For me, the first week in Mexico City is a thought-evoking exploration. The first two days involved:
- Settling down.
- Getting to know the scholars and the organizations.
- Trying new things in the neighborhood.
We learned to unpack the problems and potential solutions for the organizations using the design thinking mode we learned at Impact Hub. We visited Itztapalapa, including the Utopias and a cable-cart trip. We also met and talked to some volunteers at the welcome party. I was so grateful to have experts who had introduced us to the different issues and impacts created by the community. On weekends, we visited Huerto Roma Verde and tried Temazcal, a traditional ceremony. It was a lot of fun and a lot of inspiration. To reflect on this week's experience, I would like to divide it into the following different topics.
Mexico City is facing many challenges, among which socioeconomic and environmental Issues are the most significant. Through the experts' explanations, I learned more about the concerns of air pollution, water supply, waste control, and inequality in this city. My heart was so heavy when we were shown how people are affected by climate change, as floods and droughts damage the city and people's lives. However, it reinforced the importance of the impact created by the community and individuals. I was motivated to learn from the efforts made in Mexico City to deal with these challenges and impact the community. Visiting Itzapalapa, seeing how the Utopias offer educational resources to children, and how cable carts are used as public transport to guarantee people's access to safe and equal transportation, I realized the significance that these impacts on the community is, to increase equality and cope with climate change.
I fell in love with its culture during my first week in Mexico City. I sincerely appreciate the citizens' hospitality, deep culture, and active commitment. When eating at restaurants, I was amazed by how patient and hospitable the people here are. For example, a gentleman in charge of one local restaurant would kindly introduce the special Mexican food and let us try the unique local fruits. I felt the same passion for the Mexican culture as the volunteers we talked to at the welcome party. Some become volunteers in MakeSense to help people in need in this city. Some also introduce us to many details about Mexican food and places. I have so much to learn from them; the awareness of their culture, the willingness to help their community, and the kindness and welcomeness are all so touching.
To turn the inspiration into action in the following weeks, I hope to do more on inclusivity and cultural recognition in the community. During the Temazcal journey, I felt included and secure in this incredible experience of indigenous culture. Attending it allowed more connections between people and the local culture. It was a moment where people were connected to believe in each other and fully appreciate the culture. Speaking of connection and culture, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to those guiding us along the journey and my scholar peers. Scholars in MakeSense Mexico come from very diverse backgrounds. It is incredible to become friends with these fantastic people with whom we share a genuine tolerance of difference, a vital responsibility for the shared living space, and the mutual support we give each other in a new city under new challenges. I feel a sense of belonging in this community, which I am eager to help and commit to.
I look forward to more growth in us and starting work with the organizations in the coming weeks!