When I think about who I will be post-study abroad (besides tan) I believe I will be able to better empathize with individuals when talking about groups of oppressed people. I realized during my time here that despite all the tragedies we have talked about regarding colonialism and tourism and the groups they affect, there are real genuine people who lead inspiring and happy lives despite these tribulations. When we talk about the Mayan people fighting for their right to exist we think of this as a collective effort and overlook the individual. Or the peddlers selling bracelets outside 7-Eleven and their efforts to combat tourism. Being able to actively view and participate in these individuals’ lives has given me a new and deeper level of understanding.
For example, my host family in Yaxunah has allowed me to connect with people on an individual level and view them beyond the binary of what minority group they belong to. My host dad Niconor and my host mom Eugenia told Ellie and me how they met. Niconor explained that they both had been married before, and each had one child. They then met and got together and they have their two sons who live with them. I will admit that I didn’t realize a “non-traditional family” (whatever that means) is one that would be openly accepted in Yaxunah. Getting to understand my host family on this deeper and more personal level made me realize that these “Mayan people” we learn about endure their hardships and oppression, can lead successful and happy lives, and are so much more than their labels. This is something I hope to carry with me into my studies and work back in the States.
