Sahamara Mariscal and Brisa Beltrán, nutrition undergraduates, left phones and belongings behind to complete practical training inside the regional justice center.
The shift from academic classrooms to a correctional facility cafeteria tested expectations about food handling and institutional dynamics.
Fruit and vegetable disinfection, environmental contamination prevention, and rigorous cleaning surprised Mariscal given the preconceived notions she carried into the facility.
Beltrán chose the placement independently out of curiosity regarding the physical plant, staff, and daily operations. Rather than finding the precarious conditions and hostile atmosphere she anticipated, she discovered a cooperative environment supported by kitchen workers, administrative staff, and guards.
Beltrán noted that the immersion helped develop her empathy, observing that individuals cannot be defined solely by past offenses or their current environment.
Mariscal realized that nutritional science has a measurable impact across diverse societal contexts, demanding structural organization, personal responsibility, and teamwork.
| Parameter | Initial Expectation | Observed Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Conditions | Precarious and difficult | Organized with strict hygiene protocols |
| Operational Atmosphere | Hostile environment | Collaborative staff and positive dynamics |
| Professional Impact | Limited applicability | High relevance in diverse institutional contexts |
Una práctica que empecé con miedo y con expectativas bajas terminó enseñándome a mirar más allá, y a valorar la importancia de nuestra profesión en cualquier contexto.
- Gaceta UDG.
Al otro lado de los muros: una mirada desde las prácticas en una prisión.
Universidad de Guadalajara. - World Health Organization. Food Safety and Institutional Catering Guidelines. Geneva: WHO.
- Pan American Health Organization. Health in Prisons: Nutrition and Public Health Standards. PAHO/WHO.
