Mi Casa Es Tu Casa — Learning Through Shared Experiences

Learning Through Shared Experiences

Before my friends from Montreal left after a weekend visit, my friend smiled and said, “Mi casa es tu casa.” I had never heard the phrase before and was curious about its meaning. Later, I learned that it is Spanish for “My house is your house.” It’s an expression of openness, belonging, and trust — an invitation to feel at home, not just in someone’s space but in their heart.

That phrase stayed with me. From my curiosity came reflection — on friendship, on parenting, and on what it means to share life and learning with others truly.

We had spent the day together — starting with the West Point football game and ending with the New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Two completely different worlds: one rooted in discipline, service, and tradition; the other in energy, excitement, and community spirit. Yet both reminded me that learning and belonging happen through shared experiences.

My friend came with his ten-year-old son. Watching them together was a quiet lesson in parenting. No devices. No rush. Just presence. When we adults began talking about politics, the boy said softly, “I’m lost.” His father turned to him and asked, “What do you want to know?” — and patiently explained. Later at dinner, the boy waited until everyone had finished eating, then asked politely if he could leave the table and cleared his plate.

Such small moments, yet full of meaning. They reminded me that good manners, curiosity, and respect begin at home — not through instruction, but through example.

Reflecting on this weekend through my I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. lens, I realized how naturally each element of learning revealed itself:

• I — Image: What is our role as adults in the process of learning? How we see a child shapes who they become. His father saw him as capable, curious, and worthy of explanation.

• N — Nurture: What do we want to nurture? Growth happens when curiosity meets compassion.

• S — Self-Mastery: Learning self-control, patience, and awareness begins with everyday habits — like waiting, listening, and showing gratitude.

• P — Play & Practice: Through play, children explore the world; through practice, they make meaning of it.

• I — Inquiry: Every “Why?” opens a path toward understanding. Children’s questions invite us to think, listen, and connect.

• R — Reflection: By pausing to notice what matters, we transform moments into insight.

• E — Experience & Empowerment: Experience builds confidence; empowerment grows from trust.

• D — Design & Documentation: When we record and reflect on life’s small stories, we shape the narrative of our becoming.

That weekend reminded me that we don’t need grand lessons to learn — we just need presence. Friendship, parenting, and growth all begin with openness, time, and love shared around a table.

And perhaps, in the end, that is what “Mi casa es tu casa” truly means.