Candi, a Mexican American anthropology student based in upstate New York, first visited Na’atik in 2019 as part of a college organized group trip to study about the Maya resistance, Yucatec Maya language and its culture. Since her visit she has maintained a strong interest in Na’atik’s mission and has decided to volunteer her time this summer to help support the school’s immersion and communications teams before permanent staff arrive in time for the new academic year. Today Candi spoke with us about her Na’atik experience and her motivations in returning to work with us here in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

How did you find your John Jay College group immersion experience?

I found the experience eye-opening. As a Mexican from a different part of the country it gave me a deeper understanding of my wider heritage and cultural history. It also drove me to look at other languages such as the Aztec Nahuatl.

What appealed to you about learning Maya?

As a Spanish speaker, learning Maya represented a different way of learning languages and of understanding the history of language. It also tied in with my personal quest to reclaim my identity. The lessons were both challenging and fun. It is a very different language, and the pronunciation was a little difficult at first. The lessons were interactive, and because we were a group, we were able to learn together.

What did you take away from Na’atik back to your life in the US?

I was able to share with friends, family and other students about my experience. It particularly helped me bring up questions with my parents and wider family about my roots. That was how I found out my grandmother spoke Nahuatl and became inspired to learn it myself.

Did you find anything about your first visit particularly challenging?

Other than learning Maya, not really. I mostly felt at home. While the experience of being here was different from spending time with my family in other parts of Mexico, I enjoyed the food, taking part in traditional dance such as Mayapax and learning how to cook in a pib (a traditional Maya underground cooking pit). The similarities and differences between these and the customs where I visit family in Mexico strengthened my desire to know more.

How was the Homestay?

It was amazing! They are still like family to me. The moment I knew I was coming I texted one of my homestay sisters. They have been my connection to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and I don’t think that will change. Since the day I have been back I have seen them regularly, visiting for breakfast several times. I spent time with the family at a birthday celebration over the weekend.

What brought you back to Na’atik?

Na’atik planted a spark in me to know more, to learn more about myself. To look deeper into my heritage and into the culture and languages of the region. To me coming back here to help support Na’atik is part of my desire in the long run to work in areas that I believe in. 

What were you most excited about when you knew you were coming back?

The frappes! They are so good here! Seriously though, I was mostly excited to reconnect with the friends I had made here and enjoy their company again.

What appeals to you about this part of Mexico?

It is mostly the people. You can go anywhere in the region and the people are so welcoming. People will open their homes and share conversation and meals with you. I always really treasure those experiences.

Do you feel visiting Na’atik is beneficial to people of a Latinx heritage living in the US?

Definitely. An immersive program abroad can be an important way to reconnect but also to improve your language. Even if your heritage is not Mexican, learning about the shared Latin American history and roots is valuable. I would support the idea of anyone giving it a try.

What have you found different about being here on your own and for a longer period?

I feel like I am taking things easier, I don’t need to rush around to see and do things. I can live a day-to-day life that is more typical of the city. I can think about what it really means to live here and get a better insight into people’s lives. 

Is there any advice you would give to anyone thinking about visiting Na’atik?

I would say to be open to the experience while being mindful of the space you are in. I would say to ask questions and to go outside of your comfort zone speaking whichever language you are learning whether that is Spanish or Maya. The city region has a lot to offer. Try it all!

We would like to thank Candi for all the work she is doing to help us during her time here at Na’atik and wish her the best when she returns to her studies in New York. We hope she continues to stay connected to Na’atik and the Felipe Carrillo Puerto community.

If you are interested in finding out more about studying Maya or Spanish here at Na’atik or online, please get in contact with us at say@naatikmexico.org or click here