Worldview seminars offer students a unique look into Latin American cultures

Many students dream of traveling the world, but with Worldviews events, MHCC students get a taste of countries like Mexico and the Dominican Republic, two of the most recent countries highlighted by students.

The Worldviews are presentations by SEED students about the countries they come from and are coordinated by SEED program coordinator Nikki Gillis and Modern Language instructor Michelle Hampton.

SEED students do a presentation on their native country, with one country being presented per Worldview. Culturally themed activities such as folkloric dance and the Worldviews are held two-to-three times each term, either on campus or in the community, said Gillis.

During presentations, students describe traditions, foods, clothing, history, climates, landmarks, famous people, resources and other aspects of their country and culture, along with a slide show. Some articles from the country are exhibited and a short film displaying the people and country is shown. A traditional dance from the country also is performed.

Students Citlali Reyes from Oaxaca and Moises Maqueda from Queretaro conducted the presentation on Mexico Oct. 30. The native dessert known as bionico, which is made of fruits, nuts and a sauce, was available for sampling.

The Dominican Republic was presented by student Marlennis Diaz on Nov. 20. She said there is no “specific face” for the people, as the population of the country is a mixture of African, Spanish and Tainos, represented by the typical faceless dolls of Dominican Republic.

The SEED (Scholarships for Education and Economic Development) program is a partnership between several organizations that helps bring Central American and Caribbean area students to study in America for two years.

MHCC is one of the eight U.S. schools to participate in the program. Other partner countries include El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Students who participate in the program must go through an intensive and highly competitive screening process. Leaders within their communities also recommend them. The students must have shown academic ability, dedication to community involvement, personal responsibility and outstanding leadership skills.

All of the SEED students at MHCC are majoring in environmental technology. Upon graduating, they will return home to put their education into practice in their countries and communities.

Diaz plans to work on a recycling system for her community, for starters, once she returns. “I want to work,” to preserve the Dominican Republic environment, she said. “I believe in me.” Diaz said that once she sets her mind to a task, she works relentlessly to see it through.

“The knowledge I learn here will be for all of my life,” said Diaz.

The SEED program can benefit both the U.S. and partner country in several ways. For example, it benefits the student’s country through skills and knowledge they bring back home, and enhances public diplomacy efforts for the United States.

Nikki Gillis said some of the benefits to guest students are cultural adaptation and education and professional development opportunities. The college and community benefit from the numerous SEED activities students are involved in.

They continue to work on improving the Beaver Creek watershed, have joined restoration projects by local nonprofit groups, and volunteered for the SUN after-school program at nearby Hall Elementary School, to name a few activities.

Gillis has worked with SEED students since 2002. She said she has always been passionate about other countries and cultures.

“This job was a perfect fit for all of my passions: education, international sustainable development and cultural exchange,” she said.

Each year, SEED students arrive in August to attend MHCC. They live with host families that are picked the previous spring and summer.

All MHCC students are invited to attend the Worldview presentations and other activities staged by the SEED students. The events are free. Some may count as extra credit for certain classes.

For more information regarding events with SEED student involvement or on the Worldview presentations, contact Nikki Gillis at [email protected] or Michele Hampton at [email protected].