Kyle Dresser's final thoughts on the immersion experience to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation:
When I first heard about an opportunity to go on a mission trip to an Indian Reservation, I immediately took an interest. I have always been interested in Native Americans, their culture, and how they live today. I was interested in how the children of a reservation would act, talk, and how they would compare to children who lived in a typical suburban setting.
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| Kyle Dresser helping a student |
Before arriving at the school, I had the impression that the students would have behavioral or disciplinary problems, and that I would have no idea how to act around them. However, upon entering and just seeing how the kids acted with each other and with the teachers and staff of the school, my point of view turned around in a flash. I started talking to the students, and I was able to carry on good conversations with them about any topic that came up. The students were full of joy and just talking to them brightened my day. Most of the students were intelligent and already had plans for their futures. Granted, there were some examples of students talking back to or opposing the teacher, but most of them showed nothing but the utmost respect and adoration for the ones they were learning from. One of the students with whom I became close to over the past four days was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was honest and open and had no problem talking about things he had trouble with. I am so glad I was able to help him with his work, and I hope he appreciates my help as much I appreciate the opportunity to help him.
Overall, this has been a wonderful experience that will probably stick with me throughout my life. I am grateful that I've had the privilege of learning about a great and proud people, their culture, their past, present, and future ways of life. Hopefully I have left as much of an impact on these students as they have left on me.
K. Dresser '11
