It’s all about people-to-people connections and learning about and celebrating different ways of life.
I hope that, after accompanying me on my journey for a few weeks, you were able to see that learning Spanish can take you places if you put in the dedication. Right now it might seem like Spanish is just another obstacle before graduating. Your connection to Spanish might only go as far as the dusty textbook in your class. As my journey shows, however, language opens up your world to new people, foods, places and job opportunities.
When I was your age, I never would have thought that life would lead me to a small Colombian town and teaching English. In fact, I remember thinking that travel was out of reach, something that was reserved for the wealthiest people and something that I might only be able to enjoy after a long career. Now you know, much earlier than I did, that travel is totally possible. There are multiple ways you can get out and see the world. Peace Corps is just one method to consider that ties together traveling, volunteerism and representing your country.
Last, my other goal with this exchange was to make a case for Colombia, specifically. This beautiful country has somewhat of a nasty reputation in the United States, because some people associate it with drugs and violence, preventing many from visiting it. As you’ve seen, though, the country goes far beyond its conflicted past. Since I’ve been so welcomed in my community, it’s only fair that I try to help Americans see through the outdated stereotypes we have of Colombia to weclome a country as full of diversity and contradictions as our own.
Our exchange ends here, fellow traveler, but you decide if a curiosity for the world is just beginning.
