2016 Sacred Heart Cultural Exchange Camp
By Alisa S.
"For the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society." - St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
Every school year, Josephinum Academy sends one or two rising seniors on a Sacred Heart exchange trip. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Taipei, Taiwan for the 2016 Sacred Heart Cultural Exchange Camp. It was my first time traveling outside of the United States. This trip was truly a blessing.
During my time at the camp, I took various classes at the Sacred Heart High School for girls in Taiwan. I became friends with Sacred Heart students from Taiwan, Tokyo, Seoul, Sapporo, México City, Brisbane, Montreal, San Francisco, Detroit, and Pennsylvania. For the first time in my life, I felt I made genuine friends. On the second day of the camp, each of us gave a presentation about ourselves, our country, and our school. We took the following classes: Art, folk dance, calligraphy, Taiwanese history, cooking class, and Mandarin Chinese.
I learned many facts about Taiwan such as: • Taiwan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world • Taiwan has the largest amount of convenience stores in the world (especially 7-11s) • Taiwan is Asia's first democratic nation • Taiwan has elected a female president: President Tsai Ing-wen • Taiwan is one of Asia's five tigers, which means it's an economic powerhouse • Taiwan has factories on the east coast of China • Products from Taiwan include Giant, a bike brand, and HTC • The 7-11s in Taiwan have a laundry service • Well-renown film director, producer, and screenwriter, Ang Lee, was born in Taiwan. You might be familiar with his films "Life of Pi," "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," and "Hulk" • Though Taiwan is referred to as the Republic of China, it is not apart of China. Taiwanese citizens often debate wether or not the should become completely independent from China. Taiwanese citizens are he descendants of Chinese citizens who fled communism. Taiwanese people and Chinese people share the same lineage, but they have VERY different cultures • Since Taiwan was once a colony of Japan, many elders in Taiwan speak Japanese • There are 13 indigenous Taiwanese tribes • Taiwan is famous for their huge night markets • Two of Taiwan's nicknames are "Kingdom of Butterflies" and "Formosa" (beautiful island) • As of now, Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations
As you can tell, Taiwan is very different from the United States, and while I was there, it felt as though I were in a completely different world. In addition to going to school and meeting all of the students, my peers and I went on a three-day trip to Yilan. Throughout my stay, many Taiwanese people wanted to touch my hair, and they asked my host family many questions about me. It felt very strange standing out that way, but I felt very welcome!
At the Farewell Ceremony, each Sacred Heart student got to say something to the entire school. The last thing I said to the school community was, "I had a lot of fun on this trip. The most important thing I learned is that there are good people in this world. No matter where they come from. Thank you." At the Farewell Party, each student got to say something to their host families. I told my host family members, Ai-An and Sara, the following: "Before I came to Taiwan, my father gave me his blessing saying I can be anything I want to be and do anything I want to do. I want to leave you with that same blessing. Thank you so much!" I'll never forget that day or this trip. I've never felt so much joy before in my life. I didn't want to leave! The most awful feeling is feeling as though you'll never see someone again. As I hugged each of my friends goodbye and said goodbye to my host family at the airport, I fought back tears. Though I felt sad while leaving, I feel happiness and peace every time I think of my time in Taiwan. I took a the sixteen-hour plane ride back home with these memories.
St. Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865) founded the Sacred Heart Network with a mission to provide young women with education. Though she is originally from France, Barat recognized issues which took place beyond her own nation's borders. By the time of her death, Barat's mission had been completed in North Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. She changed the world for the sake of individual children. Today, the Sacred Heart Network is an association consisting of the Province and Catholic independent schools guided by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's mission. As of now, there are 22 Sacred Heart schools in the United States and 150 worldwide. The Network provides various services and programs which promote leadership and innovative education, and every summer, students are able to travel and complete service projects while meeting other students from the network.
I was one of the many Sacred Heart students who had the opportunity to partake in Madeleine Sophie Barat's legacy. Sonya Everett, Marlen Gonzales, and Julia Sosnivka are a few alumni who also attended this trip. I can't wait to see who's next. I would like to thank my host family, my host sister, Ai-An, and my host student, Pallas. Your generosity has allowed me to explore the world and have a life-changing experience. You have softened my heart and given me a reason to preserve throughout my Senior year. I would also like to thank Mr. Dougherty for communicating with my family, and the Sacred Heart High School for girls in Taiwan for their phenomenal hospitality and kindness. Last but not least, I want to thank my parents, Ronnie Scott and Melissa Acevedo. I love you.














