3. In rural Alabama, Students at Snead State Community College are affected and they respond
4. Your Students = Our StudentsProject Developed by Snead Students Speak directly with affected Miami Dade College students via telephone conference 11 student groups come together to raise funds for MDC students who were impacted Larry Miller, Amy Langley & Rian Edwards lead a group of 11 Snead State students to Miami MDC students meet the “Sneaders” at the airport and serve as hosts for three days
5. Depart Boaz at 3:00 AM Depart ATL for Ft. Lauderdale Greeted at airport by 11 Miami Dade College students Volunteered at Union Rescue Mission Shelter for Women & Children Dinner at Randy’s Haitian Cuisine 5 SATURDAY
6. It was amazing how easily we bonded. It was an immediate thing, too. There was no awkwardness or hesitation. It was a sign of good things to come. 6
7. A time of many firsts for me including: my first plane ride, first time to Miami, and first taxi cab ride, to name a few. 7
8. Just left the Miami Rescue Mission Center for Homeless Women and Children. I was told today, "From Park Avenue to park bench... Your life can change in a moment.” I will never forget this day. 8
9. The smallest common bond could grow into a lasting friendship, only if your mind accepts it and heart feels it. Diversity is a person you should always keep around you!! 9
10. We stopped in Little Havana and got involved in a political rally by accident. It was very cool to see how others from different cultures get to express their freedom of speech in a way that I have never seen 10
12. Everglades tour on airboats Reflection Calle Ocho (Little Havana) walking tour, & political rally Dinner at Exquisito Cuban Cuisine 12 SUNDAY
13. Reflection was intense. When Bridgette, Kelley, and Enryo talked about how they were affected by the Haiti Earthquake, everyone cried. I love though how all of them found positive things about this tragedy. 13
14. Education is a passport to a better society. We have gained a passport that does not expire; we have gained a passport that holds an infinity amount of knowledge. It’s a MDC-Snead passport, one that will lead us to a better society 14
15. Breakfast at the Tiki Hut, explored the Palmetum, tour of MDC North Luncheon and presentation of funds raised by Snead State Service project at Haitian Women of Miami (FANM) warehouse Reflection and farewell dinner MONDAY
16. The luncheon was an emotional rollercoaster and it didn’t end after that either. We cried, we laughed, we cried some more; quoted a little Haitian phrase that Kelley taught us, then cried some more. I came to realize I did not want to go home - I wanted to stay with my new family because I adore them so much 16
17. We headed to the Warehouse where we all got down and dirty separating food, clothing, hygiene and medical supplies, blankets and water. I realized then this is ground zero for help and we had to accomplish as much as we could because these wonderful people could not do it by themselves. 17
18. Our passion for this project will become contagious and spread like wild fire - Daders, I love you guys! You have shown me that, even though we come from different parts of the world, we can still come together and work through differences and make a change for the better. Let our circle of friendship grow into a circle of family - or maybe a union of nations. 18
19. Daders Come to Sand Mountain A few weeks later, MDC students came to Marshall County Alabama The friendships and the learning continued
20. 20 We are here in Alabama and all so thrilled to be here! Thank you Sneaders for inviting us to your amazing city. We really don't know how to express ourselves. THANK YOU. You guys will be tattoos in our hearts forever.
21. Breakfast at BG’s The Exchange – monthly presentation by Dr. Exley Marshall County Mayors’ Forum on Recycling Recycling service at Albertville Center Southern cooking at the Exley home & reflection 21 FRIDAY
23. Nothing like a biscuit with chocolate gravy in the morning! 23
24. After all the mayors were done talking, Annie and Gabriel got up and said a few words about how they are recycling on their campuses. I was speechless at how well spoken they both are. They didn’t seem nervous at all! And they didn’t even have a speech prepared. It just shows how passionate they both are about recycling. Neither of them seemed affected by the fact that there were like 4 mayors that had their undivided attention. My hat is off to them both for their ability to spread the importance of recycling 24
25. The Miami kids told us how they recycle on campus. I didn’t know that other schools recycle so much. We all decided that we need to start a Green Team on campus to encourage recycling! 25
27. Hiking at Little River Canyon National Wildlife Preserve “Dinner and a Show” at the Bevill Center Hanging out at the Langley home – created music video Midnight visit to the “Vampire Grave” Saturday
28. Last time I wore these shoes I went hiking along a waterfall, I drank out of a natural spring, climbed into a small cave, had a picnic while mist filled the air and the cries of moving water relieved my stress. Last time I wore these shoes I spent time with a group of strangers who became a family to me and with them I learned the true meaning of diversity but the funny thing is when I was with them we didn’t feel so diverse. Last time I wore these shoes they were brand new and now they are full of mud and memories that I never want to wash away. 28
30. 30 Visit U. S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Snack at the Bridge Street Town Center, Huntsville Tour Cathedral Caverns State Park Cookout and reflection on Lake Guntersville Sunday
31. Today we went to the Space and Rocket Center. I have never been there and I have lived in Huntsville for 9 years! 31
32. I just went in an underground cave. Two miles deep!!! Incredible experience. There was a point that there was total darkness. Speechless!!!!!!!!!! 32
33. I am having an incredible time in Boaz! Love speaks louder than our accents, the color of our skin or personal beliefs. Learning lessons which are impossible to learn in a textbook!!!!! 33
