John Jay Chapters: Michelle's experience
Leaving New York City, to venture out to a place where I have never been, was a bit nerve-racking for me but I was excited at the same time. To leave my college of study (John Jay College of Criminal Justice) to study at Na’atik (Language and Culture Institute), was something new to create new memories and experiences. Arriving in Felipe Carrillo Puerto Quintana Roo, Mexico was astonishing and a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of my country of birth Antigua and Barbuda. Although the language spoken may be different as are the way certain foods are prepared, we have so many similarities such as the houses, plants, fruits, and the weather, to name a few.
Being away from my family for two weeks and entering a home where I did not know anyone was very worrisome. Even though I felt this way, my homestay family helped to ease my mind, made me feel at home and I felt safe and comfortable. They treated me as one of their own. My homestay mother, Mrs. Guadalupe is an amazing cook. The food she prepares is so flavorful and it is to die for. Her cooking reminds me of my mother’s cooking. I remember when I first arrived at her home; she would ask me in Spanish, “Que te gustaría comer?” (What would you like to eat?). My response to her was always, “I eat anything. Cook what your heart desires.” She smiles with joy at my response. I could not understand Spanish so my other peers would have to translate for me. It was not that difficult communicating with her because I had my room-mates who speak fluent Spanish to help me with understanding her and vice-versa. Mrs. Guadalupe, or Mama Lupe (that’s what we would call her), is a very humble, loving, and kind individual. My stay with her showed me that she opened her home to everyone including myself. She is well known in the village for her cooking and everyone knows her once you mentioned her name. To add, I slept in a hammock for my two weeks stay at her home and I love it. Actually, it was more comfortable than sleeping in a bed. I am very honored and happy that I was given the opportunity of staying in her home and her being my mother for two weeks.
My experience as a student at Na’atik was one I would never forget. The opportunities to do things, such as learn a new language, was magnificent. Learning the Maya language, culture, and history is something that I have acquired not only for myself but I can pass on my experiences to others. My Maya teacher Miss Linda has taught me so much and now I can communicate a little bit more with the Maya society. For example, I learned how to say my name in Maya, “In kaabae x Michelle”, which means my name is Michelle, “Ma’alo’ob kiin” which means good morning and “Yanten threnti cincoo ja’ab/anos” which means I am thirty-five years old.
More opportunities such as volunteering to teach students who attend Na’atik were presented to me, and I could not pass up such an option. I was able to work with Mr. Paul Allen to help teach his class which ranges from ages five through ten years of age. I did not know what to expect and I did not know how these children would react to seeing me for the first time. At first, the students acted shy, however, within a couple of minutes of introduction, they warmed-up to me which made my time with them an amazing one. Although Spanish is their first language, you can see how motivated and determined they were to learn English. They are very intelligent and have a mind beyond all wonders. They were always smiling and full of energy and charisma. My first-time volunteering was so amazing that I asked to help teach them again and did not regret a moment of it. The fact that they yearn to learn English gives me joy and pleasure teaching them. The word “Na’atik” in Maya means “understanding each other” and the interaction between the class and I brought light to what Na’atik stands for. I am going to miss them daily.
Although my time in Carrillo sounds like all work and no play, I decided to save the best for last. My favorite part of this entire trip was the excursions. Not only did I learn about the Maya culture and history in class, moreover, I was given the opportunity to learn about them by seeing and visiting different places which hold the richness of everything about the Maya. Places such as Balam Nah, The Church of the Talking Cross, Tihuosuco, Coba Ruins, Tulum Ruins, town and beaches, were a few amazing Maya sites I experience first-hand. I climbed up Coba Ruins which is the highest Maya Ruins. Although I was nervous at first, because I am terrified of heights, this was a once in a lifetime experience I could not let pass by. However, even though I enjoyed all of the other excursions, my favorite ones were Kantemo Snake Cave and Muyil Ruins. I really wish I could say more, however, I should leave some of the excitement for the inquisitive mind.
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The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.