cuba provided a living laboratory this summer for students and faculty concerned with sustainable development. “more people need to understand the actual problems of second and third world nations in order to think of innovative solutions to poverty,” explained dr. benjamin waddell. side and the coastal area. They learned about Cuban society by working in the fields and visiting schools and hospitals. Afternoon discussions introduced Cuban history, the Agricultural Revolution, and land reform movements. Isabella Whitten ’15, now enrolled in ASU’s Boettcher Teacher Residency program, gained a new perspective on her career field, as shown in her following journal entry: "Day 11: Visiting the elementary school made my life! I love being around kids! It’s amazing to me how much language really doesn’t matter when it comes to having fun. I loved playing with the students, and the
structure of the school amazed me! Learning seems so hands-on and interactive, and students seemed so happy.” For Marissa Morgan, a junior majoring in Human Performance & Physical Education, the experience was life changing. “I am definitely thinking now more about volunteering in the Peace Corps and looking for different outlets for more travel, particularly in Latin America. This experience really changed my interests.” Morgan made her first journey outside the U.S. during the Alternative Spring Break trip to Mexicali, sponContinued on page 14.
Helping local farmers in their fields was one way students experienced life in Cuba.
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The associate professor of sociology noted Cuba has a fairly high standard of living, compared to the poor of other developing countries, and life expectancy there continues to increase. “Although salaries are low – doctors make abut $65 a month – every Cuban has the right to basic needs, including housing, education, health care, and a monthly ration of food,” Waddell added, noting the country’s biggest export is doctors. “The Cuban economy is quickly morphing into a touristfocused economy. In consequence, more young men and women are studying tourism and languages, with fewer opting into traditional careers like medicine and teaching.” He and five Adams State students experienced the formerly off-limits nation of Cuba, along with twelve University of New Mexico students and their professor, Dr. Matias Fontenla, a colleague of Waddell’s. ASU students earned credit in “Topics in Latin American Development” and/or “Seminar on Latin American Culture” as part of the 19day trip, coordinated through UNM’s Latin America & Iberian Institute. A variety of disciplines can be brought to bear on the study of sustainable development: history, economics, education, sociology, medicine, Waddell said. “Our purpose was to think about development in practice: how do people obtain more meaningful and sustainable lives, with better access to health care, education, and income? And how can we do that in a way that is sustainable over time, for generations?” The group spent time in La Havana, Cuba’s capitol, as well as the country-
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