Fourteen Holy Cross, Notre Dame, and Saint Mary’s students returned this month from a meaningful and academically rich immersion trip to Poland—an experience shaped by history, collaboration, service, and cultural discovery.
Led by Dr. Elaine Mokrzan, Dr. George Mokrzan, Peggy Clark (wife of President Dr. Marco J. Clark), and Cosette Fox, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty and Professor of Psychology, the group spent time in Kraków and several surrounding cities, supported in part by two fundraisers that raised $2,084. Of that total, $1,000 was donated to Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian organization serving Ukrainian refugees, with the remainder helping cover student travel costs.
Throughout the trip, students participated in research partnerships with two universities—including the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin—where they collaborated on youth mental-health interventions developed by Dr. Fox. They also joined Polish students in seminar-style discussions, gaining global perspectives on their academic work. Service opportunities with Caritas and Youth With A Mission (YWAM) gave students the chance to meet Ukrainian refugees, hear their stories, and support outreach efforts to disabled adults and individuals experiencing homelessness.
The visit included powerful moments of historical reflection, particularly during the group’s time at Auschwitz. Junior Brianna Victoria-Jaimes described the experience as “one of the most meaningful and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had.” She said that “walking through the camp grounds and seeing the reality of what happened there was heartbreaking,” and that it gave her “a deeper understanding of the pain and suffering caused by hatred,” strengthening her belief in the importance of compassion, tolerance, and remembering history so it never repeats itself.
Victoria-Jaimes also spoke about the beauty and resilience of modern Poland. “From the moment we arrived, I was amazed by how beautiful and historic the cities were,” she said, noting that exploring Kraków offered a glimpse into Poland’s rich culture and architecture. The trip also included lighter moments that brought the group closer together. “Going out to local clubs with my group was a fun way to experience Poland’s modern culture and meet people from around the world,” she said. “Dancing, laughing, and sharing those moments helped me see how universal joy can bring people together no matter where they’re from.”
Reflecting on the entire experience, Victoria-Jaimes said the trip “taught me about history, culture, and human strength,” but also reminded her “to embrace life fully—to learn, to feel, and to connect with others.” She returned home “grateful for the experience and with a stronger appreciation for both the past and the present.”