STUDENT LEARNING ALUMNI
NEW PERSPECTIVES Global LEAD Ecuador
TO REALIZE THEIR POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD, STUDENTS
MUST VENTURE OUTSIDE THE CAMPUS GATES AND EXPERIENCE THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY.
discovered. “It’s not just talking about who you are as a leader, but you are able to bring what you are learning in class to life. You are leading yourself to be more fearless and to tackle these physical challenges.” Understanding historical and cultural perspectives and pushing themselves to be ‘fearless’ also prepared students for their coming weeks of service. Global Citizenship & Service Learning The second course, “Global Citizenship and Service Learning,” challenged students to create framework for service projects in Ecuador as well as for their home communities in the U.S., helping them to segue into their two weeks of service learning. “Our professor, Dr. Chandler, kicked off the morning with one of his most powerful lessons yet,” wrote Matt Edwards from University of Tennessee in a blog documenting his experience. “After discussing poverty and service in our local [Ecuadorian] communities, we shared problems we see in our own neighborhoods and brainstormed ways we can take action. …The lessons and tools we have been given to spark change and better our world are really becoming evident. It’s truly invigorating to be part of this group of brilliant young minds that is realizing its potential to impact the world.”
Students applied what they learned in the classroom to teaching ESL (English as a second language) to Ecuadorian children. Students volunteered at the institute Honrar la Vida (honor life), founded to educate, integrate and validate the cultural contributions of black Ecuadorian youth, called afroecuatorianos, who historically have been victims of discrimination and marginalized in Ecuadorian society. Students taught the children the English alphabet, days of the week, and songs to help them remember animal names. But, it was the Honrar La Vida children who made the biggest impression. “Teaching ESL was one of the best learning experiences I have had in a long time,” said Oglethorpe’s Briana Mongerson, who hopes to continue teaching ESL. “Although these kids didn’t have much, they are filled with joy, smiles and hugs. I love the impact that they have made on me and never will forget those beautiful faces from Honrar La Vida.” “Most Global LEAD students come into the service learning thinking that they’re going to give knowledge and time to the local students, but what we end up taking away is the love and gratitude of being able to share in their experience,”
A global experience: Oglethorpe’s Emmanuel Brantley, Dr. Mario Chandler and Briana Mongerson stand on the equator in Ecuador.
explained Carolyn Prebil, Global LEAD’s director of marketing and program director for the trip. “It is incredible to see the bonds that form throughout the week despite any cultural or language barriers.” Emmanuel, who is now serving as a Global LEAD ambassador to encourage other students to participate in the program, agrees. “You hear that other study abroad trips make a big impact, but on this trip we were directly involved and in touch with the people, history and nature of the country— and it really had a life-changing impact.” Find out more about Global LEAD at globalleadprogram.org. FALL 2013 | CARILLON 17