For the past 19 years of my life I have gone to Mexico every summer. I have built a strong connection to my culture even though I was born in the United States. My parents have always demonstrated the importance of being bilingual and being close with my family. This summer trip to Mexico was very sentimental to me as I hadn’t gone in 2 years. Last summer I started Summer B at UF and I wasn’t able to visit my grandparents nor my cousins. Traveling to Mexico makes me happy in many ways. I am able to spend time with extended family that I don’t see often as they live in Mexico. I also get to experience many things with my family that I wouldn’t be able to do with them in the states.
We started of our adventures by driving to Mexico. Let me say, I have become so accustomed to being in a car for 38 hours as I have been embarking on this trek for many years. We drove all the way to Durango, Mexico. My father owns a ranch deep in the mountains where there is NO service and basically zero civilization. It is a big house where all my aunts and uncles meet up to spend a weekend together.
We spent the weekend talking, eating, and riding ATV’s. I’ve always loved coming here as I am able to disconnect from the world and enjoy my time with my family. I get to talk to my cousins I haven’t seen in a long time and I also get closer with my younger cousins. After a full weekend of riding horses, grilling, and talking with my family we drive back to the city. My parents hosted a ceremony to celebrate life and that we were all together and well. If there is something to note about my parents (my dad especially), is that they will always find a reason to host a party. They have taught me to celebrate every little achievement as they all lead to success. I get to put my cowboy boots and hat on and yet again converse, eat, and have a great time with my aunts and uncles. The vibes are just different- the air smells different, the food tastes 100x better, and the conversations are more lively. The night was young and we didn’t get home until very late.
The next morning we woke up super early and drove off to the next destination. My brother and dad love the Polaris RZR’s and we went on a trip through the mountains- it lasted the whole day!!!! We were exhausted, tired, and worst/best of them all cold and covered in so much mud- we all had a blast thoughhhh! After getting home, we showered and moved on to the most beautiful town ever. My parents met in my mom’s hometown where they became high school sweethearts. This town once again, has very minimal service and is pretty small, population and civilization wise. Many people wouldn’t like to travel to small town with no service, but I have created some of my best friendships yet with the best people I’ve ever met before. I am always excited to go back and visit my friends that I only get to see once a year. I keep in touch with them throughout the year but it’s not the same when we’re both not there. I love seeing the personal growth that we all go through each year and the advancement in conversations we have every year I go back and visit. My most unpleasant experience I have to say I had in Mexico this summer was getting my wisdom teeth out…. all 4 of them. My mouth had never been in so much pain after the surgery but after a couple months later, I can say it was worth it.
I never fail to have an amazing time in Mexico with my parents, family, cousins, and friends. It’s like the unlimited access to tacos instantly makes me ecstatic! It’s safe to say that I made it back alive and well after 5 weeks in Mexico. If I could’ve stayed longer, I definitely would’ve. I am very grateful to my parents for always giving me the opportunity to visit Mexico every summer and meet my family. I can’t wait to go again next summer :)
With love,
Aileen Aguirre MC '22
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