Final Days

As far as my internship goes, I was able to see a lot of Oaxaca that even the other interns were not able to see. For work, I traveled to Vergell, Xoxohutlan, Etla, Zuetla, Mihuatlan, and many other places. At these places, I was able to see how people at the bottom of the pyramid really work; it is not because they are lazy, or because they don't have resources, or even because it's simply not possible. These people have resources (Fuentes is providing some of them) and they work hard, but the problem is that they don't always know how to use the resources that they have; they do not understand the importance of saving, and they are lacking education. It is so important for a business major, especially an international business major to witness and understand how the bottom of the pyramid functions. This internship changed my thinking on many levels. I think it would be nice to do research to figure out which people at the bottom would do the best with certain types of resources. After this research is conducted, I believe that companies that provide to the bottom would be able to have as much success as possible.

A trip like this can and will change your life. I am 21 years old, a person of more international travel experience than the average college senior, and I came to Oaxaca looking for my next step. I only have 24 credits left, and I know that the end of my college life is rapidly approaching. Therefore, I knew I needed to keep my ears and eyes open for anything that may spark my interest. I had many goals when I first arrived in the Oaxaca airport..from improving my Spanish, to meeting new people, to learning the fine details of microfinance, but most importantly, I wanted to find a reason to return. I more than completed my goal during my last few weeks in this wonderful city. The end of my trip has been, by far, the most exciting weeks of my life. I have been able to experience a Temascal (a spiritual, cultural ritual, common in Mexico), visit Huatulco as well as the surrounding beaches, and Mexico City all because of one person. Coincidentally enough, this person is looking to start a pasta business made with all organic products in downtown Oaxaca. He is attending culinary school and is in the process of receiving a government grant for the restaurant. Also, he plans to grow all of the necessary crops on the land that his father has given him. What does this mean for me? Well, he loves to cook, not handle paperwork and control finances, therefore, he needs someone to handle the business aspect of the restaurant. How perfect. I can help him with that, while he is helping me achieve my life goals. Now, at 21 years old, I have plans to return to Oaxaca in May of 2013 after I graduate, to carry out goals that I have had for many years.

Without this trip, I would not have been able to even think about any of these plans. Thanks to Oaxaca, ProWorld, Fuentes Libres, my host family, and most importantly Victor, I have new plans.