Reflections from Participants

2. How has this professional development experience helped you grow as a professional?

-It has been a supportive reminder in program planning to relate learning when I teach to Hispanics to something of interest to them. I have also tried to share this with others so they can strengthen their interactions with Hispanics. This is especially important when they do not speak English or very little English.

-I have a renewed respect for how families are impacted when they come to a new country, new climate, and new language.

-The trip/experience enhanced my understanding of the Mexican specific new immigrant.

-While doing things differently than Americans, Mexicans value their children as we often say we do-but do so in a different manner. The Mexican parents want for their children, nearly the same thing as American parents want-their children's lives to be better. This understanding will help me reach the Mexican parents in our community and better communicate with them. We have a common goal.

-The Study Tour helped me realize that living in poverty does not equate to poor in spirit.

-A better understanding of the culture of origin leads to a better understanding of how to approach this cultural group with extension educational programs. For example, there are strong bonds among the wider family network that should lead to including extended family members in family programming.
 
- The trip provided a better understanding of their purchase as they go society. I see now why our world of banks, credit unions, insurance, and credit are very new for many people coming here from Mexico .

-It has significantly broadened my horizons. As much as I hate to admit it, I had become focused on my immediate surroundings. Travel meant visiting relatives, either in Texas or California . I now intend to return to Mexico especially to enhance my Spanish language skills, which are becoming more important as more Spanish-speaking immigrants locate in Iowa .

-Viewing their historical background, culture and food helps me to be more aware of what is important to them and to appreciate their desire to maintain their cultural and food traditions.

-This experience has helped me to understand and appreciate the history and proud cultural heritage of the Mexican people.  It has made me more comfortable mixing with Hispanics and now know a few phrases in the Mexican language, or at least a greeting. At the end of the trip, I marveled that I could make a transaction to purchase an item in Mexico without knowing the language. I have a great respect for the Mexican people, who are really not that much different from Americans.  I sensed that family is what matters most, and wanting the best for the future of their children.

-Helped me realize that basic family needs and the needs of single parent females are very similar - time and money are always issues.

-It has helped me advance my desire to be able to acquire usage of the Spanish language for our clients.

-It has given me a better understanding of where these people come from and where to begin to meet their needs or to where to start to make their lives better.

-Better understanding of family customs & values, and how they may differ from our American values and lifestyle.  Need to take these differences into consideration as we work with them.......or any other diverse audience

-Well, I am no longer a professional. But I believe it has helped me personally grow as a community member and citizen. It is amazing how well those who come to the U.S. manage, considering conditions (social, physical, and environmental) are so very different not to mention the language constraints.

-I have already spoken up when in conversation with people who decry the growing Hispanic population of Mexican origin.

-caused me to question and wonder more about issues related to immigration, think about what is our responsibility, what is a new resident responsibility to becoming familiar with the new area.

-I have so many ideas..now must make time to do something with them. This was the best professional development opportunity I have ever had. I feel very blessed. Obviously, I will be more able to connect with the Hispanic audiences in my counties. It may be just as important that I can share what I have learned with others in the community so that they might be able to connect with this audience.

-Better understanding of how Mexicans view coming to the US and the impact of this on them and their families.

-Good experience listening to how other Extension staff developed their ideas about the Hispanic culture and how they will bring learnings back home.

-Better understanding of families and culture....and a bit more understanding of Spanish.

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