[Authored by Dr. Marieta Velikova, Instructor of Economics and International business]
I, along with a group of 13 students and another professor, have just returned from Guatemala, where we had a chance to experience what it is like to live in a poor developing country, live on less than $2 dollars a day, and to aim for the better given a corrupt government, restricted democracy and economic freedom, lack of education and non-existing infrastructure.
The trip was an eye opening, life-changing experience for all of us. We had an opportunity to visit one of the universities in Guatemala and listen to a lecture titled “Why countries in Latin America are so poor.” This lecture presented information we were able to observe with our own eyes while traveling to Chajul, one of the most remote areas of Guatemala.
There are many study abroad trips that are offered at Belmont University. In fact, I led one a year ago to Japan; however, this trip was so unique in many ways. While in Guatemala, we lived in a rustic lodge without hot water and modern telecommunication devices. I know that it is hard to imagine a university student without facebook, myspace, iphone, ipod, etc.
However, one of the most interesting observations is how we were able to truly bond during evenings of hot tea and good old games. We learned so much about each other that we would have never discovered otherwise. We visited communities, villages, local schools, a local coffee co-op and coffee plantations. We even played with local children. A language barrier did not exist for friendship and open hearts.
The people we met on the trip taught us to appreciate what we have, to reconnect in real time rather than through digital social networks, to listen to the person next to us, and simply, to be happy. They have so little, but they carry so much happiness inside. We have so much, but we seem to lose simple happiness in life.
The students will continue their work through the semester on the coffee, honey and textile projects. I truly wish them success and bright futures as they search for ways they can have an impact on the world.
[Authored by Dr. Marieta Velikova, Instructor of Economics and International business]