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Discovering Community: Insights from the 2025 Spartan Bus Tour Reflections

Update A Journey Through Michigan: Lucía Cárdenas Curiel’s Reflections on Community and Connection Lucía Cárdenas Curiel, an associate professor of bilingual and multilingual education at Michigan State University, recently participated in the Fall 2025 Spartan Bus Tour, a journey through northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Her reflections at the closing reception on October 21 provided a heartfelt account of her experiences during this unique event. Thanking President Kevin Guskiewicz and the Spartan Bus Tour executive planning committee, Cárdenas Curiel highlighted the concept of cariño—a term that transcends simple care and embodies warmth, affection, and a shared responsibility towards communities. For participants, the effort put into organizing this Tour fostered not just logistics but emotional connections, reminding everyone involved of the strength of shared purpose. Recognizing the Importance of Community Engagement In her remarks, Cárdenas Curiel emphasized that learning extends beyond traditional classroom settings. President Guskiewicz's assertion on the significance of understanding Michigan's diverse communities resonates deeply, especially when navigating today's challenging political landscape. This engagement is foundational to upholding the goals of the land-grant mission of higher education. The Bus Tour was not just a getaway for Cárdenas Curiel, who humorously noted her need for a break from her preteen daughter, but also an opportunity to reconnect with the local communities. Traveling through Michigan's uniquely diverse landscapes has been an enlightening experience for many participants, letting them dive into the heart of issues faced by various communities. Deepening Understanding Through Personal Connection Cárdenas Curiel’s journey as an immigrant serves as a poignant lens through which she views her connection to Michigan. By recounting her own story as a first-generation immigrant from Mexico who has dedicated her life to supporting immigrant families, she illustrated the powerful role of personal narratives in understanding broader community dynamics. This fall tour prompted her to draw parallels between her personal history and the stories of those she interacted with. Each community visit transformed into what she termed her own ‘linguistic community walk,’ reflecting on meaningful interactions and cultural touchstones that connect to her heritage. A Celebration of Culture and Heritage During the tour, Cárdenas Curiel collected artifacts representing key community interactions. One instance was a mural by Gabby Hanson in Cadillac that emphasized local history and the creative expression that connects communities. Art serves as a shared language—one that can resonate across diverse educational backgrounds, inviting students into a space where they find their voices and connect through creativity. Furthermore, a visit to the MSU Forestry Innovation Center shed light on innovative practices in local agriculture and entrepreneurship—highlighting how community-based education can inspire future generations to engage with their environment meaningfully. This hands-on learning approach emphasizes the ethos that the best education happens in real-world contexts. Tangible Connections and Community Care Cárdenas Curiel recounted a deeply personal incident during the tour—spending five hours in urgent care in Marquette due to a spider bite. This experience shed light on the healthcare challenges in rural areas but also showcased the genuine care from the medical staff who treated her as a person, not just a patient. Their approach was a representation of cariño—emphasizing empathy, compassion, and the need to listen to stories behind each individual. Her story exemplifies the importance of community responsibility and connection, reinforcing the idea that engagement goes both ways—educators must invest in the communities they serve. The Broader Impact of the Spartan Bus Tour Ultimately, Cárdenas Curiel's reflections underscore how experiences like the Spartan Bus Tour enrich the academic community while simultaneously addressing the needs of local residents. By fostering relationships grounded in shared understanding and support, this initiative hopes to reshape higher education's role in democracy and social betterment. As travelers consider their own journeys through Michigan or elsewhere, let these stories inspire exploration and connection with the communities they visit. Future travelers might look into resources such as local tourism guides or regional weather updates to enhance their experiences. Participating in local engagements, understanding cultural narratives, and fostering ties with communities not only enrich personal journeys but also contribute to a collective growth that benefits future generations. In the spirit of cariño, let's embrace the richness of our shared experiences and histories as we navigate our paths ahead.