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What I Learned Studying In Mexico

A sneak peek into the two weeks in Mexico that helped me grow as a person.

Shashank Sharma

Jan 18, 2016

Ohio Wesleyan University

Shashank Sharma

Jan. 8, 2015 in Bucerias, Mexico.

Exactly three months ago, I received an email informing me that they loved my application and would like to set up an interview with me as soon as possible. I've come a long way since then and a lot has happened. Today, I will be visiting Puerto Vallarta with the 11 other interns as we get ready to say Adiós to Mexico.

Yesterday, I gave a presentation along with my marketing consulting group that I was a part of while working with a local, who is a baker. The past two weeks, I have spent interning for Human Connections in Bucerias, Jalisco, Mexico. Definitely the best winter break ever!

So what was I doing in my time in Mexico? Well, I was working for the above mentioned social enterprise. For those who aren't familiar with this term, it is an organization that has a social mission and has a revenue generating business model. The profits are used towards making a social impact rather than given to external shareholders.

I, personally, love what they do because they work with low-income artisans and micro-entrepreneurs who come from humble backgrounds and connect them with students like me to provide professional experience for the interns and business opportunities for the client.

Frankly, I never really expected to learn so much in the short period of two weeks that I was there. I was a part of a consulting group for this past week with three interns, and our client needed help with marketing. The culture in Mexico is so different from the United States and in my time there, I learned to adapt to it while working with my client as well as with the other interns in my group.

Internalizing the idea that we were there for them (the clients) and it is their goals that are priority was important for us. Beyond that, coming to terms with the fact that in the time I was there, I'm not going to be able to revolutionize their business, and that was OK because that's not what I'm there for. The goal was to take their objective and facilitate progress towards that objective however I can.

But the best part about this internship was that it was not all work and no play. I got to visit five different beaches, one of which can only be accessed by a boat. I ate my fill of quesadillas, tacos, churros and birria, which is a spicy stew that is made using mutton or beef.

I came to the realization that margaritas are so much better on-ice rather than the frozen kind (blended ice). I got to visit EntreAmigos, the founder of which has been honored by the Dalai Lama himself. I also got to visit the La Bodeguita del Medio in Puerto Vallarta and got to salsa to live music.

It's safe to say that I have grown immensely, personally as well as professionally. I am sharing this with all of you because this is something that you can do as well, and I can help with that. Getting the funding and making this happen was definitely challenging to say the least, but it was absolutely worth it.

Until next time,

S.S.

P.S. If you want to see more pictures, click here.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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