2007 UD Trip

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The Chicago ProjectUD Student Quotes2007  Guest Speaker: Officer Pat Hill 

“The information that you made us aware of (I say that because it – the truth – was always there, we just didn’t see it or weren’t looking for it) can definitely help in the change process.”

Diane Clark, 2007

  

“I am more aware of the injustices and oppression that people face within the legal system, law enforcement, and the education system.  It was most eye-opening for me to hear your thoughts on the corrupt politics in Chicago and the disadvantages of standardized education.”

                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007

  

“Your discussion about education and the implementation of standardized tests challenged me to reevaluate my previous ideas.  Now considering the education system, I have come to understand that culture plays an immense role in how and on what subjects students are educated in.”

                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007

    Guest Speaker:  Sgt. Farris“Your passion for being proactive is contagious, and you are an inspirational individual.  You expressed the ingenuity of the inmates, and the gun invention completely blew me away.”

                                                                                                Sarah Spurgeon, 2007

  

“I couldn’t stop thinking of how these problems could be resolved.  I believe that knowledge is power and the best way to learn is to see the problem/talk to people who do.  Thank you for giving us that opportunity.”

                                                                                                Leah Winnike, 2007

  

“I took a lot away from your attitude toward the prisoners.  You respected them and demanded the same respect in return.”

                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007

  “You gave us a fun tour and I appreciate the dialogue that you allowed us to engage in with some of the inmates.”

                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007

  

“Thank you for opening my eyes, not only to try and understand what he has to go through but also helping me realize that the victims have to go through.  Thank you for reinforcing that we can make a difference in preventing people from ending up in jail.  Thanks for giving me hope when so many things in society pull me down.”

                                                                                                Diane Clark, 2007

    Guest Speaker:  Jeffery Muhammad (Nation of Islam) “I knew very little of this faith prior to our meeting. Leaving, however, I felt as if I had broadened my knowledge because of this experience.”                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007  “I was not familiar with the Nation of Islam, so thank you for the learning opportunity.  I was nervous about visiting after hearing negative things about the attitude towards white people, but I am glad that I came and solved the common misconception.  I hope that you were being serious when you said that you are going to coming to the University of Dayton.”                                                                                                                                                           Diane Clarke, 2007  “It was great to hear things straight from you as opposed to hearing rumors about your organization.”                                                                                                Nick Wiarda, 2007  “Before going to the Nation of Islam, I had an idea of what it was going to be like and when I was leaving I realized that I was completely wrong!”                                                                                                Stephanie C., 2007  “I feel called to read the Qur’an and expand my Catholic faith even more.”                                                                                                James McDermott, 2007  “It’s unfortunate for me to say this, but had I not talked with you last night, I might never had entered a Nation of Islam mosque my entire life.  I had my reservations for engaging in dialogue with your at first, but you dispelled those concerns by being real with us about issues of racism.”                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007  “I agree that it’s so important to ask questions and not just go along with things you hear or believe to be true.”                                                                                                Courtney Moser, 2007    

Breaking Ground

 “I see so much compassion with incredible joy within all of you. That fills my heart and inspires me.”

Joe Melendez, 2007

   “You have all shown a fire blazing in the darkness! And it has been a pleasure to bask in that light”

Jim “The Wheat Man” Cosgrove, 2007

  “I personally felt very welcomed and comfortable here and in North Lawndale. Honestly, this is what every city should have.”

                                                                                                James McDermott, 2007

  “Besides going to the speakers, I have learned a lot talking to people right here.”

                                                                                                Leah Winnike, 2007

  “I really enjoyed talking with some of the family about their experiences and how much this community has done for them.”

                                                                                                Sarah Spurgeon, 2007

  “It gave me a vision for how to approach ministry in cities in a way that empowers God’s children that already live there. What I especially appreciated was the strong commitment to Jesus and each other.”

                                                                                                Nick Wiarda, 2007

  “It seems like such an awesome way to build community, develop a support system, and to spread the word of Jesus Christ.”

                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007

  “Thank you so much for your hospitality throughout our trip. We might have able to stay in some hotel downtown, but our stay with you really added something special to our trip. We got to learn about inner city Chicago through speakers and visits, but most importantly through living in it, and you gave us that opportunity.”

                                                                                                Diane Clark, 2007

  “I look forward to sharing your story and other that we have met at the factory and the city with my classmates at UD, who might never learn all that I have from you.”                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007     

Marshall High School – Written to students

To Anita:

“Thank you for giving me the tour of Marshall, it was a great difference.  It was very different from my high school experience.  Going there gave me ideas for how I would like to teach in the future.”

                                                                                                Leah Winnike, 2007

 

To Banita:

“You surround yourself with great people and I had fun going to lunch and class with your friends.”

                                                                                                Erin Stoiber, 2007

 

To Bianca:

“Thank you for making, MAKING my trip.  Seriously, I haven’t even finished this trip and I already know that my visit with you was my favorite.  I won’t lie to you, I was a little nervous about what to expect when I walked in, but as soon as you walked up to me I knew that it was going to be a good time.”

                                                                                                Diane Clark, 2007

 

To Rosean:

“I was blown away by the talent and enthusiasm and spirit you have – not only for the school but for each other.  Use the passion and skills you have to make people stop and really notice the greatness of Marshall.”

                                                                                                Jim Cosgrove, 2007

      Guest Speaker:  Ira Rogers “You raised important points about being aware of our nations past and the struggles of those who have dealt with oppression and injustice their entire lives.”                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007 “I loved the line “Everybody wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change.”  Also when you look at everyone’s spirit rather than their outside appearance it is impossible to judge.”                                                                                                Leah Winnike, 2007  “It helped me to realize how so many aspects of our world become unimportant when the pursuit of life becomes finding the truth.”                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007  “You have such a contagious sense of spirit, and I feel like I really connected with your music and lyrics.”                                                                                                Sarah Spurgeon, 2007  “It was especially difficult for me to hear the song about the slave auction. It made me feel very uncomfortable in a way that produced a “holy discontent.”                                                            Nick Wiarda, 2007                                 Guest Speaker: Pastor Richard Nelson, D. Min. “Wow – you really got me fired up!  And what a great way to bring out such a passion-filled subject.  The “time bomb” has been planted!”

                                                                                                Jim Cosgrove, 2007

  

“The dialogue was so provoking and forced all of us to re-evaluate our belief systems.  It also forced us to view the world differently than we automatically do based on our individual class, color, religion, etc.”

                                                                                                Elizabeth Stegeman, 2007

  “It made me really question how I approach “service” work and the implicit superiority attitude that I have.”

                                                                                                Nick Wiarda, 2007

  “As the education major, I now feel called to work harder and not present or impose any biases I have on my Students.  Hopefully, if I work in Chicago Public Schools this summer I would love to stay in touch with you, and learn, and share ideas.”

                                                                                                James P. McDermott, 2007

 “In our position as students from a primarily white institution, who are looking to be educated on issues that are unfortunately taboo where we come from, the most we can ask of anyone we meet is to be real – and that is exactly what you were for us.”

                                                                                                Eric Stoiber, 2007

  “I came into the conference room already have inwardly acknowledged the white privilege that exists in this country today.  I had not had the opportunity, however, to have some healthy and informing dialogue about the issue, so I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do so with you.”

                                                                                                Sarah Spurgeon, 2007

  

“Your talk showed me a perspective I do not normally see.  I agree that people should give others resources and opportunities, rather then trying to change them.”

                                                                                                Leah Winnike, 2007

  

“Awareness is so important in bringing about justice.  I now realize that self-awareness is the first step.  Thank you for helping me to see.”

                                                                                                Courtney Moser, 2007