he decided that would be his next adventure. While looking on the map, he pointed out a few countries he has served. He has selflessly given his time to work in Nicaragua, South Africa, Rwanda,
Ukraine and Germany –just to name a few. Parrish described his trips as nothing less than rewarding. This is why he takes every chance he gets to participate in mission work. “You go in and serve with people who dedicate lives to that kind of work. It is an inspiration to be with them. They give up their American lives to do that,” Parrish said. In addition, Parrish has served as an advisor on numerous study abroad trips. He has participated in Baylor in Maastricht, and even started Baylor in Florence. The Baylor in Florence is a study abroad program that broadens the experience of journalism and public relations majors in Italy. According to Parrish, studying abroad intensifies learning. He believes that being abroad is a great teaching opportunity, which is why he continues to take students to explore the world. “The problems our generation have to solve are global in nature,” Parrish said. “The only thing to address the issues we are facing is to have [experience with] international cultures.” In order to do this, Parrish advises students to not be a typical tourist. He encourages them to get to know the locals and look into their lives. “Understand there are other cultures and natures. It impacts us,” Parrish said. Traveling has always been something that is important to him. It’s something he’s passionate about, and wants to continue to do as long as he is able to. “It is absolutely essential for young people to explore. You need international experience,” Parrish said. “International experience has a tremendous impact on people’s lives.”
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WRITTEN BY MOLLIE KIRK Baylor in Florence has been a unique experience that brought college living to a new level. Living in a foreign country makes living in Waco a breeze. Becoming a resident in Italy helped me learn more than what I could learn in the classroom or on a tour. The first week of the trip was spent as a tourist in Rome. Meals and tours were planned, there was no class and we lived in a hotel. There were no worries in Rome, because at that point, we weren’t residents. We were a group of tourists. I enjoyed living like a tourist. We had a wonderful tour guide, Giovanna, who told us everything we needed to know about the art, architecture and Roman culture. We even had meals planned, so there was never anything to worry about. We were also given one day to do anything while in Rome. A group of us chose to go to an island off of the coast of Italy, Capri. Capri was a nice break from Rome, and
Pictured: The Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona in Rome.
Left: Mollie poses with friends in front of the Trevi Fountain. Bottom Rght: The Bridge of Sighs in Vencie.
felt like a relaxing vacation. It had a tropical feel with stunning views, and no museums. We needed a break from non-stop museum tours. After we finished our week in Rome, we finally arrived in Florence. This is what we had all been anticipating for months. It was also where being tourists ended, and we became unofficial residents of Florence. Living in Florence was different from tourist life and even college life. Life there makes life back home easier. This was mainly because our knowledge of the Italian language and culture was nonexistent. In Florence, I learned by experience. I had a new perspective on Italian lifestyle. It is different from an American way of life. Going to the different markets was a learning experience every time. I used the Italian I learned in my Italian classes to figure out what each label read, like the different juices, types of milk and cheeses. Since visiting the markets, my Italian vocabulary and knowledge of Italian shopping etiquette has expanded. There were also many opportunities to travel on weekends and make day trips to Capri, Lucca, Pisa and Cinque Terre. Through this, I learned to how to effec-
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tively make use of my time on day trips and to plan them out. These trips also helped me become a professional at taking the trains and handling my money. Overall, this study abroad experience taught me a lot more than I had expected. The experience brought me out of the Waco and U.S. bubble. Learning to adapt to a different culture opened my eyes. Not only did I learn photography and improve my writing skills, but I also learned about the arts and Italian daily life. This taught me about living in moderation compared to extravagant, American everyday life. My eyes were opened to a world beyond the U.S. and into new cultures. I now understand the difference between visiting a foreign country versus living in a foreign country. If anyone asked me if they should go on a study abroad trip, I would tell them to do it. The opportunity to live and learn in a foreign country comes once in a blue moon. Students will get more out of the study abroad experience than they would probably expect. I took away so much from this trip and I want the same for my peers. I learned so much inside the classroom and beyond. This trip helped me become a better photographer, writer and gave me a better sense of life on not only my own country, but a foreign one.
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STANDING ABOUT 50 FEET AWAY... from safety, Bobby Leis stood beside Mount Kumgang in his underwear. The crisp North Korean air brushed against his skin as he waited for permission to cross back over to South Korean territory. “Fifty feet can become 50 miles pretty [quickly] when everybody’s got guns,” Leis said. He’d set out on a journey to North Korea’s Mount Kumgang with a troop of South Korean soldiers. On the trip, armed North Korean soldiers drove Leis and his group to the base of the mountain. They had a day to travel up the mountain, soak in the picturesque view and return to the base. The weekend trip was part of the Sunshine Policy, aiming to open communication between North and South Korea. As Leis’ tour group returned to the base, the South Koreans began to cross the demilitarized zone that marked the beginning of their home territory. Leis, however, was instructed to wait. North Koreans stood in from of him, forming a blockade and preventing him from
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stepping over the line to South Korea. They pulled out steel tables and made him strip down. As he stood there alone, the North Koreans went through his luggage and deleted the pictures from his phone. Then, without uttering a word, they turned and walked away. Uncertainty prevented him from making any sudden movement. After reassurance from the South Korean soldiers, who witnessed the entire incident, he quickly grabbed his belongings and ran across the DMZ in his underwear. Leis’ overseas experience began after he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2003, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. He knew the world had boundless opportunities, and it was up to him to seize them. He packed his bags and prepared for take off. He spent six months in Ireland, backpacking through 12 southern counties. While he was traveling the country, he also unloaded boats in order to make
money. After Ireland, he spent a year in Australia. Leis then ended up in Korea, where he met elementary school teacher, Hung Jung Choi. After a year and a half of dating, their relationship became long distance because Leis moved to Wales. “At that time and age you wonder how it’s going to go, but it was easy,” Leis said. “She was the one.” In Wales, he pursued a master’s degree at Cardiff University. Upon graduation, Leis knew what he wanted to do. He contacted a school and was referred to a recruiter at Sogang University, where he started teaching English full-time in South Korea. As his professional life fell into place, his personal life followed closely behind. He married Choi and lived in Korea for four more years and welcomed their son, Juwon Leis. To stabilize their lives and give their son a strong foundation, the Leis family moved back to the U.S. Since the family only uses Korean in their home, attending an
American school would allow J. Leis’ English to soar. However, the family is keeping its options open. “If at some point in the future, we decided life here wasn’t what we expected it to be, we can go back. [Korea has] become another home,” Leis said. After years of separation, in 2013 Leis returned to the U.S. Spending years in other cultures made him a foreigner in a world he had once known. Upon arriving in the U.S., Lei began to search for
jobs. “My first feeling getting [here] was how unfamiliar things were,” Leis said. His first job offer was a position at Boston University, where he would focus on sending students west. However, he wanted to work for an organization that valued exchange program experiences as well. This is why he accepted a position as the exchange program and study abroad advisor for Baylor. At Baylor, he’s thankful for having the opportunity to make overseas travel a twoway street. Giving students from all cultures an opportunity to experience life overseas as he did. Bottom: Mount Kumgang. Left: Bobby poses after his trip to Mount Kumgang.
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th tag of in t
D
.K. Sun greeted me with a warm smile as I walked through Heritage Restorations’ front doors. He extended his hand and led me to his back office where he began asking questions about myself, as if he were conducting the interview. His face lit up as began asking him questions about his journey to the United States, and the community that welcomed him with open arms. This is his story.
KC: Where are you originally from? DS: Binzhou, China. KC: Tell me exactly what you do. DS: [Heritage Restoration] is a timber framing business. We do historic timber framing and were originally based out of New York. We look for well-preserved barns, mills, churches, stone churches, etc. Then we dismantle them and restore them. Customers sometimes want us to turn these buildings into recreational centers. KC: Do you do any of these projects locally or are they all across the U.S.? DS: There are a few locally. We have restored a few buildings in Temple, China Spring, Lake Whitney, but we mainly do work all over the U.S. People call us from everywhere. We have projects in six different countries. You might be curious as to why we chose this as our location. The founder is part of a church community, and the community helps with the land and the village. The village is right across he street from here. It’s called Homestead Herige. The people that work here are either apart the community, or they were children raised the community.
So why here? To me it’s because you know the people. You know who they are, you know their family. A lot of them have known each other for ten or twenty years. Some of them have known each other all their lives. A lot of people [that] work here share the same values and beliefs. We try to instill that positive characteristic in the kids. These people are very good to work with. The customers have a good relationship with us. They love our craftsmanship and our craft. With timber framing, people are able to put this type of quality into their work. It all ties together. We know the people. We train their children. This is what drew me [to the community.] I didn’t know this business at all. I just asked, “Is there a way I can know you a little bit more?” I wanted these enduring relationships. It worked out. After my first year at Baylor, I started to work here, and I’ve been here for three years now. KC: When did you graduate? DS: I graduated from [Baylor] in May of 2013. KC: Did you work here after your freshman year? DS: Right. I worked here the summer after my freshman year. Now I’m part of the church community. I’m recently engaged with a young lady who grew up in the church. KC: Do your parents still live in China? DS: Yes, they came from China to the fair last Thanksgiving. They only speak Chinese. Normally, it would be a very hard for [foreign] people to stay here for two months. That’s why I love [it] here. People commit to each other. They have a relationship with each other, and they love each other. When my parents came, though they didn’t speak the language, the people in the community just poured their heart out toward us. I was the translator. We just spent time with people, and everyone helped us with different things KC: When did you move to Texas? DS: I moved here in 2010. That is when I came to the U.S. KC: Why did you choose to come to Baylor? DS: Back then it was a random choice. I didn’t know the U.S. I didn’t kn Texas. I didn’t know Baylor. It was a very casual choice back then. I de felt something about it even though I didn’t know anything about it. B turned out to be my life right now, and I’m very thankful. KC: What did you study at Baylor? DS: I studied business. My major was entrepreneurship. I studie years at the business school and got my degree last year. I lear met some neat professors and Melanie Smith. KC: How did Melanie help you through that transition? DS: When I first came to Baylor, my English was not goo
now efinitely But it
ed for three rned things and
od. I could barely com-
Top: D.K. smiles with Melanie Smith, International Student Relations Coordinator of C.I.E. Bottom: D.K. (far left) poses with friends.
municate. People [who live] in Texas and Baylor, they are nice. People were willing to say hi to me and have eye contact with me. When you walk around the campus, people do that. It’s a very warm feeling. So, it opened my heart. Some of the people that helped me were the people in the Center of International Education (CIE). They talked to me. My English was terrible. I couldn’t communicate at all, but they were very patient. They tried to get on my level and help me with different activities. They would explain to me about American culture. Through them I met more people. Melanie played a very important role during that transition. She really helped me. I feel so much love from her. She helped me with school and tried to [answer] practical questions I had. That’s how our relationship began. KC: What does your work entail? What do you do? DS: At first I was just doing woodworking. Pretty soon I said, “You know we’ve done some neat projects, but our website is not very nice to show it.” People were like, “Do you want to do it?” I’ve never done it before, but I love our work and who we are. I want to share with more people about it. I felt a responsibility and desire to share the wonderful life we have. Part of that is through the business and to show people the work we have done. I began to learn about photography, website design and marketing strategies. I started talking to customers to keep the relationships. Through that, step-by-step, I started to really find my place in the business. Now I oversee the marketing. Through the website, we have done videography. We will
talk about the work we have done and how industrialization has changed architecture. A lot of televisions producing companies and magazines like Disney, Wall Street Journal and National Geographic have showed an interest in our work. I talk to them. Some of them interview us, or we will go to New York. A TV program called “Grand Design” just contacted us. They want to feature us over a project we’re doing in New Zealand. Some of my coworkers flew to New Zealand yesterday. We’re going to remodel the oldest building in New Zealand. That’s my work. KC: What had been the biggest adversity for you coming to the [U.S.]? DS: Language has been a big challenge. I made a strong determination: I told myself I’m going to master this language. It was a big step for me not to communicate only with Chinese people. I wanted to get to know Americans. The second challenge would be all the legal issues. When considering my visa, you have to thing about the way I work and how does that fit into the law. Now I’m trying to get my green card. Another challenge would be my religious beliefs. People think there’s a big culture difference for people growing up in China but not as much. I [would] say right now there are more and more people alike. On the other hand, I have poured my heart into this community and preserved a lot of traditional values like horse farming. We don’t do these things for fun. We do these things so that we can feel life. For me to turn into this kind of lifestyle, it’s been a challenge but it’s very fulfilling and enjoyable.
KC: How has your lifestyle differed from when you were in China to where you are now? DS: I grew up not liking school or being forced to learn things. I was a facing a life challenge of, “what am I going to do in the future?” When I came to the US, it was very challenging. I’m an adult by age. You come to school and for many years you cannot be with your family. Everything is new. I didn’t know one single person here. The challenge for me was deciding to open [my] heart. I had to open my heart to people who could really try to help you instead of materialistic things. I felt that wasn’t right. I made a determination to give myself to something I felt was positive. You have to keep doing that through relationships. Don’t be discouraged. Do you want to keep trying until something positive comes? Or will you give yourself to those opportunities to build real relationships. That something is holding a standard. Don’t give yourself to whatever feels comfortable. Give yourself to something you know and feel is right. KC: What are some things you miss about China? DS: The food and family. I miss my family and friends. Again because I feel so fulfilled in life right now, I miss them but I don’t feel sad. God has blessed me in other ways. KC: How did you hear about Homestead Heritage? DS: It’s [a] very neat [story.] I had not ever been to the village before. The first time I went there, they had a Christmas program. I was not a believer back then. Some Chinese friends invited me, and I was totally
Top: D.K. smiles with his fiance, Faith.
shocked. It was nothing like I had ever experienced before. The feeling I had, I remember it. I had such a positive feeling. After that, I was hoping I could meet somebody. I met one fellow in the community, and I received his contact. Our relationship unfolded, and he introduced me to more people. People here really opened their heart to me. KC: Where do you hope to see yourself in the future? DS: Well, [Faith is] going to learn Chinese. We will speak Chinese at home. We will raise our children speaking Chinese, and home school them. Our business, the community has a relationship with China now. Through that, maybe we will share the hope and new life we have to people in China. We want to share this love we have found in the community and for others. We want to share about the God we believe in, spread love and the wonderful fruit and life we have.
by Briana Rojas
Dr. Pablo Sisfontes’ concern about his shined leather shoes stopped once he sunk them into the pebbles of the playground. In this moment, he was able to close his eyes and hear the laughter that filled the cold morning air. “Some things never change,” Sisfontes said. “Listening to the children playing is like music to my ears.” After a seven-hour flight from San Jose, Costa Rice, Sisfontes arrived in Waco and met with Baylor students,
faculty and staff. As the associate dean for the National University School of Education, he sought to further strengthen the university’s ties with Baylor’s School of Education. While in Waco, he toured professional development schools to observe the functions of the teacher education program, as well as Baylor’s diverse methods of teaching. He was able to visit classrooms, speak with both elementary and university students, and interact with teachers of all grade levels. During his visit, he worked alongside Dr. Richard Strot, a senior lecturer and director of the Baylor Education in Costa Rica Study Abroad Program. For the past five years, the two have collaborated to expose students to diverse educational experiences and opportunities.
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there is a lot they can do to benefit students in both institutions. With a partnership among preexisting programs, they have the ability to make a greater impact on students and communities. “We have clean water, natural resources and the riches of a great education system in Costa Rica,” Sisfontes said. “But we still need more technologically advanced and bilingual students.” In an effort to strengthen these needs, seniors in of Strot’s classes have interacted with Costa Rican students via video chats. For the last three years, students have participated in open-ended discussions chosen by both classes. Topics have ranged from experiences within classrooms, cost of education and even dating. “They have an extensive field based experience,” Strot said. “They definitely have a highquality teacher education program.” Educational opportunities continue to stem from past collaborations since the creation of Baylor’s three study abroad programs in the School of Education. These programs allow
Above: Senior director of the Baylor Education in Costa Rica Study Abroad Program, Dr. Strot demonstrates what his students are teaching the Costa Rican children in the school. Top Right: A Baylor student teaches Costa Rican children. Bottom Right: Two Costa Rican girls raise their arms for a “Sic’em!”
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students to earn class credit, go on outdoor excursions and participate in service activities. Strot created the first summer undergraduate program nearly eight years ago, which allows students to co-teach English in bilingual school systems. The summer graduate program in educational psychology focuses on interactions between students in both public and private schools to discuss topics of concern.
In previous years, students have also conducted research and aided the Neotropica Foundation in educating others about Costa Rica’s environment. Baylor’s mission trip in Costa Rica focuses on the rural city of San Jose and the immigrant children of Nicaragua. Students work within public schools and participate in faithbased community activities to promote the education of lowincome children. “Schools have transformed physically, and the quality of the education that is offered simply by Baylor being a Christian [is a] catalyst for change,” Strot said. Both Sisfontes and Strot continue to expand their understanding of differences between their school systems, as well as strengthen their desire to bridge the gaps and help one another. Although positive initiatives are already in effect, they seek to enhance preexisting partnerships and support future programs.
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Back row: Krisha Johansen, David Prindle, Bresha Pierce. Third row: Briana Rojas, Katy Cranfill, Lauren Kelley, Lauren Roller. Second row: Sarah Sypert, Jamie Lin, Mollie Kirk, Hayley Herring, Paige Willis. Floor: Nikki Vinyard, Tiffani McReynolds. Professor: Carol Perry (not pictured)