For the past sixteen years Jesuit Dallas has participated in an exchange program with the Instituto de Ciencias in Guadalajara. This program serves as a long-standing reminder of the connections we have amongst the Jesuit community worldwide and a staple of our commitment to global inclusion and citizenship.
In early February, nine Jesuit students, a mix of juniors and seniors, visited the Ciencias campus in Guadalajara for a week of learning, service, and immersion. The opportunity to have a genuine experience within Mexico, distinct from popular tourist attractions, was a great draw for many students. Practicing Spanish skills, trying local cuisine and attending normal classes taken are staples of the program. The trip also focused on the relationship the that Spanish Honors’ Society has developed with the Padre Tezza nursing home in Guadalajara through a pen pal program with the residents.
“Getting to meet all these new people was great, but most of all i loved seeing the genuine culture and people” – J.J Santacruz ’25
This year I was lucky enough to be one of the students who got to participate in the exchange. It was a formative experience which allowed me to improve my mediocre Spanish but also to meet new people and see a culture different from my own. The families welcomed us like their own, my host family told me on day one that “nos casa es tu casa,” and I think that simple phrase summarizes the interconnection we have with our Jesuit family across the world. Fortunately we will have the opportunity to reciprocate this generosity as we welcome ten students from Guadalajara into our Jesuit Dallas family. These students, arriving on the 18th of March, will spend a month practicing their English skills and familiarizing themselves with the American high school experience.
“I’m really excited to welcome back our host brothers to Dallas and show them our community and culture” – Andrew Leon ’25
For me, one of the most impactful moments of the trip was during one of our visits to the Padre Tezza nursing home. While there we spent time conversing and playing games with the residents, many were happy to have the opportunity to talk to young people like ourselves. Many of the abuelas shared their interests, their life stories and most importantly advice. The story of one resident, Carmen, really stood out to me. Carmen lived in various cities across the U.S but returned to her birthplace in Guadalajara to be with her family. Carmen spoke English and was excited at the opportunity to speak it, no one else at the nursing home could understand English. She shared her hardships with us but offered one key piece of advice to us, to find what we desire in life and put our mind to it.
“Meeting my host family was great, they really welcomed me and it felt like home” – Everett Stone ’24
For multiple students this was their second, third or even fourth time participating in the exchange, through this program they have been able to build strong relationships with multiple host families and students beyond our community. Their commitment and conviction to the trip serves as a testament to the quality and formative experience of our time in Guadalajara. I highly recommend the trip to anyone interested in improving their Spanish, immersing yourself in a different culture, or simply making some new friends.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more Exchange and Community Service News
