Every evening as we leave the community of Picacho, the lights of the households begin to shine, always reminding me of the lyrics from "City of Stars" in La La Land:

City of stars

Are you shining just for me?

City of stars

There's so much that I can't see

Who knows?

Is this the start of something wonderful and new?

Or one more dream that I cannot make true?

These words encapsulate my feelings as I navigate my second week in Medellín. I am unsure if the stars shine just for me, but I know that each household here has its own story, much like mine, which starts with cultural exchange and discovery.

Cultural Exchange and Volunteer Engagement

On Monday at Picacho con Futuro, we began planning our environmental sustainability education activity, focusing on upcycling plastic water bottles into plant pots. After discussing our action plan with the director, we walked around the community. We discovered a cultural centre that had previously conducted a similar project, in which they hung some plant pots upcycled with plastic water bottles in the yard. This discovery was like finding a hidden constellation, showing that the community already had initiatives to address waste management challenges. It highlighted the proactive approach of the community, shining like a constellation of efforts towards sustainability.

Our team was then invited to a cultural centre to make clay crafts with the children. I created a plate with a person showing his hands as if giving a hug. This experience brought back memories of my childhood art classes, where the act of creation felt like a pure expression of self. The diverse artworks in the classroom reflected the community's thoughts—some were brutally expressive, while others were more reserved. These pieces, like stars, each conveyed unique messages and emotions, illuminating the struggles and hopes of the people here. It was in these moments of shared creativity that I felt deeply connected to the community, understanding that each star has its light and story.

Building Routines and Reflecting on Advice

Before my departure to Medellín, I had a valuable conversation with my professor from Brazil. She advised me that, to be a better speech therapist, I should observe people more, especially those I am not familiar with, like the elderly. Taking her advice to heart and aiming to keep myself healthy during the hectic schedule of the Leadership in Action project, I joined morning gym classes at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), a university where we are constantly working with and recruiting volunteers. It was surprising to see so many elderly participants in the class, all striving to keep themselves healthy and active—a sight I did not often observe in Hong Kong. They were welcoming and friendly, eager to introduce themselves to me. Some of them were very good at speaking English, and I soon discovered they were professors from UPB.

Their presence highlighted the contrast between Laureles, where UPB and our residence are located, and Picacho, a local community on the top of a mountain. In Laureles, the elderly are active, well-educated, and have access to excellent facilities and resources. In contrast, Picacho is a poorer community where such opportunities and amenities are scarce. The elderly in Picacho do not have the same access to recreational and educational activities, and the disparity in living conditions and quality of life is profound. These contrasts, like different constellations in the same sky, each told a unique story, revealing the diverse layers of the city.

Observing and Learning from the Community

Visiting Sueños y Huellas, a community centre that another group of scholars is working with, was another illuminating experience. We were divided into groups to lead different activities; some led a drawing class while my group danced to "YMCA," a campfire song I have known since middle school. The activity quickly turned chaotic as the kids went crazy, leading us to shift to playing football and hide-and-seek. It was fun and enlightening, offering insights into another organisation's operations. This experience reminded me that flexibility and adaptation are crucial when working with diverse groups. By midweek, despite my exhaustion, I felt more connected and committed to our project, like a star growing brighter through collaboration.

This week, we also organised a volunteer engagement picnic around UPB. Meeting the volunteers, and learning about their studies, weekly schedules, and motivations was enriching. It provided a broader perspective on how young people in other parts of the world live and manage their lives. This exchange of cultures and ideas was like the stars illuminating different aspects of life. It also gave me a sense that we are getting more support and not working alone, especially having new perspectives added to our project, which may provide recommendations for us to improve.

Exploring the City and Its Contrasts

Every Friday, we have a dinner gathering called Foodie Friday. This week, we dined at El Poblado, a district known for its wealth. The stark contrast between this affluent area and Picacho was evident in the prosperity and security, contrasted with the presence of drug dealers. This cultural shock made me wonder about the deeper stories within these contrasting worlds. Each area, like a different galaxy, contained its complexities and challenges, reminding me that every star in the sky has a unique path and history.

To escape the hustle and bustle, we visited Park Arvi over the weekend. Travelling by cable car, I was reminded of my childhood trips to Ocean Park in Hong Kong. The natural scenery was a relief after a hectic week, and seeing hummingbirds for the first time was mesmerising. As a birdwatching enthusiast, witnessing these vibrant creatures in a new environment was both thrilling and humbling. This escape into nature provided a moment of reflection and connection to the diverse ways of life in Medellín, reminding me that the city is full of hidden stars waiting to be discovered.

Reflecting on Comuna 13

On Sunday, we visited Comuna 13, a community once known for its drug trade and violence, now transformed into a vibrant tourist spot with pubs, souvenir shops, and loud music. I was almost amazed by the outdoor escalator, which reminded me of the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world in Hong Kong, connecting Central to the Mid-Levels. This innovative solution, along with the installation of a cable car network, was crucial in improving mobility for residents living on the steep hillsides and symbolises the significant transformation the area has undergone.

Historically, Comuna 13 was one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín, controlled by guerrilla and paramilitary groups. The notorious Operation Orion in 2002 was a military offensive aimed at regaining control but resulted in significant civilian casualties and deep scars on the community. Over the years, however, the community showed incredible resilience. Through government investments in social programs and infrastructure, and the rise of street art and cultural projects, Comuna 13 transformed into a symbol of hope and creativity.

The vibrant graffiti now contrasts sharply with the area's troubled past, depicting stories of struggle, resilience, and hope. As I looked at the scenery from the lookout, I wondered about the community's history and resilience. How did people survive such constant conflict? How can we achieve peace and social resilience? These reflections extended beyond Medellín to my hometown, prompting me to consider how we can find common ground for peace. Comuna 13 is like a star that has transformed, shining brightly despite its turbulent past.

Conclusion

Time flies, and I have less than a month left in this city. There are still many hidden stories yet to be discovered. I wonder if there will be another wonderful story starting soon and whether our efforts in educating the children about environmental sustainability will make a lasting impact.

Medellín, with its vibrant culture and welcoming people, is indeed a city of stars, full of hidden stories and endless possibilities. As I strive to contribute to this community, I am also learning and growing in ways I never imagined. Here is to hoping that our efforts, no matter how small, can spark a change and make a difference in this beautiful city. Each experience here adds another star to my constellation, illuminating the path forward.