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ORLANDO, July 9, 2008 — This summer, Mary Ann Eastep (far left), an instructor, internship coordinator and undergraduate studies coordinator in criminal justice, led a four-week study abroad program in Costa Rica in cooperation with Brevard Community College. She is shown here with the students who participated in the program, which ran from May 22 to
June 17.
During the Social Justice in Costa Rica program, the students studied relationships among social policy, social justice and criminal justice in the Latin American nation.
The students included UCF legal studies major Desiree Staeffler-Marchbanks, who said the program was "by far the most meaningful experience I have had in college."
"I gained a true understanding of justice, the value of education, the importance of simplicity and the significance of assuming the role as a global citizen," she wrote in a summary report. "After having gone into another country and helping others, I feel competent and eager to do more."
Staeffler-Marchbanks and UCF psychology major Brittany Fajardo teamed-up to teach English to Costa Rican children as part of the program.
"The teachers seemed genuinely thankful that we took the time out of our lives to come and work with them," Fajardo wrote. "I don't think they realized how thankful I was to have the opportunity to be welcomed into their lives. I wasn't able to express to them how incredible being there was for me ... for my spirit ... for my soul."
To learn more about the Social Justice in Costa Rica program, contact Mary Ann Eastep.
-- Karen Guin
Photos courtesy of Mary Ann Eastep
UCF students Desiree Staeffler-Marchbanks (left) and Brittany Fajardo (right) with their pupils at Santa Marta Elementary School in Nosara, Costa Rica.
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