Hey everyone, welcome to my journey as a social and environmental innovation volunteer in Mexico City!

To start us off, here is a sneak peek of my creative reflection: Each day, I asked myself what color I would use to describe that day, and here are the results so far:

The first week in Mexico City has deeply impressed me with its duality. From the rooftop, I see skyscrapers in one direction and densely packed houses in another. The cityscape includes uneven pavements and endless staircases, but I also witness the Utopia project, which brings cultural life to the most impoverished municipality, Iztapalapa. Despite warnings about high crime rates and gender inequity, I am surrounded by kindness and hospitality everywhere I go. Mexico City is engaging and fascinating in so many ways, and I eagerly anticipate further exploration.

I notice many similarities between Mexico City and some cities in my home country, China. This observation has enhanced my understanding of the concept of “trans-locality.” It may not always be ideal for every locality to strive towards global standards, given the inherent disparities and diversity.

In terms of work, our team and the Rennueva representative collectively developed the problem statement of "How might we improve the implementation of the digitization process to ensure Rennueva has a smooth transition for clients and staff towards higher efficiency and impact?" We are excited to recruit the volunteers and start on the project!

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

(The most important question of this week )

For the first week, I am inclined to modify this question to “What did I learn about myself when living with others?” Living in communal housing with four other girls from different countries is a completely new experience for me. Fortunately, everyone has been kind and willing to communicate about living habits and house rules.

I am very inspired by how well all the scholars on the Make Sense team embody the Laidlaw values, and I am delighted to explore the city with them.

What went well?

I was able to settle down smoothly and quickly in a completely new country, with no trouble regarding SIM cards, transportation, or finding grocery stores. Additionally, the living supplies I brought have proven to be very useful—thanks to my dormitory experiences. This made me reflect on the development of adaptability; part of it stems from the privilege of studying abroad and traveling, and the other part from being independent and continually learning life skills.

What could have been done differently?

I wish I had taken my Spanish classes more seriously and reviewed them carefully before arriving, so I could at least hold basic conversations with vendors and volunteers. 

What did I learn about leadership?

This week, I focused on self-awareness and research and project management skills. Through collaboration with my teammates, I discovered how my skills contribute to the team, such as document management and project pacing. My design background also plays a crucial role, as we are using the Design Thinking Framework for our project, guided by Make Sense.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I aim to learn how to maintain my personal goals and work, and become more efficient and determined in doing so.

Overall, my first week in Mexico City has been a transformative experience, filled with contrasts and connections that have broadened my perspective. From navigating the complexities of a new city to living harmoniously with a diverse group of peers, I have learned valuable lessons in adaptability, cultural appreciation, and teamwork. As I continue this journey, I am eager to further develop my skills, deepen my understanding of social and environmental issues, and contribute meaningfully to our projects. This week has set a promising foundation for the impactful and enriching experiences ahead.