Cultural Education & Study Abroad Readiness

The program officially begins tomorrow, so there is much, much more to come, but here is a taste of how the journey to Mexico unfolded. After uniting as a full group for the first time in Chicago, group leader Michelle began a sort of introductory exercise to the travel experience. All six C.E.S.A.R. students, as well as Teneisha, Michelle, and Aaron, were given a piece of paper. On side was the letter 'H'; on the other, an 'F.' Everyone was instructed to write, on each respective side, their biggest hopes and fears for the Mexico program. Hopes ranged from meeting interesting people to experiencing Mexican culture to expansion of one another's worldviews. Fears included getting sick, not making the most of the experience and, in the one-word response of one student, "Dying." Michelle then talked the group through the various fears and hopes that many shared, and discussed how the fears were generally avoidable (particuarly the one involving death!) and the hopes were entirely attainable.

Maya, center, reads a fellow student's 'hopes' for the Mexico program while Nyseha, left, and Pachan, right, look on

The plane ride proved to be a point of excitement for the day. Three C.E.S.A.R. students were riding a plane for the first time, and it was a pleasure to see how enthused they were by the process. Their experience, and the plane ride as a whole, went very smoothly. Some of the students even got to sit in the pilot's seat prior to departure!

Myzel, left, and Michael, right, both first-time fliers, eagerly observe the plane they are about to board

The group, preparing to leave Chicago

Quan proudly sits in the pilot's seat of our airplane!

From left to right, Nyesha, Pachan, and Maya aboard the plane

Arriving in Mexico City was quite an experience in and of itself. The city is home to approximately 20,000,000 people, making it the world's second-largest city. Unlike many American cities, however, Mexico City has few tall buildings and instead is spread over a tremendously large area. We rode a bus for 1 1/2 hours from Mexico City to Cuernavaca, where we will be based for the duration of the C.E.S.A.R. program. The ride itself is only approximately 45 kilometers, but because the city is spread out so far the bus ride takes much longer. It is astounding to see a city of such magnitude, especially at night-as far as you can see in every direction there are buildings and lights. It was quite amazing.

A mural on the Mexico City airport wall

Michael and Myzel clear immigration in Mexico City

Michael retrieves his bag in Mexico City

It is also important to note how warmly we have been welcomed by the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (CCIDD). Although everyone was exhausted from a full day's traveling and, subsequently, went to bed almost immediately, CCIDD has already proven itself a gracious and friendly organization. They served us fresh fruit and other food as soon as we arrived, and their cooks are reputed to be "completely fantastic." The rooms are extremely spacious (approximately 2 beds are allotted for every 1 student!) and the facility includes, among other things, a swimming pool and relaxation area. Needless to say, no one's complaining!

It has already been a full day, and the following days will only be busier and better. I feel confident in speaking for all nine of us involved in this program when I say we have a lot to look forward to, and I fully expect this experience to be nothing short of life-changing for Myzel, Michael, Shacquan, Maya, Nyesha, and Pachan. I will update daily, and as soon as possible will begin incorporating student voices and interpretations of the experience, in addition to summaries and documentation of the C.E.S.A.R. activities.

Until tomorrow,
Aaron