SH329: Chicano Literature Encountering the Land of Enchantment

Study: The Chicano story is not one often learned in high school history courses. It unfortunately is a forgotten story, one which needs to be heard. By studying Chicano Literature, we can view the world through the eyes of a marginalized people. The Southwest portion of the United States, and specifically New Mexico is the historic homeland of Chicanos. It is here that we can view Chicano culture first hand.

Service: While in New Mexico, AQ students exemplified their school’s commitment to community and service by giving back in a variety of ways. They first traveled to Gallup, NM. There they stayed in the dorms at the Rehoboth Christian School. During that visit they volunteered for an after school program for grade school children k-2nd and also taught Spanish classes at the high school.

“Working at the high school was particularly interesting”, said Charlie Merkel '12. “I remember being at that transitional age and not knowing what to do. I think we provided useful insight into what may lay ahead” for these students during their college years.

Later, the AQ students volunteered at the Española Valley Humane Society. “It was fun playing with the animals and inspiring to give back to the community,” said Emily Decker '12.

Prayer and Commitment to our Natural World: Likewise, the AQ Chicano Lit students had the opportunity to experience the natural beauty that New Mexico had to offer. Students went hiking in Gallup where they were able to climb Anazasi footholds up to ridgelines and see the area from a higher viewpoint. The group also went to Nutria Canyon to hike the canyon floor, and later to Acoma where they learned more about the history of the Acoma Pueblo Indians. Each location offered insights into the references of nature made in Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima, Ana Castillo’s So Far From God, and selected poetry by Jimmy Santiago Baca.

Solidifying Community: The trip also gave the class an opportunity to meet AQ alumni. “It was interesting to see all the different directions the alumni had taken after graduation,” said AQ junior Breanne Stockall. Each person used their AQ education in a unique way and are now giving back to our global community.

Special thanks to the following participants: Dr. Shelli Rottschafer, Assistant Professor of Spanish; Gabriel Polzin ’12; Charlie Merkel ’12; Emily Decker ’12; Liz Maxian ’12; Breanne Stockall ’13; Brittany Hoisington ’13; Jason Shoup ’01; Nora Veine Berninger ’93; Steven Laurent ’90; Jake Adams ’91; and Priscilla Dakin.