Learning Outside the Classroom

"Experiences where students learn outside the classroom seem to be most effective in creating connections between information and reality.  It is what we remember the most, which is what matters in the end."

My experiences in learning outside the classroom are my most cherished memories.  It is where I have made real-life connections.  It is where I see what my teachers and instructors, mentors and professors are speaking of- whether it be the ever-present economic changes, sociological patterns of groups, or using a foreign language to interact with people- who are not so different after all.  

My most cherished memory of learning outside the classroom was a trip I took with my Spanish III class, under the instruction of Senor Thomas.  We ventured into Mexico's most beautiful cities- where we were submerged in language and culture we had studied in our classroom for 3 years in Holladay, UT.  It was an unforgettable experience, that I revert back to on many occasions.  Following are some pictures from my time there. 

Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico's capital, was the largest city in the world- in terms of population per square mile at the time of our visit.  

While in Mexico City, we saw numerous old churches and buildings being restored- Mexican people take pride in their rich history.

A beautiful picture of a giant palm, taken while viewing the LDS Temple in Mexico City, which was currently under reconstruction as well.

Taxco City

Taxco City, Mexico is a beautiful little village-type city with narrow cobblestone streets, flowers growing from the sidewalks, and once the largest silver-producing mine in Mexico.  Some Mexicans call the Taxconians, "Silver People", because the men working in the Mines of Taxco had silver hands and a tint to their skin.  

Taken inside a VW Bug Taxi on the narrow streets of Taxco.

The view from my room in Taxco.  It was beautiful to see the Mexican people live to simply, I learned we don't need as much as we think we do to survive.

After a random torrential downpour, that was apparently very common, jumping in large puddles in the streets seemed the fitting thing to do!

Beautiful. foggy Taxco.  Picture taken from the giant Christ statue that overlooks and protects Taxco.  

Acapulco City

Acapulco, Mexico is a beach-side city full of shopping, and a major tourist attraction.  They have beautiful sunsets, and are famous for their cliff divers.  

On the drive from Taxco to Acapulco, we stopped at the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon to climb them.  I got to the top of both! A picture before the hike.

Next to the ocean on our last day.  Beautiful Acapulco!