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Nerinx Hall High School - 2008 Mexico Immersion |
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Experiences from Nerinx Hall High School
Meet the Chaperones!
 BECKY
Position: Campus Minister/Teacher
Parish: St. Peter Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Gardening, photography, travel
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
This is the tenth year I am participating because I see the results for the students and the community of La Chinantla. The students learn about the need for global perspective and the residents of La Chinantla gain knowledge of U.S. citizens not colored by politics or the media.
View Becky's photo gallery!
Meet the Students!
 MELANIE
Grade: Senior
Parish: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Field hockey, track, Outreach Club, LIFE Club
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in this Immersion for the second time because of the wonderful experience I had last year. The people of Uxpanapa are loving, understanding, and open up their own homes for us. The students we work with are hard workers and want to make the same big difference as we do in their village. This immersion opened up my eyes to a whole new culture and an unconditional love.
View Melanie's photo gallery!
Read Melanie's blog!
 KACIE
Grade: Junior
Parish: Queen of All Saints Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Spanish, volunteering, sports
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am anxious to be immersed into a culture foreign to me. I have been studying Spanish for about three years now, and I am hoping I can communicate clearly with my host family and the other villagers. I think this will be an eye opening experience and I’m looking forward to living outside my comfort zone. I think I have a lot to learn about myself and how people in other parts of the world live. Most of all I hope I can take what I learn with me throughout my entire life.
View Kacie's photo gallery!
Read Kacie's 1st blog!
Read Kacie's 2nd blog!
ALISON
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Joseph Parish (Manchester)
Hobbies/Talents: Working out, playing tennis, drawing
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
It sounds like a life changing experience where I will be given the opportunity to help others, learn about a different culture, and make new friends.
ALICE
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Roch Parish
Hobbies/Talents: I am a rather skilled boot polisher, and a pretty speedy reader
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
Similar to the pull that took me to the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Kentucky last summer, I decided to go because I’d heard that the trip was a life-changing experience. As one who thoroughly enjoys such things, I signed on to the trip, and, thus far, have been thrilled with the preparation and anticipation involved. My family enjoyed packing my huge green duffel for the trip; all of our excess clothing went to be donated.
 ANNA
Grade: Senior
Parish: St. Raphael the Archangel Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Outreach Club (service), LIFE club, lacrosse manager, bike riding, racquetball
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in the Uxpanapa, Mexico Immersion because of my experience last year. The simplicity, hospitality, and people I found in the town of La Chinantla touched me. I saw true happiness in the lives of people who had so little. The differences in our language, culture, and location were looked past. By living with Mexican families and working with the Mexican teenagers, I have truly lived their way of life.
View Anna's photo gallery!
Read Anna's blog!
 LAURA
Grade: Senior
Parish: St. Raphael the Archangel Parish
Hobbies/Talents: LIFE Club, Outreach Service Club, Lacrosse Manager, camping
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in this immersion trip because of the experience I had last year. Everyday I walk through a well-kept, warm school that provides a good education for me. When I went to Mexico last year, my spinning world stopped. I was able to take a breath and see a balanced way of life. The people I met were able to take simplicity and turn it into satisfaction, something I strive to do with my life.
Read Laura's blog!
NICOLE
Grade: Junior
Parish: Sacred Heart Parish (Eureka)
Hobbies/Talents: I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music, watching sports, watching movies, and hanging out with friends
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in the Mexico immersion trip because I want to be more educated with cultures beyond the U.S. border. Growing up, my older sister was my role model and example. She set the example to go to Nerinx High School. Now at Nerinx, I have learned the importance of reaching out and helping those who are losing hope. At Nerinx, I am in OUTREACH and attend Pillar Place. Every Thursday I go to Pillar Place and help young students with their homework and listen to them read for 30 minutes. Today, my sister is in the Peace Corps and is located in Mauritania, Africa. Listening to her every week on what she is doing and accomplishing, it makes me want to do more. I am going on the Mexico immersion trip to break all social barriers. I think Mexico is the perfect trip to accomplish this.
ELLEN
Grade: Junior
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Dancing, musical theater
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I really wanted to give back this spring break. My last two spring breaks I have gone on trips for fun. This year, I wanted to do something not just for myself, but for others. This is a great opportunity for me, since I normally do only for myself.
EMMA
Grade: Junior
Parish: Christ the King Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Irish dancing, debate team, reading, cooking
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am a traveler by nature. I love to go exploring and make new discoveries. I wanted to be a part of this trip because I wanted to be immersed in a culture that is nothing like my own. There, of course, was the element of service that drew me in, but it was unearthing a new culture (to me) that I wanted to be a part of. I like meeting new people and trying new things. It is the adventure of it all that I enjoy most. I believe that peace, of any kind, begins when people take the time or seize opportunities to make steps into understanding that which is new and different to them. That is why I am going.
 ALLISON
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Ambrose Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Field hockey, track, Irish dance
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I want to understand another culture and open my eyes to the hardships they face each day. By learning more about these people, I will be able to help them out and become more grateful for things we may take for granted.
KATE
Grade: Senior
Parish: St. Joseph Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Photography, volunteering, volleyball
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I participated in the Mexico Immersion last year. Mexico has been such an enriching experience. I am participating again in hopes to be able to continue to serve the people in Uxpanapa. I have made such good friends from Uxpanapa and they have taught me so much about myself, how my country is viewed, and Hispanic culture. The groups of students who participate in this trip are able to give back to a community who welcomes us and offers us their homes, food, friendship, and knowledge. The service work in Uxpanapa is challenging and inspirational. The people are so kind in Uxpanapa and I cannot wait to see them again and offer what service I can wholeheartedly.
SARAH
Grade: Junior
Parish: Ascension Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Ceramics
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
Ever since I was a freshman, I have been hearing how this trip has impacted previous visitors’ lives. I have always enjoyed service and after learning more about this trip, it has made me want to go even more so that one day I can be a doctor without borders. It will let me experience the life of a third world country and coach me for future life decisions. This trip will be eye-opening and an experience of a lifetime.
LAUREN
Grade: Senior
Parish: Holy Redeemer Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Running, knitting, cycling, service work, exploring nature, traveling
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in the Uxpanapa, Mexico Immersion because I had the opportunity to go last year and I had an amazing experience. I want to go back and learn more about the people I met, help out where it is needed, and strengthen the bonds we have with our neighbors.
MICHELLE
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Joseph Parish (Manchester)
Hobbies/Talents: I like to dance. I take tap and jazz classes. I like to read. I also love being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
This year I decided to participate in the Uxpanapa, Mexico Immersion because I believed that it would help me open my eyes and my heart to a new culture, people, and faith. I wanted to be able to make a difference in someone’s life, even if it was in a small way. I want to be able to create a memorable experience for myself and my host family.
ASHLEY
Grade: Senior
Parish: Little Flower Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Service, L.I.F.E.
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
For the experience. Help others who need help. Speak Spanish.
MELISSA
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Sports (including field hockey and basketball)
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am participating in the Uxpanapa, Mexico Immersion for a variety of reasons. First, I am excited about the opportunity to help others in need. It is of special interest to me because we will be helping less fortunate people in a small village in Mexico. I will get to use the Spanish language that I have been studying to communicate with the people. Also, it is an opportunity to experience another culture. Finally, both of my brothers had participated in this immersion. Both found it beneficial. I hope I get as much out of this as my brothers have.
 KRISTIN
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Simon Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Volleyball, volunteering, REAP Team
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I am so excited to be immersed in another culture. This opportunity will hopefully bring challenges that I can grow from, and teach me to be more grateful for what I have. I am excited for the work we will be doing while we are there. I want to give back and help others.
Read Kristin's blog!
 KATHARINE
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Joseph Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Student Council, field hockey, lacrosse, volunteering
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I really want to experience Mexico’s culture, and to practice Spanish through immersion. I want to become closer to all the Nerinx girls going on the trip, and to form close friendships with the people I meet in Mexico. I want to see what it’s like to live in poverty, and use that knowledge to become more grateful for what I have.
View Katharine's photo gallery!
SHANNON
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Peter Parish (Kirkwood)
Hobbies/Talents: Listening to music
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I first heard about this trip from my sister, who informed me that she had the best week of her life. Ever since then I knew that I wanted to go on this trip my junior year. I am very excited and I think this trip is going to be amazing and a huge eye opener. I want to become more aware of things around the world and cultures other than my own.
 KELSEY
Grade: Junior
Parish: St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Field hockey, soccer, drawing, writing, working with children
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I think this immersion trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I simply could not pass it up. I may never get another chance to experience a life entirely different from my own, and I think everyone should do this at some point in time. This trip will also help me to learn Mexican culture, speak better Spanish, and change my way of thinking. Even though this trip is offered as a way to get Senior Service Hours, I really believe I would have signed up even without that offer.
Read Kelsey's blog!
OLIVIA
Grade: Senior
Parish: Mary Queen of Peace Parish
Hobbies/Talents: Running, reading, playing tennis, spending time in the outdoors
Why are you participating in the Mexico Immersion?
I participated in the Uxpanapa, Mexico Immersion trip last year and I’d be crazy to not want to go back this year. We don’t just go to do work and then leave. We are completely immersed in a culture that is not our own, we meet amazing people, we share our views and stories with each other, and we make lifelong friendships. I can definitely say that the week I spent on this service trip was the best week of my life. I know that the hearts and minds of each girl from Nerinx were opened up to things they never knew before.
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Archdiocese of St. Louis: Mission Office
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