I'm five weeks into my LiA in Mexico City, and time is flying by. This also means that my project is about to conclude. It's surreal to say that just a few weeks ago, I was prototyping the puppet and game I was to create for Las Sabinas, and now I have fully completed versions. I'm not a particularly crafty person, and this project took me well beyond my comfort zone. However, I feel so incredibly proud of the progress of my deliverables and of the entire team I worked with. It's easy to look at my project and think, "well, they're just puppets"; however, in thinking about the long-term goals and uses for Las Sabinas, I am happy to know they will be used to teach difficult concepts to children and empower them to use their voice and understand that they hold rights and autonomy. This week, I finished working on my puppet, adding on small details like a journal and headphones, and spent a lot of time finishing up set design. My biggest highlight of the week was when one of our project volunteers crocheted everyone on the team an Axolotl keychain to take home. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture; axolotls carry a lot of mythological and historical significance in Mexico, and they are painted and portrayed all across the city.
Outside of my project, I have had a truly fantastic week. One of my close friends from Georgetown is visiting, and she even came in to help with my project one day! Additionally, we also went to the Palacio de Bellas Artes to see a ballet, and it was such an incredible production. The music, the dresses, and the colors were stunning, and the energy was palpable. When I came to Mexico City, it took a while to get adjusted, and now it feels special to get to show a friend around.
I've been doing a lot of reflection on my LiA, especially as a central project. I was originally worried I took the easy way out on my LiA, that my experience might be worth less since I didn't plan out every detail. However, I've had quite the opposite experience. The program directors for Make_Sense Mexico, Keni and Aide, have been such great supports through the entire 6 weeks, teaching us various methodologies for our projects and keeping us on track. Working at Las Sabinas has proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. All of their work is volunteer-based, and everyone does their work out of genuine care for their community. Working alongside Pam and Claudia, my points of contact at Las Sabinas, has been amazing. I have learned so much from them through conversation and interacting with them in the office.
Here's to one more week in Mexico!
- Mara