Freshmen already had to face a hurdle that was one of the most anticipated and feared: facing their mailboxes to find out where International Programs has designated their place next semester. Now with the new “Uprooted” event upperclassmen have made it a point to prepare them for another unexpected hurdle: the test of their spirituality.
Junior Kaylani Esparza who came up with the idea for “Uprooted is a resident advisor who studied in Buenos Aires during the 2008-2009 school year.
She said that she wished that she had been better prepared for the spiritual challenges that she faced while abroad.
Being overseas was the most rewarding and yet most difficult time in my faith Esparza said. But I do not believe it needed to be as difficult as it was.”
Despite the various seminars and cultural preparation sessions Esparza said she felt something was missing and she felt the need to do something about.
“Nobody really prepared us spiritually but I don’t think it’s the administration’s responsibility to do that she said. They can’t know what goes on in every program because they aren’t the students.”
At “Uprooted students will gather for a time of group worship and then divide up into their respective international programs or the Malibu program” for students who will be staying on campus next year.
In each group the freshmen will meet with current juniors who attended their program last year giving them the opportunity to hear about the positive spiritual aspects of it as well as some of the challenges that they may face while abroad.
Malika Rice the International Programs director of admissions and student affairs said she fully supports the project and that it has the potential to be very beneficial to freshmen.
“I am so proud of the alumni that their takeaway from their time abroad is that God was the most important part of their experience and that they want other students to experience that Rice said. An event like this could be a platform for a deeper level of community in our programs.”
Freshman Gavin Carden was recently accepted into the Shanghai program for the 2010-2011 academic year. He said that he is looking forward to hearing about the experiences that people had while living in an entirely different environment and culture.
“I think it’s a great idea to get us prepared and tell us what to expect before we leave Carden said. I’m looking forward to making friends and growing together.”
All freshmen are invited to attend the first “Uprooted” event of the school year on Monday Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. in the amphitheater.
Students attending will receive convocation credit for this program.