Students learn about diversity on field trip

Eight Pratt Community College students were able to experience different cultures and try new things on a field trip April 10.
 
Part of David Cramer’s American Multicultural Studies class went to Wichita to see the Islamic Society and the Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple. While in Wichita, students also ate at Thai Tradition.
 
“The day was very interesting,” said Heather Inslee, sophomore. “I really enjoyed learning about the Muslim religion and trying Thai food, which I don’t think I will eat again.”
 
The day started at the Islamic Society with a tour of the temple and then a PowerPoint presentation on the Muslim religion. Students learned about their praying rituals, clothing and marriage, along with their beliefs and what makes the religion different from others.
 
“Learning about the Muslim religion was the most interesting part of the day,” Inslee said. “It really opened my mind to learn about it and know that we have a lot of stereo types about that group.”
 
The class than went to Thai Tradition for lunch, where they were able to try spring rolls and order off of the menu. Many students hadn’t tried Thai food and some weren’t sure that they would be eating it again anytime soon.
 
In the afternoon students went to the Phap Hoa Buddhist Temple where they were able to walk the grounds and see the inside of the temple. While there, students also meditated.
 
“The Buddhist temple was very beautiful,” said Antonio Neal, sophomore. “I really enjoyed being able to walk around the grounds and see how they have everything laid out. I have never seen anything like it.”
 
Cramer said he thinks this trip is important for his students to go on to give them a greater appreciation for different cultures.
 
“We don’t usually think of Kansas as being diverse, but you come to Wichita and there are 17 Buddhist temples,” he said.