By Luisa Escobar, Mexico
Hello everyone! Today on September 14th, 1824 in in Chiapas, we celebrate the annexation of Chiapas to Mexico. This was carried out through a plebiscite, which means that people voted in favor of the initiative. This episode established a union that has transcended the geographical frontiers sealing the historical link between Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala; which now I feel it important to say because all of us, as Fellows from Mexico and Guatemala, are feeling like this: united, linked and belonging to this great group called the Professional Fellows Program.
This morning, while I was reflecting on this, I realized the great experience that today, together with my colleagues with whom I am living and who I fully enjoy, we had a hard time last week when we left our homes, family and routines and travelled to Amherst by way of a very long trip. For me, there have been many firsts: my first time leaving my country for an international experience, my first time experiencing life in United States, my first time in New York City, my first time talking about my interests in empowering women in my town and sharing how I do that every time I can, my first time in food farms learning about organic production processes and food sovereignty with a social sense; and that is so cool. I think my first obstacle was fear, but everybody here has been so gentle, open to my ideas and very generous, I really believe it is going to be a great time sharing knowledge between me and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The adventure has started and soon I hope I can share with you more things about my time here.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
