Stereotypes

            When I think of stereotypes of Mexican people and Mexico I usually disagree with them. Some Stereotypes I have heard is that the people in Mexico are very poor and they work for very little wages. This may be true but I have seen firsthand that the Mexican people are very hard workers and will do jobs that most Americans will not do. I’ve also heard numerous times that Mexican men will not hesitate to stare at American women or shout things at them such as “cat calls.” I’ve been to Mexico in high school and this is somewhat a true stereotype but not representative of all Mexican people. Most stereotypes I do not believe in but I know they exist. I am excited to visit Merida and see positive stereotypes that I know exist. After this quarter I hope to bring some of these positive stereotypes back to America and share with family and friends.

I have had some stereotypes shattered here while in Merida. I have seen first hand that Mexican people are very hard workers and will do most jobs that people in America will not do. I have learned many new and positive stereotypes while being here that I plan on taking back with me to share in the states. Most, if not all, Mexican people here are friendly and are willing to help you learn the language and culture. I have made new and positive stereotypes while in Merida and shattered my old stereotypes.

Expectations

            By immersing myself in the Mexican culture I am hoping to improve my Spanish skills through communication with local people as well as improving upon my grammatical skills. I am expecting to experience an unforgettable quarter that I will look back upon as the best quarter in my college career. Lastly, the cultural experience will undoubtedly be a powerful experience through culture and traditional customs I would not achieve by staying in Athens this quarter.

I have met my expectations, which was to immerse myself into Mexican culture. Also, I improved speaking and communication skills through the local people here. I have also learned so much about the culture through our program excursions that I would not have achieved in Athens during winter quarter. I have achieved my ultimate expectation of having an unforgettable experience as well meeting many life long friends now.