My first week as a Laidlaw Scholar in Medellín was an immersive experience that allowed me to grow personally, linguistically, and professionally. This was my first trip to South America, a continent brimming with rich cultures and dynamic histories. Despite getting to know it through its diasporas in the United States, I felt excited by the endless possibilities that this opportunity would afford me to explore Colombia and this part of South America in all of its richness and color. As my feet touched Medellín soil, I found myself teetering on the edge of the known and the excitingly unknown.

Navigating the city unveiled to me a breathtaking blend of vivid architectural landscapes and the vibrant pulse of daily life. From the Andes mountains laden with colorful buildings in the communas to the bustling streets of the city center, every nook and corner of the city reflected its resilient spirit. This was a city that had rewritten its narrative from being the most dangerous in the world to being dubbed the most innovative in just two decades. Having lived important parts of my life in cities currently suffering from seemingly endless violence and conflict, the remarkable transformation of Medellín resonated with me deeply as a model for the future. This city had once been the epitome of fear and danger, yet had evolved into an emblem of hope and innovation.

Challenges arose as I navigated through the labyrinth of the Spanish language. Despite having studied it for 5 years in secondary school, I found that my ability to express myself was near non-existent despite my ability to understand everything around me. Initial struggles in conversing were gradually replaced with exhilaration as I began stringing together more fluent and nuanced sentences, flexing long-dormant language muscles and rebuilding their strength. The thrill of crossing that linguistic threshold, of shaping thoughts and ideas in a language that I thought had been buried under my more recent linguistic explorations, was truly empowering.

The highlight of my week was developing a project with Sueños y Huellas, an impactful NGO making a real difference in the lives of children, young women, and families in Medellín. My team and I fostered a meaningful project designed to further contribute to the social uplifting of Medellín through empowering its younger generations and improve the accessibility of opportunities. The blend of practical problem-solving driven by design thinking with the dreams of those working to transform their communities redefined my perspective on the applicability of research and the potent role of scholars in shaping societies.

But perhaps the most valuable asset I gleaned from this week were the relationships I forged. The individuals I connected with during this journey, from my fellow scholars in my cohort to our incredible project leads Evelyn and Daniela to UPB students, have imprinted their warmth and wisdom upon me. I cannot wait to see what the upcoming weeks have in store for our experiences together.

Reflecting on this inaugural week, I am humbled and thrilled by the unfolding journey. Being a Laidlaw Scholar with make_sense in Medellín has emboldened me to explore beyond my comfort zone, to bridge linguistic barriers, and to enact meaningful change - shaping me into a more dynamic scholar, passionate explorer, and empathetic global citizen.