My main expectation in studying abroad over this coming winter quarter is to familiarize myself much more with the Spanish language. I feel that learning in the classroom without immersing myself in the culture I am studying can only take me so far regarding my speaking ability. I expect to open myself up to another culture in the hope of broadening my own experience as a person as well as shifting the way I view the world. I don't think I'm taking any stereotypes of the Mexican culture with me when I travel. I try not to blanket any particular culture with a specific characteristic and I have a hard time being around anyone who does.

Since I said beforehand that I make
an effort not to subscribe to stereotypes, I would say that none of what I
heard from others about Mexico really turned out to be true. I traveled
solo to many locations that people said were horribly dangerous to travel to
and encountered good people 99% of the time. Especially while solo I met
incredibly nice people interested in conversation or helping me to learn more
about the history of their country. Being in Mexico I hope has changed the
direction of my life and what I expected to find I found, along with so much
more. This country is incredible and deserving of so much and I hope to
make a return trip with a swiftness that you cannot fathom.