The Lessons Learned

The lesson learned:                 

                  Ask and American in the United States about Mexico and they will probably respond with places like Acapulco or Cancun. However in leaving Mexico I have realized that these places are the least authentic in representing Mexico. The reason why these areas of Mexico are so well known is because they represent the tourism, which Mexico depends on. However to see true Mexico, and the problems this poor nation faces, one has to visit the small towns and pueblos not directly affected by tourism. Although Oaxaca City, where we have stayed these past few weeks, is affected by tourism one can still see the affects of this poor economy.

                  Looking back on my first day in Mexico and Oaxaca, it was an overwhelming culture shock. Arriving at Becari and later the neighborhood where my home stay was, was nothing like I ever imagined. The city almost seemed scary to me with all the graffiti, crazy traffic, and beggars in the streets. For a middle class neighborhood, this was totally different from my home in the States. However, after entering the school and the home, I learned a very valuable lesson about the city and many places throughout Mexico. “You cannot judge a book by it’s cover” became my slogan for the remainder of the trip when looking at buildings and houses. Although a restaurant may be graffiti covered and run down in appearance from the outside, the inside could be amazing with authentic Mexican food, and beautiful atmosphere.

                  This slogan or idea later became associated with the people of Mexico itself. I learned that due to this government, many of the people of Mexico are suffering and poor. For many fortunate Americans, who have many opportunities, they look down on poor people as being lazy and only victims of the circumstances they have created by dropping out of school or the decisions in which they have made. Here in Mexico, although this may be true in certain situations, the main cause for poverty is the government’s lack of support of these people and a declining economy. Many Mexicans can no longer sustain on farming. This means that they have to find a means of living else where, whether this be as a city street beggar or an artisan in a market. But what happens when tourism declines such as during the 2006 uprising and people can no longer rely on tourism or outside influence for there economy? The answer is even larger amounts of poverty and economic decline.

                  Overall this trip has been an amazing experience. It has opened my eye to a whole new world and has made me appreciate my home community and education which I sometimes take for granted. Things that before my trip, that I may of thought as being entitled to in the United States, things that are guaranteed to me everyday such as food, water, safety and an education I realize are not guaranteed by other nations. Overall this trip has taught me how lucky I am and how much I have to be grateful for. ;/;;

- Greg Kenney