8 Reasons Why You Should Enroll in Urban Life and Culture
By Mariana Martinez Hernandez
1. Enter several vibrant cultures in three weeks. Philadelphia is a place where across the city is across the world. This past May, the culture tour commenced in Fairhill, a neighborhood primarily consisting of Puerto Rican people. During this portion, participants began to understand the resilience of a culture buried deep by the societal importance of socioeconomic status. From Puerto Rico, they traveled to South-East Asia, where they were challenged by immigrant stories of cultural diminishment, survival, and grace received. In the last portion of the trip, the group made its way to African-American culture where they were faced with a current reality that is void of reconciliation.
2. Taste a sensational, world-wide cuisine experience. Spending three weeks in a city like Philadelphia opens your eyes (and most importantly, your palette) to the wide expanse of cultural fusions. Try out yuca con bistec from a local bodega, indescribably good fried rice from an Indonesian restaurant, hand-pulled peanut butter noodles in Chinatown, and of course, a classic, loaded Philly Cheesesteak. The possibilities are endless!
3. Live amongst the foundational documents and buildings of this nation. History fanatic or not, there are fascinating artifacts and buildings to behold, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Congress Hall, The Betsy Ross House, or the Declaration (Graff) House.
4. Get a glimpse of the city life. Take a trip to center city to experience the bustle of the city. Whether it’s going to a show, catching a Phillies game, or even riding the subway to go people-watching, this city will always keep you busy and anticipatory for more!
5. Participate in community development and public-educating opportunities. During their second week, the group of students participated in effective community service. They worked with the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) to petition and clean up a public square park in South Philly. Whether it was picking up trash, planting flowers, or simply speaking with the wide range of characters that spent time at the park, these Hesston College students began to understand the importance of development opportunities that impact a diverse place like Philadelphia.
6. Involve yourself in any and every church you wish (there’s one around every corner). Hesston College students had the chance to attend a church service of their choice on the second Sunday of the trip. The rule was that no one could go to the same church, but that was not difficult to do since there are over 100 churches in Philly!
7. Become a pioneer of stories. Philadelphia is lavished with stories. Stories of hard-working people who have prospered in spite of opposing odds. By taking this course, you have the opportunity to hear stories of home, faithfulness, and the work toward a peaceful journey.
8. Allow yourself to be transformed by building bridges of peace among groups that should hate each other and all while gaining three credit-hours! The true purpose for this course is to engage in other cultures in order to be transformed outside of one’s comfort bubble. This trip will interrupt stigmas, stereotypes, and prejudices but will simultaneously cultivate a desire to comprehend, appreciate, and love the cultures one encounters. Hesston College students were able to participate in the breaking of Ramadan with Indonesian-Muslim brothers and sisters. It was a radical evening filled to the brim with sensational food that built foundations of a bridge towards peace.
1st photo: SOC123 students get a tour of Taller Puertorriqueño. Photo courtesy: HC SOC123 students
2ndphoto: One of many delicious meals enjoyed in South Philly at I Heart Cambodia.
3rdphoto: Independence Hall in Center City
4thphoto: HC students and faculty, Michele Hershberger stand below a famous LOVE sign in Philadelphia.
5thphoto: HC students gather for a quick photo after planting new plants in the community garden in Mifflin Square Park.
6thphoto: Students get a photo in front of Philadelphia Praise Center in South Philly with course instructor, Freeman Miller.
7thphoto: In their second week, students received the opportunity to listen to stories of first-generation Indonesian immigrants and their first-hand hardships in the transition to documentation.
