International Engagement in Mexico
Job: Volunteer
Task: Paint Murals
Situation: In the spring of 2024, I took a study abroad program to Oaxaca Mexico. I am a part of the College Assistance Migrant Program at MSU, and we are required to take a study abroad trip for their program. I was assigned to go to Oaxaca Mexico, and we would be stayed there for a week learning about their culture, traditions, while complete volunteer service in the small community that we were assigned to.
Task: My group and I were placed the Elementary program that they had, we would be painting murals for them as well as accomplishing small tasks like gardening and doing some touch ups with the paint lines. I also helped the first graders with their English work that they had to do while assisting their teacher in the process serving as her teacher assistant.
Action: When we first arrived at the site, we had to form out a plan on who would be working in each mural since we had to paint on two different walls, we had five full days to complete the murals as well as completing the gardening tasks and paint sign for the garden as well. We decided to work on the murals once we got our supplies delivered to use since they were the biggest part of our project however they weren’t going to arrive until the second day of our stay. During this time, we split individually and collaborated with the teachers at the school. Once the supplies arrived in the second day, I helped paint one of the murals with three other students while four other students worked on the second mural. Our site leader worked on planting the garden and fixing it up with an assistant that work for the Municiple of the community. Throughout the week we worked hard on completing the murals and giving each other assistance once we were done with the major parts of the project.
Result: Because of the service work that I did while I was at Mexico I learned to work efficiently with a team. I learned the culture and traditions of Oaxaca and in the process, I learnt to be grateful of the things that I have because of the circumstances in which the children in Oaxaca lived in. Arriving there in the first day compared to when we left it was impactful to see all of the children opening up to and knowing that we were able to make an impact expanded my motivation to volunteering around the world and seeing what other communities I can contribute to.