Dallas Day 3!

Today was another great day full of fun and reflection!  We changed pace a little bit this morning and actually got to sleep in before heading to downtown Dallas for some exploring and adventure.  We travelled on the trolley and visisted several museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum (about the assassination of President Kennedy).  I think the group really got a lot out of the experience of exploring the culture of Dallas and Kennedy's legacy of change and that definitely showed through in our evening reflection.  We discussed some of the tough issues facing the kids at Bryan's House (financial, medical, social), what their future holds, and the ways in which we can improve on what is already being done.

Here are some thoughts on reflection in everyone's own words:

Katie Jones
Today's reflection really touched me. We were talking about how the children of Bryan's House will most likely end up if they stay with the organization, and then we talked about how we can apply what we have learned when we went back home. These kids, if they get the opportunity to stay with Bryan's House, will have such a better life than if they were thrown back into a school/daycare that didn't understand what they were going through. I think Bryan's House gives them the attention that they need. Going back to Springfield, I really want to give back and work with the kids at Boys and Girls Town and with The Child Advocacy Center. Springfield has the biggest population of children who are abused in Missouri, and if I could be a person to just give one child attention and love, I feel like I would really be giving back.

Mandy Squires
I really enjoyed today's reflection because it helped me to put into perspective everything that we have been doing this week. For example, it made me think about more about the future of the kids that we have been working with and what their lives will look like. Also, this session helped me to draw some comparisons between Dallas and my home town of Kansas City, which helped me to realize that problems like this exist everywhere and that there is a lot I can do to continue to help after I go home.

Sara Woodman
We had a lot of fun today exploring Dallas. We discussed our observations during reflection. We considered the demographics and culture of Springfield compared to that of Dallas and talked about our experiences in each city, as well as the problems that we have encountered in each place, the organizations we know of that are working to solve those problems, and what we can do to serve. I realized on a deeper level how blessed I am and I am more committed to serving and being an active citizen.

Alex King
The off-day for the Alternative Spring Break was a good rest from doing service with Bryan's House, yet we were still able to apply our experience of exploring Dallas to the issues we are here to address.

Aubrey Snedeker (Trip Leader)
Today was our day off to adventure and learn about the culture. We noticed as a group that Dallas down town can relate to Bryan's House in several ways but also differs in others. We noticed that downtown was very diverse in all aspects and Bryan's House as a whole shows different cultures, ethnicity, and social class as well. In reflection we talked about how we think Bryan's House will effect the children when they are our age and about what we can do in the future to still serve with Bryan's House.

Justina Snodgrass
Exploring Dallas was a great experience. Between the trolley rides, museums, and dinner out, there was a line that could be drawn between downtown Dallas and Bryan's House. But, there was also a disconnection between here in Dallas and the awareness of Bryan's House and the awareness of the same area of interest in the Springfield area. We are definitely more connected and willing to help and excited to help in Springfield, than the people down here it feels like. I am excited to continue serving this community, but also look forward to continuing to serve the amazing area around MSU's campus in Springfield.

Francis Ahrens
Having the chance to tour Dallas was a lot of fun. The main thing that I have to reflect on is how we can impact the Springfield community. I think that since Bryan's House primarily helps children with HIV/AIDS, we can continue to serve by thinking of them during HIV/AIDS awareness month next year and do some event where we either collect donations or fundraise money for Bryan's House. Even though we're serving now, it doesn't mean we need to stop serving after we have left.

Tess Hoehn
Touring Dallas today was a very eye opening experience. We rode on the trolley and met many people from Dallas. Many people in the city didn't know anything about Bryan's House. It was nice to know we were educating the community about Bryan's House and what they do. Also representing Missouri State, by wearing our "bear wear" was a nice way to show we are proud of what we are doing. Touring Dallas and working with Bryan's House has inspired me to want to get more involved in community service throughout Springfield and the rest of Missouri.

Elizabeth Sivill
My favorite part of today was was going to the 6th Floor Museum. It was really emotional going through the museum looking at the life of President John F. Kennedy. One of the hardest parts for me was seeing the saddness in the First Lady's face. Also, when the coffin passed by the family, President Kennedy's son stepped forward and saluted his father. It's hard to think about how one action can impact the life of a family and a nation. Leaving the museum, I felt a sense of patriotism. Reflecting on past events such as 9/11 and Sandy Hook, it is kind of sad that an act of unpatriotism can make millions feel patriotic.  It was a humbling experience that I feel blessed to be able to witness. Additionally, I enjoyed leading our group in the MSU fight song today on the trolley. The fight song always puts a smile on my face, and I hope the people on the trolley enjoyed it too. As always, I am proud to be a bear!!!!!

Brett McKnight (Trip Advisor)
What I noticed the most (other than the beautiful Dallas downtown West Village and West End), was the sharp contrast in socio-economic status and race/ethnicity of the people we passed downtown and those kids and their families at Bryan's House.  The children at Bryan's house represent two distinct minority populations...evident when serving in the classrooms, and even among the employees.  Most are African American and Hispanic/Latino/Latina.  Most of the people we encountered on the trolley and in the fashion and financial districts were probably upper-middle class, and predominately white.  Many were mothers with small children, who don't work (I heard several groups of moms talking of visiting their husbands at work in one of the skyscrapers downtown).  Also evident was that there was a public school fallen into disrepair...smack dab in the middle of newly renovated, urban, and bustling downtown Dallas.  Throughout the day, these sharp contrasts stuck in my mind and I wonder if the citizens of Dallas are always conscious of these their socio-economic/class differences....and if the kids at Bryan's house are aware of these....is ignorance always bliss?

Alex Johnson (Trip Advisor)
Our travels through Dallas today gave us a chance to experience the city first-hand and mingle with the people.  But seeing the sights was not and has not been what makes this Spring Break experience impactful -- it's the reflections and lessons we bring back to our group, to Bryan's House, and soon to the Springfield community.  Learning about JFK at the Sixth Floor Museum really impacted me and inspires me to strive to make change.  As young adults, we have the power to address social justice issues, both those impacting Dallas and Springfield.  Change is why we are here.  Many of John F. Kennedy's initiatives were striving for change on a national and global level.  As we reflected tonight, we focused on the power we have to change anything we want, whether it be the attitudes of children and families  affected by HIV/AIDS or any number of issues facing the world today.  I can sleep tonight feeling inspired and confident in the passionate students we have in our Dallas group. 

Brandon Greathouse
Today we dove into the city of Dallas leaving no stone unturned as we visited various memorable museums, and I can genuinely render that this was the most warm, inviting and family oriented city I have ever had the priviledge to share my presence with (such a dignified city and group of citizens!!) :)

Spencer Trower
Today we explored downtown Dallas and I have never seen a city so family oriented. It also gave me a better idea of the culture the kids at Bryan's House grow up in, which will in return help me help them.


As you can see, our group is really diving into the issue of child welfare and HIV/AIDS.  'Change' was definitely the theme of the day and something we will be focusing on the rest of the trip.  I'm proud of how far they've come since the first night of discussion and I am excited to hear what everyone has to offer at tomorrow's reflection!

Goodnight from Dallas!
-Kelly Mazzoni (Trip Leader)