Journal #9 In Andrea Barrett's Servants of the Map, Max is influenced by his surroundings in nature, which gives him value and influenced his perspective on the world. He is more comfortable with his surroundings than with people because, as a mapmaker, he relies on researching and identifying landscapes. Unlike his relationships, the environment can be measured and figured out, giving him a sense of control. He learns from nature that not everything is completely understandable or in his control, which matches his mental disorders. All things thought of, Max's identity and perspective are influenced by his natural surroundings.Journal #10 The natural world has an important impact on Ama in Linda Hogan's book Power. For her, the environment and animals are more than just her surroundings they impact her opinions and actions. Her connection with the panther, for example, shows how much she respects and feels responsible to nature. Ama sees the panther as sacred, but others see it as something to be controlled by society. Her surroundings can have a impact on decisions she makes, even if they break the law. It shows that her power comes from her connection to nature instead of from authority or control and gives her feeling of identity she would rather tell the truth than lie and feel guilt. Journal #11 Before reading Linda Hogan's book Power, I connected power with power or control. But I now think of it as something more quiet and important after reading the book. Power is shown through Ama's connection with the panther as respect for the natural world, keeping your values, and protecting what is important. It changed my perspective since I now think that real power comes from having the strength to act morally even in the face of challenges instead of from influencing people like she did, I thought it was very strong of her to tell the truth knowing the effects it would bring her and her getting kicked out of her tribe. Journal # 12 SymposioumLearning about healthcare and service work in Brazil gave me a much deeper understanding of what it really means to care for people through both medicine and compassion. What stood out to me the most was how the organizations connected healthcare with dignity, education, faith, and human connection. Instead of only focusing on treating illnesses, they focused on treating people as individuals who deserve respect, care, and support. In the videos about the Mission in Health Care by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, I was inspired by the work being done at places like La Residencia Santa Cruz, the Santa Marcelina Hospital, and Santa Maria Colegio. Their mission showed that healthcare is not only about doctors and medicine, but also about creating environments where people feel valued. One part that impacted me was learning that students with cancer were given free chemotherapy, dental care, and emotional support. That showed me how important it is to care for a person’s emotional health in addition to their physical health. I also found it meaningful that some of the Sisters were originally called to become nurses but later became teachers because they wanted to continue helping others in different ways. It reminded me that service can take many forms.I was also touched by the connection between the students from Santa Maria School and the older people they visited. Having students interact with older generations creates understanding, compassion, and respect between people of different ages. It showed me how important community involvement is in healthcare and how small acts of kindness can make people feel less alone.
Projeto Sol also left a strong impression on me. I admired how the program combined education with Catholic beliefs and values while also creating safe places for students. Providing meals, education, and support gives children stability and hope. I especially liked how they used a justice lens to help students relate to one another and understand intercultural engagement. The classroom rules encouraged respect and understanding, which are important values in any community. It made me realize that justice begins with the way people treat each other every day. Finally, learning about the Sisters as leaders of justice showed me how faith can inspire action. Their work supporting prisoners, Indigenous tribes, and the protection of ancestral rights demonstrated a commitment to human dignity and equality. I respected how they focused on solidarity, well being, and caring for God’s creation. Their mission is rooted in faith and service, but it also addresses real social issues that affect vulnerable communities.
Overall, these experiences taught me that healthcare and justice are deeply connected. True care goes beyond medicine because it includes emotional support, education, respect, and advocacy for those who are often overlooked. The work being done in Brazil inspired me to think more about how compassion and service can create meaningful change in people’s lives.
