My New Memories

It’s hard to believe that my time here in Colombia has come to an end. My three months here living in Bogota has helped me begin writing a new chapter of my life: the beginning of my story living abroad. Each day has been a gift here, creating new friendships and making new memories, allowing me to explore a new life.

About half of my time here in Colombia I spent living with the locals in two separate communities. This experience has made the biggest influence on me. My job was to teach English and familiarize myself with the community and it’s members, however it turned out to be so much more. What was once an assignment became a new treasure and those who were once strangers became a new family. The members of each community welcomed me into their homes, treating me like I was a long time friend. These people have shown me the meaning of humanity. Giving without much to give, sharing without a second thought, and caring, as if indifference didn’t exist. Each new friend in the countryside has made an immeasurable impact on me.

It’s hard to say what I’ll miss the most; the cerro’s to the east of Bogota at sunset, the smell of fresh air in the countryside, a warm bowl of soup prepared by Martha to help the cold pass, playing futbol after school with the students of Aguadulce, or each time a new face became a new friend. With all this, I am happy to say I have a new collection of memories that I will forever cherish.

What will come next for me? I don’t know, but what I do know is that the uncertainty of this question doesn’t scare me. Life sort of has it’s way of just happening, so I can’t wait to find out what will happen next for me in Chile. Like a wise man’s shirt once read, Es mejor vivir sin miedo. It’s better to live without fear.

- Becky, intern

#fieldwork