Each year, the globe becomes the classroom for Millsaps College students seeking to immerse themselves in the culture of countries like Spain, Mexico, Italy, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and more—and with the college’s study abroad program ranked as one of the best in the country, it’s no surprise why. Students may study abroad for a semester or over the summer, but sometimes they find studying abroad over the winter holiday break as the best option for their schedule. This past winter break was no exception as 15 students ventured to the Mexican state of Yucatán to ring in the new year with a study abroad experience.
Junior student Brittany Wilson was one of five students in a “Writing in Place” course in Yucatán, taught by Liz Egan, assistant professor of creative writing and director of the Centers for Writing and Academic Success. Wilson, a Jackson native majoring in both creative writing and math, experienced many new things, including snorkeling for the first time. She also found that her creativity as a poet flourished in a new way.
“I began writing a love letter to Yucatán after visiting Maya sites and interacting with people from the area,” Wilson says. “I wanted to encapsulate their love for their home in a poem.”
The 2022-2023 holiday break trip was the third study abroad trip for Millsaps graduate student Onyx Magno-Hester. The trip was also her second time to study with Dr. Jesse Beeler, professor of accounting, in Merida, the capital city of Yucatán. Magno-Hester, who graduated from Millsaps in May 2022 with a bachelor in business administration, first travelled to Yucatán during the 2021-2022 winter term to complete her Major Experience. When Beeler sent an email to students in fall 2022 announcing a study abroad course during the upcoming holiday break, Magno-Hester jumped at the opportunity to be Beeler’s graduate assistant on the trip.
“Mexico and Yucatán were so welcoming when I went in the summer, and I enjoyed the bonds I created with my professor and peers,” says Magno-Hester. “So, when Dr. Beeler emailed everyone last semester, I immediately replied back with, ‘I’m in!’”
As Magno-Hester had previously studied in the region, she acted as a tour guide to new students, showing them the best local restaurants and places to explore. While she enjoyed visiting sites she had seen on her previous trip, she also visited new sites and learned more about the Maya and the Yucatán peninsula.
“It was the second time I had seen the ancient Maya pyramids, but it was still just as amazing,” says Magno-Hester.
Both students enjoyed the independence and freedom to explore and learn in a new place.
“You get to immerse yourself in unknown territory,” says Wilson. “It was one of the most fun classes I have had.”