As a first-generation Mexican-American student living in New York, I was a little nervous about the leadership in action program. I was afraid that I would be the only first-generation college student or Latina student in the cohort of scholars. I was also afraid of unintentionally harming the community we were supposed to support and encourage. As someone who not only works with vulnerable communities but also identifies as underrepresented in many spaces, the last thing I wanted to do is perpetuate the same “savior complex or mentality” and cause unintentional harm. It’s important for me to note here that historically “mission trips” or the idea of going to a foreign country and performing “volunteer work” can be extremely harmful, dehumanizing, and overall replicating inequality. 

However, Make_Sense Mexico is about serving, empowering, and most importantly listening to Mexican communities both in urban and rural areas and allowing them to be their own leaders. Because leadership to me is community, empowering others, and most importantly making space for everyone. I was also able to meet different Laidlaw Scholars from different countries, ethnicities, and backgrounds all passionate about social justice and change. Thanks to my LiA project I was able to find my community.  

Brenda from MakeSense told us to always hold onto our empathize and embrace our social emotional selves. Noting that many world leaders lack empathy and lack social and cultural awareness. I couldn't agree more. At Make_Sense I felt seen not for being a “leader” but for being a student, a teacher, and most importantly someone who is constantly learning. 

 After the Re_Action for Impact, I will hold closely the experiences and examples of building community and uplifting others. My time in Mexico City and Mexico in general was so beautiful, inspiring, and most importantly empowering. Despite facing many challenges, with the help of my team, IRRI, the Make_Sense team, and our lovely volunteers we were able to see the products of our hard work. I take these lessons of hope, community, and knowledge back with me to the United States. All the beautiful lessons from the farmers, community members, and activists– I hold their words of wisdom deeply with me.

In the end, my team and I:

•  Created 3 reels for IRRI, 3 infographics for IRRI

• Documented 3 events for IRRI to use for promotion and marketing purposes Huerto Tlatelolco, an event at Xochimilco, and the Impact Carnival at Huerto Roma Verde 

• We also submitted a booklet in English

Thank you, Make_Sense Team, IRRI, Laidlaw Foundation, Laidlaw Scholars, and Barnard College for making this possible!