主要内容
墨西哥Lindo y Querido -我亲爱的墨西哥
作者：Anahi Burciaga
As I sat in Juanita’s office at NWACC, the words about the Mexico 出国留学 program seemed to echo in my mind. 兴奋之情在我心中涌起，但不确定性也在我心中涌起。 我真的可以去吗？
内部对话立刻开始了：
“我能去吗？” 我要去！”
“不，阿娜希，你不能去。 你被修正了，记得吗？ 这太冒险了。”
墨西哥，我美丽而深爱的祖国，通过这个项目欢迎我回来。 The opportunity to return had been a distant dream for over twenty years, and NWACC offered the chance to make it a reality.
Our journey began in CDMX, where the vibrant streets and the imposing Ángel de la Independencia welcomed us. 站在这个历史性的地标前，我感到一阵激动。 我终于回家了——这感觉有点超现实，但又无可否认地正确。
One of the most profound moments was listening to our guide Jaime at the 贝拉斯艺术宫 - Palace of the Fine Arts. As he shared stories of the art and its historical significance, I felt a deep connection to my roots and ancestors. I realized I came from a lineage of resilient, brilliant individuals—warriors who faced challenges with grace and strength. 这是一个深刻的自我认识和接受的时刻。
The program took us to extraordinary places I had only dreamed of, like El Zócalo，大教堂, the 国家博物馆Antropología，瓜达卢佩大教堂， and more. The 墨西哥银行博物馆 provided an engaging look into the history of the Mexican peso. Visiting Frida Kahlo’s Museum and stepping into the house where she had grown up, I felt as though Frida’s spirit was still alive within the walls. Teotihuacan, with its magical pyramids, was amongst my favorite places we visited. If these ancient structures could speak, they would tell tales of a vibrant civilization that flourished long before us. Standing before these awe-inspiring creations, I was once again reminded of the extraordinary achievements of my ancestors.
Casa Tochan在CDMX的一个移民收容所，这是一次感人的经历。 Translated as "Our House" in Náhuatl, it provides refuge for men from around the world seeking asylum. We were welcomed with delicious 就业和 the open hearts of migrants eager to share their untold stories. Hearing the journey of a father with his twelve and nineteen-year-old sons was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength needed in the face of adversity. Their stories illuminated the harsh realities of migration, from the forced departure from their home countries to the discrimination and human rights violations they faced.
Traveling from CDMX to Puebla was a journey filled with breathtaking scenery that words cannot capture. Upon arrival at La Preciosita, we were warmly welcomed by our host mothers, who embraced us as a family—a true reflection of the typical Mexican culture. 不知不觉中，另一场变革的经历等待着他。 Our interactions with the local community and our host mothers were incredibly moving. They shared stories of their families, whom had migrated to the U.S. Their resilience and warmth resonated deeply with me, closing emotional cycles I hadn’t even realized were open. This was both moving and enlightening, offering new perspectives and connections that I will forever carry with me.
我们的最后一站是瓦哈卡，光是回想起来就让我脊背发冷。 It felt as though we were in the right place at the right time. The city was amid its Guelaguetza celebration, an annual indigenous cultural event filled with traditional dances, food, costumes, parades, and performances. Everywhere I turned, there was a new celebration unfolding. It was an incredible experience to immerse ourselves in Oaxaca's rich traditions, from taking part in a chocolate cooking class to reliving a childhood memory with the procession of Our Lady del Carmen. This was the perfect ending to our study abroad in Mexico.
我们对瓦哈卡的访问还包括与当地组织进行有意义的互动。 We met with Drew from Collin A.C., who provides support to migrants traveling through Oaxaca.
Additionally, we connected with Lety from PAM 移民之父), a network of midwives that offers free prenatal and postnatal care to migrant women and babies. Our group split up to aid both organizations, helping with tasks like packing hygiene bags, distributing them, and collecting data. Listening to the stories of migrant families from South and Central America was deeply moving. Despite their tired and restless faces, their determination to pursue a better life was persistent.
每一站——cdmx、普埃布拉/乔卢拉、瓦哈卡——都带来了新的见解和联系。 The study abroad program wasn’t just about academics; it was about reclaiming a part of myself and embracing my heritage. It taught me that despite the challenges and uncertainties, my identity and my story were worth celebrating.
As I boarded the plane back to the U.S., I carried with me not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose and a grateful heart. The journey had been more than a study abroad experience; 这是一次自我发现和自我赋权的旅程。 Mexico, my homeland, welcomed me back, and I returned home ready to honor and embrace my heritage, traditions, and roots more than ever before.
I am forever grateful to everyone involved in putting this program together—Juanita Franklin, Codie Ryan, Sevin Gallo, Léo Tucker, Octavio Gonzalez Nuñez, and most importantly, the anonymous donor who funded our trip. Your contributions have made an immeasurable impact, not only in my life but in the lives of everyone who took part in this program. 言语无法表达我深深的感激之情。
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