Response to the SMA Rural Immersion

The weekend of October 2- 3 was filled with learning for fourteen St. Mary’s Academy students who participated in the Rural Immersion.  Spanish teacher, Erica McCurnin, coordinated this experience, which is in its fifth year. 

This annual overnight experience focuses on the issues faced by migrant farm workers and the Latino community in Washington County. Student and staff participants explored the issues of migration, farming, poverty, and culture by “immersing” themselves into their surroundings. They listened to several speakers share experiences--one highlight was hearing from three women who were caught up in the 2007 raid at the Del Monte plant in North Portland.

They visited with day laborers waiting on a street corner in Cornelius, seeking work for the day. They toured a local farm, hearing the farmer’s perspective on immigrant labor. Finally, students heard the stories of several residents at Campo Azul, a labor camp off of Scholls Ferry Road and prayed with them at the camp’s evening communion service.  

Alison Lebenbaum, an SMA senior, reflected: “Because of the immersion I was able to hear some amazing stories about some truly amazing people. The people I met were genuinely interested in my opinions about what they were going through, both legal and illegal immigration. They were amazed that I go to an all-girls school and am studying to go to college. I know that they are working so hard in order to make a life like we have at SMA possible for their daughters and the rest of their family. The fact is that they are doing the jobs no one else in our country is willing to do (and doing them at sometimes incredibly unfair wages). Immigration is an issue that we have to be informed about because it is not just going to go away. One of the main ideas that I have taken away from the Rural Immersion is this: historically, America has experienced many types of racism and oppression toward various races and people. But America is a melting pot of cultures and people. I don't know why we value the practices or ideals of some of these people over the values and culture of others.”

Jessica Pierce, SMA teacher, shared the experience with the students.  She says, “I really value the opportunity to help students connect with people who are too often overlooked; the Rural Immersion provides our girls with time to listen to the stories of people who don’t often have the chance to share. Our society functions in large part because of the work done by the farmers, day laborers and factory workers who are also trying to provide the best life they can for their families. Our students can empathize and engage with these men and women and then take action by sharing their sense of connectedness with others.”

The focus of the weekend was not on direct service, but rather building relationships with and learning about this community. It was a truly valuable experience for everyone involved. 

Frosh Immersion Retreats

By the time this newsletter is available, the Frosh Immersion Retreats will be in full swing. Each freshman TA is participating in a daylong “immersion” experience where students will learn about issues of homelessness by engaging in dialogue with their peers, with SMA staff, and with folks living on the street. This immersion retreat is an excellent way to help students become educated about poverty and injustice through relationships and conversation. The experience takes place during the school day. In the next issue, I'll share some student responses to this experience.