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Fifteen 51Ʒ��students recently spent nine days helping others in two communities in Mexico as part of their Global Citizenship class.

The first few days were spent in Cuernavaca, an important cultural center in Central Mexico, where the students lived with host families and immersed themselves in the community.

“We were welcomed into the Mexican community with an immeasurable level of warmth and gratitude,” commented Abigail Lieberman (Applied Social and Cultural Studies, ’20).

While there, the students visited the Cortez Palace and attended lectures at Tec de Monterey, a private university.

After their stay in Cuernavaca the students traveled to the nearby village of Amatlán, where they worked with children in a primary school. The students worked in pairs, helping the children with math, English and social studies.

“The work we did in Mexico proved that we each have the capacity to make change,” said Vanessa Rivera (Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences, ’19). “The children were visibly grateful for the time we spent with them and the donations we brought along.”

The 51Ʒ��delegation donated 600 books to the school. Each child received a book in English, one in Spanish and one in both languages. The school also received pens, pencils, frisbees and funding to purchase uniforms for the children.

“I have been empowered to understand that my actions matter and that they have the ability to change lives,” Rivera stated. “Since the trip I have found myself wanting to do more and expecting the same from those around me.”

Lieberman added, “Several of the students who have spoken with me in the weeks since returning from Mexico have said that they are now confident in their ability to create change for the better.”