I have learned, un-learned, and re-learned many things over the past six weeks. I do not understand that my time here in Colombia is coming to an end. Simultaneously, I feel that my learned lessons will linger and shape my future path in life.

At this moment, I am touched by all the incredible people I have met within and beyond the project, knowing it will be a difficult week of goodbyes to them and this city.

 Downtown Medellín, Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Medellín

Monday, August 12^th was the first day of showcases and we went to downtown Medellín to join Casa Tres Patios’ guided tour. It was such an enriching experience to walk through the town and listen to Tony’s and Karolina’s stories about the city. We were asked to observe and take notice of smells, sounds, colours, and markers of the city. I think downtown is like most big cities. It holds space for all the contrasts; the big office buildings, beautiful old villas, as well as broken-down houses. The smells range from fresh air to old urine. Somehow, downtown feels less green compared to Laurelles (where we live) or other areas in Medellín. However, it is still the greenest downtown area I have ever explored, drawing my attention away from the smell of urine and the stark signs of poverty and prostitution that fade in between the leafy trees. Continuously, I learn to sense the land I am walking upon.

This was the roughest area I have been to here in Medellín, hiding behind the green leaves.

This week of showcases resembles the conclusion of our different projects. How have we already reached this point? It feels as if my time here is only just beginning. I am only just starting to grasp the outer edges of this city, its culture, its people, and its language. Yet, rationally, I know that it is ending.

Tuesday, August 13^th was the day of our showcase in Picacho. We had planned an afternoon with two activities, concluding it with a minor exhibition of what the children had done throughout the past weeks.

 Plastic Archway

Oliver was the main responsible for the first activity. We created an engineering problem/task where the children had to build an archway out of plastic that everyone could walk under. It was a collaborative activity, aiming to show the children some of the basic considerations when recycling plastic; (1) inclusivity when building for your entire community (group), and (2) inequality in access to plastic (some pieces of plastic are more useful than others).

Final reflections with the children

I was the main responsible for the other activity, which was a concluding reflection exercise. We asked the children to draw and write about their experiences over the past six weeks. What had they liked and learned? What did they not like? What did they think about sustainability now? All their pieces were thoughtful and largely connected to how sustainability impacts their everyday lives with their families.

The entire afternoon was a lot of fun. Juan and Yonathan (volunteers) were incredible at both guiding the activities and taking ownership of how they unfolded. I felt proud, recognising the subtle but profound difference between managing and running an activity. It felt as if we were finally stepping into the role of leadership by stepping back and empowering the people around us.

Wednesday, August 14^th was one of those days that slowly but steadily gets better and better. We started at UPB, finishing our Design Thinking Methodology sessions. I believe that the lack of energy and absence of people in the classroom indicates that we stay up late, soaking up time together. It felt similar to my high school classroom on Friday mornings where everyone had been out the night before…

In Sueños y Hellas  

As the day progressed and the coffee consumption increased, we were ready to go to Sueños y Hellas for their showcase. It was an affirming afternoon because I first-hand experienced how their activity with children was just as chaotic as ours. The entire team did well, and it was wonderful witnessing their hard work coming together so nicely (integrating childhood's chaotic and curious nature). At this point, though, I was tired. I learned that there is such a thing as too much coffee, resulting in a hideous headache.  

However, my headache slowly disappeared as I stepped outside for some fresh air as well as meditated when we returned home. In the evening, I saw a friend. We went to the only jazz club in Medellín – a truly charming house where traditional folk music from the Andes plays. The performance that night was by a musician from Ecuador who sang beautifully. Meanwhile, I cherished the fact that it felt like I was living in a movie.

 Thursday's goodbye to Picacho volunteers

Thursday, August 15^th and Friday, August 16^th were days of difficult goodbyes.

On Thursday, we said goodbye to the children in Picacho in the afternoon. In the evening, we said goodbye to all the volunteers from Picacho at the farewell party. The goodbye with the children was a happy but sad moment. I felt so touched by the precious time we had spent getting to know them and learning about sustainability alongside them. Among all else, the children have taught me that we are intimately and intuitively connected with nature, and they have shown me how instantly we build community with each other.

Friday's goodbye to the group of scholars and Daniela

On Friday, we Laidlaw scholars said a final goodbye to each other and Daniela. I feel so grateful to all of them; for what they have done for me and their immense support throughout my time in Medellín. I do not know what else to write at this moment. We are parting ways and I hope our paths will cross again.

Finally, I am beyond thankful for having learned, un-learned, and re-learned things about life together with them all here in Medellín.