I had the amazing opportunity to participate in an education abroad program to Huatulco, Mexico!

It was a really good opportunity for me to be able to go abroad and learn more about my culture.

During my time abroad, I was able to gain so much experience and get close to many children and the community. It impacted me so much. I saw how the community would always stick together and how hard they always worked every day to get income into their homes.

Having the chance to be able to help the children at their schools was something that made me realize the opportunities I have here in the U.S. compared to the opportunities they don’t have in Mexico.

As I got close to the students in the elementary school, they touched my heart so much. They were always happy when we arrived at the school and when we painted parts of their school. Seeing their smiles is what made my whole program.

Thanks to you and them, I am inspired to start a non-profit organization to help children around the world have the opportunity to receive an education and be able to go to a university so they can have a better future. Another reason behind this is that a couple of the children told me how they want to become a lawyer, mechanical engineer, doctor, scientist, etc. and that made me realize I could help them make their dreams come true.

I plan to go abroad again and gain more experiences after participating in this program. Again, I want to thank you so much for giving me this huge opportunity!

Name: Maria Juan Ramirez
Status: Freshman
Major: Business
Hometown: East Lansing, Michigan
Program: International Engagement in Huatulco, Mexico