During my stay in Puebla, Mexico, there was one event in which I feel could sum up my whole experience studying abroad. I spent my last Friday in Puebla hiking the Malinche volcano with a few friends. There were many challenges as well as unforgettable moments during my hike, and I think my trip up the mountain had some parallels to my time abroad.
The planning of the hike was much like the planning of this program. I decided to go and then immediately had doubts. I googled and planned and prepared for both, one for a few days and the other for a few months. I had that same mix of fear for the unknown and excitement for what lies ahead. I was nervous to go abroad because I did not know anyone else on my program and I did not know the safety of Puebla. My nerves came back just before the hike because I was worried about wild animals and terrain and an unknown path. But, for both events my experience turned out the best way possible. I have made some incredible bonds with the people in my program that I know will carry on back at the U of A in the Fall.
The hike started off with a lot of chatter and excitement from the group, but as time wore on challenges arose. The challenges of this program took some time to overcome, but they were well worth it. The language barrier made my Spanish improve majorly, as well as the courses taken while at the University in Puebla. My class was for medical professions, and I learned so much about the Mexican healthcare system. All of this will help me in my future career as a doctor because of my work in class and in the hospital. I welcomed these challenges because I knew they would help me in the long run. Just like on the hike, the challenge paid off. Sometimes the path was steep and my legs were tired, but once we got above the treeline all the hard work was worth it.
Once above the treeline of Malinche, the view was absolutely spectacular. This was like all of the weekend trips throughout the program. We visited many historical sites around central Mexico and got to climb countless pyramids. This was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so thankful to have been able to spend it with some of the best people I have ever met. In our free time we would just explore the sites and take in the beauty that is Mexico.
After hiking to the summit of Malinche we were able to see everything around. This reminds me of a night my friends and I went to the Estrella de Puebla. It was a giant ferris wheel that overlooked all of Puebla. We each pointed out our different neighborhoods and all the sights we had seen so far. There is something beautiful about seeing the world from a high point of view. It reminded me how big the world is and the experience was very humbling. At the top of Malinche I reflected on all the people that had made this difficult hike just to see what I saw. The was like when we were at the pyramids and we learned how the indigenous people built them many many years ago.
The way back down the volcano was kind of like the bittersweet ending to the program. We were tired from the hike and honestly a bit excited to get back to the city. Toward the end of the program I started feeling homesick, missing not only my family and friends but the American culture as well. My friends on the trip helped me to feel more at home and I knew it would be so hard to leave them, even if there was only a month and a half before the Fall semester started. The last weekend was kind of long and filled with packing. I knew that I needed to cherish every moment with my house mom and my friends, but it was hard when I was excited to go home. On the way down the volcano, time went by so slow. It felt much longer to go down the volcano, even though it took almost half the time.
Once back at the bottom of Malinche, was exhausted but also very proud of myself. The hike was more difficult than I expected, but I pushed through and had the most memorable time. Compare this to getting off the plane in America, and the feeling was about the same. I knew the first thing I wanted to do back in the States was get Chinese take out and spend time with my family. The first night I was home, I was very happy to be back. After a few days, however, I missed Mexico. I missed my host mom, the friends I made, my hospital, and all of the adventures I went on. This has truly been such a great experience that had changed my life, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to expand their horizons and have the trip of a lifetime.
