Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
On May 7, 1999, The San-Diego Union-Tribune published an article on the experiences of students in a world religions class at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, California. Paul Carmona, chairman of humanities and performing arts at Cuyamaca and professor for the course, asks that his students visit two religious communities other than one's own, one Eastern and one Western. Carmona commented on the changes that take place within the students as a result of these visits: "There seems to be a paradoxical side of it, where a lot of them aren't ready to accept the equality of other religions but somehow or other they are more accepting and tolerant." Student Wendy Palladino mentioned that the visits "break down a lot of stereotypes." Heather Elliott was one of the few students to visit a mosque, a situation that Carmona feels is partly to be blamed on "unflattering media depictions." Elliott stated that she was hesitant to go at first, but she feels more informed now. Student Rebecca Kane stated: "I think doing these projects allowed me to have an open mind." Student Said Habib stated: "I honestly feel that this class has changed me."