Andrew Meylan : La Ceiba
At the close of week 9, we the La Ceiba team face a decision on a final plan of action. Over the last two months, we have fostered a relationship with the La Ceiba owners, developed a comprehensive market research report, and are close to a final plan. Its very exciting to think about the myriad of possibilities available when we all put our heads together.
While it can be easy to get caught up in exciting business aspect of this class, Professor Sundstrom’s presentation last week helped orient us back to the essence of this class. Wrangling with the complex factors that affect impoverished communities like the Washington Neighborhood is at the essence of experiential learning for social justice. Understanding the factors pushing people towards poverty helps us identify how we can use our privilege as well-educated Santa Clara students to combat those factors, at both a micro and macro level.
Earlier today, some NPI students met with the CET group and heard their recommendations for action. If I may speak for the students that were there, I think the meeting wrapped up many of the complexities that we have been grappling with. We Santa Clara students have been learning from trying to help the community with our “skills and knowledge.” But here, members of the community with less privilege came and taught us something. This meeting underscored the power of collaboration and how truly amazing things can happen when people work for a common goal. I am excited to continue this partnership and to continue this amazing experience of collaborative learning and lasting change.