Service Learning Fiesta

Hi Everyone,

Some of our fiesta decorations

This past Wednesday, some classmates from my Liberation Religion and Society class and I went to a homeless shelter in Erie, PA to cook a fiesta dinner.  As a class requirement, our teacher asked that we plan a dinner, cook it, and then interact with some of the less fortunate in our city in an attempt to understand what it's like to be in their situation. 

The kitchen was HUGE!

Mercyhurst prides itself with its' hands on learning, and I couldn't think of a better way to learn about the oppressed and marginalized, than to actually spend some time with these individuals.  We arrived at the shelter at 3:30 p.m. and were there until 6:30 p.m.-- boy, was everyone gracious!  There were about 40 different people who ate our taco dinner who were all so appreciative of the 3 hours we took out of our day to spend time with them.

The table was empty by the time we left!

In addition to the fiesta dinner, my classmates and I also purchased some basic necessities, such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and others things, for our guests to take with them.  Among many other things, this trip taught me how even the smallest deeds can have the biggest impacts-- what a great lesson to learn as the days before I leave campus quickly approach!