“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Roy T. Bennett
I have been here in Barcelona, Spain for a week so far and I have experience so much in such a little amount of time. I am currently in the honeymoon/vacation phase of my trip still and seeing the city and ancient buildings around me have been nothing but a dream. I have started classes and they seem really interesting. I love exploring the city and recognizing all the art and culture this city has to offer. One big thing I have noticed being on this trip is how little of minorities actually get to travel abroad.
As a Mexican-American I am one of the 4 people who are fully fluent in Spanish in my program. I think it is interesting how many students actually came to Barcelona not knowing or knowing very few words in Spanish. After meeting most of them, I can notice how little of them actually have been exposed to “diversity”in their life. Most of them grew up in a small city and went to school in the same town where they grew up. I feel a little out of place being a first gen. and a minority studying abroad. Most of the students cannot pronounce my name or tell me
“Okay, but how do you say it in English?” or
“ahaha I can’t say it with the accent” or
Their eyes grow big and they just shout “WHAT?!?!?!?”
It’s a little frustrating because my name is in English….It has no accent it is just how to properly pronounce my name. But this has probably been the first Hispanic name that they have been exposed to. When I was smaller I hated my name because most people could not pronounce it. But in a way, now, it makes me feel even more proud to be Mexican. Although it is a little uncomfortable to be such a small group of minority, it helps me realize my power, and how I can accomplish things just like any other student if I work hard for it.
The biggest reality check is that so little groups of minorities actually get the opportunity to travel abroad. At least for me, this scholarship was a massive help in allowing me to travel the world. Any advice to minorities thinking about traveling abroad or going to, you will feel alone. Especially in a predominately white program, but you are there for a reason. You made it just like any other student on that program. Being in Spain and actually knowing the language I feel closer to the people here because they automatically know I am Mexican and feel more comfortable to speak Spanish with me. I feel closer and more connected to the land here and the people. Nothing and no one can rip that away from me.
Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona (:
Thalia's Blog in Barcelona, Spain 