Week of May 28

Living in Mexico has been a positive experience. All of the communities we’ve traveled to have been welcoming. The food is delicious, and the internship has been a success.  Over the last weekend, my group and I went zip lining at La Playa Grande in Puerto Vallarta. We met Daniel, who was one of the owners of the entire park. This man inspired me by showing how hard work could pay off. They started from scratch with just a mountain range in Puerto Vallarta. Daniel and a team of individuals bought the land acre by acre until they were able to set up zip lines from mountain to mountain. Wild life was a temporary issue and to combat it they planted motion sensor cameras in scattered locations. These cameras are able to detect animals like cheetahs, pumas, and other wild life that lurk at night. Once spotted the camera flashes a picture and alerts headquarters of the exact location of the animal and time. During Daniels presentation they had a handful of photos for us to look through. These photos were amazing and frightening at the same time. Also, Daniels crew were building huts for overnight use. I would describe the land as a paradise. Daniel had a team and invested in something that could profit him, his family, his team and bring joy to thrill seekers. The idea of it all is almost genius. His ideas never settled for less; therefore, inspiring me to be open minded to bigger pictures. Mexican culture is something special. The people here hustle hard to take care of their own and I take notes to be able to do the same for mine. One day, I would like to be a leader. It could be for a community, boy and girls club, a company or even my family. I think everything that occurs in life is either going to hurt you or make you stronger. We are not just on this earth to take up space. I feel everyone has their purpose in life and it’s their job to figure out what it is. On my behalf, I’m not sure what it is but I like the path that I’m on. During this study abroad trip I’ve met some phenomenal people that I will remember forever. They helped me improve my confidence and showed me the

qualities to a good leader. The goal in life is to persevere through every obstacle. Once you stop, everything stops. Stopping in life means to settle and who wants to settle for less. I prefer not to do so and I want to continue exploring what the world has to offer and find my purpose.