LA MANCHA WORKSHOP

Another successful La Mancha Lifestep was held May 1-14 by peer groups 54 and 55. Led by Dave Stuben, Lynn Vigil and Julie Stuben, the group of 16 students had an amazing experience traveling through Romania and Poland.
Before the trip, intense preparation was done by the students to help them understand a little about the countries they were going to visit and the experiences they might encounter on the journey. The students worked very hard on a series of assignments to fulfill 0.5 credit in World History, including major research projects that were to be presented at poignant times throughout the trip. Everyone also had the opportunity to think about their impact on the world during a two-day workshop at Eagle Crest, where the theme was ‘A Belief of One’. Students began to see how one person’s beliefs could impact others in both positive and negative ways, and were given striking examples in both Romania (from Ceausescu) and Poland (from Hitler) of how entire countries could be influenced by one person. The students looked at how working together, individual beliefs can blend to make a difference on many levels, and how they might incorporate those beliefs into their La Mancha experience and life after MBA.
We began the trip in Romania, staying in a small village and working at a nearby orphanage. Even amidst the simplicity of having only the basics, most students were greatly affected by the generosity of their host families, the strong sense of community, and living life with love and compassion.

“I feel the warm sun beating down on me. I hear the solemn sound of peace and quiet ringing through this valley. I see endless fields of green and the tumbling hills beneath it. I smell the faint smell of cherry blossoms. I taste the fresh, unpolluted air.
I see people going about their simple and peaceful lives. I see innocent children playing in a state of blissfulness.” --Andrew Miller

“The experience I had on La Mancha was one of a lifetime. I would have to say that the most impactful part was being in the village, living everyday to its fullest potential and sharing compassion with all of the children.” --Alex Sandoval

The students also received a glimpse at the impact of Ceausescu’s influence and Communism on Romania. Several students stayed in Communist-era apartment buildings with the Romanian high school students and their families during an overnight visit. And all the students listened to a reading entitled ‘Hole in the Flag’, about Ceausescu’s downfall, beneath the balcony where he addressed the Romanian people for the final time.
A transition came as we traveled to Poland, where simplicity was replaced by city life in and around Krakow. Even so, students were able to observe the rich history of centuries-old buildings and culture blending with modern development. The influences of World War II and Hitler were felt through tours of the Jewish Quarter and Auschwitz. Students viewed the scene where destruction and horrific crimes were committed to millions of people due to Hitler’s beliefs, and reflected on how it affected them.

“I walk through the gates and smell the burning bodies that once were innocent victims of a belief that was not their own. I still hear the screams that for so long went unheard to the world. The death and despair is all I can feel. The pounding of my heart and the fear that creeps by my side makes every breath feel like it's going to be my last. The taste that lingers in my mouth makes every sight a slice of bitter truth. The sight that was once a place of death now makes every tomorrow a vision of hope.” --Sarah Lange

“I feel the warm sun on my face and breeze on my skin. I see the ruins and the horror that beliefs can create. I smell the ashes and the sweet grass that returned to soften the pain. I hear the rocks and am reminded of the thousands who walked this path. I taste the bile from within, sickened by the harsh reality of life. I want to scream for those who perished underneath racism. I feel the anger, the helplessness, because I cannot change the past.” --Justina Swart

Our students received numerous compliments from tour guides for their insightful questions, attentiveness, ability to absorb information and be present in the experience. The comments reflected the students’ preparation for the trip, the respect the group had for the places we visited, and the culmination of the work they have done at MBA.
The La Mancha trip was an experience we were all grateful to be a part of. There will be memories of laughter and tears, amazing sights and shared moments we will carry with us for many years.

For more pictures fromSPRING 2007 click here

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