Aaron Kleinschmidt
Aaron Kleinschmidt
Mexico, 2024
Hello! My name is Aaron Kleinschmidt and I recently graduated Belmont with a degree in Spanish and International Politics. Join me as I head to Guadalajara, Mexico for four months to support immigrants and engage in an international development program. Read More About Aaron →

Living in Community

Hey all,

I thought I’d kick this blog off with a little Spanish lesson. (Don’t panic — it’ll be quick and painless). For our first class, we’ll learn just one word: convivencia, meaning coexistence or living together. Even those of you who took a year or two of Spanish way back when might recognize the roots of this word: con, meaning with, and vivir, meaning to live. Convivencia is an essential part of the shelter’s function and has been a crucial theme throughout my time as a volunteer. Since it doubles as my workspace, it can be easy to forget that FM4 is first and foremost a home, and a home not only shapes those who reside in it but also vice versa. Housing anywhere from 70 to 120 people at a time, FM4 takes . The lack of privacy can take a toll on the migrants and exacerbate tensions. The diffusion of responsibility can leave shared spaces looking... rather unpleasant. The incessant presence of procedures and rules can damage some guests’ sense of independence and agency. This is why we constantly remind the FM4 community of the responsibility we share to care for the shelter, but convivencia sometimes requires a hard hand and an unwavering commitment to equal application of the expectations. Lately, I’ve had to respond to various breaches of shelter rules with written warnings, leaving several residents one step away from expulsion, and those shifts are certainly my least favorite. However, any sense of partiality, bias, or laziness when it comes to applying the rules can rip a hole in the fabric of the community. Though it leaves me with a heavy heart (and unfond memories of uncomfortable interactions), the enforcement aspect of my role has certainly helped me grow as a leader and better understand how to facilitate bonding. Something I must remember in this final month is that, those very rules and principles are what allows us to dance in the kitchen, sing karaoke, and learn from each other’s stories.

It’s been a tough few weeks, but I haven’t spent all my time playing bad cop. In fact, I promised an update on my expanded role in the shelter, so here it is! I struck a deal between the areas of social action and publicity/content creation, allowing me to take on a hybrid role where I’m both collecting content to promote FM4’s work and actively connecting with both local and international institutions. This week working in social action, I got to give a tour of the shelter to a group of fellow Americans! I must have answered 40 questions and ended with a sore throat, but it was a fun way to showcase all the amazing work FM4 does and encourage more folks to volunteer. (Not to mention, it was a perfect coincidence that I, the native English speaker, debuted my role that very same day). Also on the docket is a radio interview with a local station, an opportunity I certainly did not expect. If I’m able, I’ll be sure to publish a link to the episode. On the social media side, I’m collecting photos and videos for Instagram reels that will illustrate the parts of FM4 that naturally get less visibility. It’s important for the community to see that FM4 is more than just a place to eat and sleep — there are so many activities, classes, and other services offered each day in the shelter. This new type of work has been a welcome break from the day-to-day chaos of the shelter.

That’s all for now, folks. Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back in touch soon with more updates (including some pretty awesome trips I’ll be taking in November).

Best,

 

Aaron Benito

No Stranger to Change

Hello friends, family, and strangers!

Today, I write to you in the midst of (yet another) transition. No, I’m not moving back to the US prematurely or changing the trajectory of my project; I’m quite happy with where I’m at! However, I have exactly one month left of my volunteer experience at FM4 Paso Libre, and each passing day feels more bittersweet. As I begin this final stretch, I am turning my daily routine upside-down by switching from the morning to the afternoon/evening shift. I’ll miss all the amazing folks I have worked with for the past 2+ months, but I’m excited to reconnect with those I haven’t seen in a long while. The later shift comes with its own set of surprises, but it’s a welcome challenge.

Beyond relatively trivial scheduling changes, there is another transition that I’m itching to see underway. In these final weeks, I’ll have the opportunity to work with some full-time employees in a department of my interest, getting a closer look at the inner-workings of the organization. I’ve narrowed my options down to: legal, publicity/social media, and social action. All three tug at different parts of my brain, but given that I have little time left to learn, it’s in my best interest to follow my gut and dive right in. I have yet to meet with all three department heads to see which is the best fit, so stay tuned for the big reveal in my next post!

Outside the shelter, I’m trying to let go of my laundry list of things to do in and around Guadalajara and simply enjoy the time I have, with less planning and more spontaneity. This past weekend, this new attitude resulted in a short but beautiful camping trip and a visit to a cat cafe after church. This week, I’m taking a day away from the shelter to enjoy the famous Fiestas de Octubre and (hopefully) see one of my favorite cumbia groups, Los Ángeles Azules, live! Next on the to-do list? Find a Halloween costume and make plans for Día de los Muertos. Although the state of Jalisco isn’t famous for their celebrations, I hope to at least get a taste of this iconic celebration. 

Then, though it’s not easy to admit, it’s time to consider my return to the United States. Most of all, I want to make sure that the experiences I’ve had in Guadalajara — and especially in the shelter — continue to enhance my perspectives and drive my work. I can’t say for sure that I’ll end up with a full-fledged career in the migrant and refugee space, but now that I’ve witnessed so many journeys up close, I’d like to commit to volunteering, donating, and continuously educating myself as the conversation on migration in the United States evolves. With elections drawing near, the rhetoric I’ve heard is beyond disappointing; it’s harmful and reprehensible. The stories I’ve seen and even been a part of are wildly different from those that are touted by politicians and spread through the media. I find myself itching to share what I’ve witnessed and inject some reality into the issue that is dominating headlines. As long as I continue to stay active and involved, what would typically be a tricky transition back might be made a bit smoother.

 

Until next time,

Aaron Benito

Thoughts & Feelings from the Middle of the Storm

Hey all! I hope you’re hanging in there and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Though I typically enjoy summery weather, I have to admit that this time of year fills me with a deep nostalgia for the U.S. Midwest. Football season is underway, the leaves are changing color, sweaters are coming out of storage, and the smell of pumpkin and spice wafts through the air. While I’d love to hit a corn maze and drink apple cider with my family and childhood friends, Guadalajara is also going through its own beautiful changes (though the temperature seems to be stubbornly unmoving). There are some signs of early preparation for Día de Los Muertos celebrations, the occasional breeze provides temporary respite from the heat, and this Tuesday, all of Mexico will be watching as Claudia Sheinbaum, becomes their first female president.

In this season marked with both uncertainty and excitement, I have been feeling burnt out, to put it frankly. Things are moving along nicely at the shelter, and I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities as I start to get involved in a more administrative aspect. I’m also loving my social life, trying to balance rest with my desire to leverage the limited time I have left here. Despite all that, I have been feeling a bit off-balance. When I get home from my shift, I typically feel more tired than I expect, and it’s hard for me to keep my energy flowing. I sometimes feel overwhelmed as I go to bed and consider what tomorrow will bring; often, my hyperactive mind simply does not let me rest.

While it’s tempting to blame myself for what I’m feeling, the other day I remembered that I’m achieving much more than I had anticipated. When I imagined this work, I pictured myself stripping and making beds, cleaning rooms, and washing dishes. Of course, there is value in that work (and physical labor is still in the equation), but I had never imagined that I’d be making real connections with immigrants and refugees, tending directly to their needs and offering dignifying support day-by-day. I’m performing intake interviews and connecting folks from vulnerable populations with potentially life-altering resources. Not to mention, I’m doing all of this and navigating the city in Spanish every minute of the day. 

I don’t write all this just to brag or boost my ego, but rather to appreciate such a special opportunity and also contextualize my emotions. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to adapt to a new culture, navigate in a new language, or take on unexpected tasks and challenges. However, I’m quick to forget just how much growth can happen in a few months. So, though there are times when I feel overwhelmed and just stuck, I am proud of the confidence I’ve built up and all that I’ve accomplished so far. Here’s to (a bit less than) two more months of listening, learning, and loving the little things!

Un abrazo

Aaron

Pulled a near-all-nighter to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. No regrets!

Finally used a vacation day to spend a long weekend on the beach. The rumors are true — Mexico has the best beaches!

 

The Spice of Life

Security guard. Chef. Fashion consultant. Janitor. Nanny. Therapist. Translator. Manager.

What do all of these jobs have in common?

They’re the many hats I have worn in my nearly 2 months as a full-time volunteer with FM4 Paso Libre. Of course, I am not professionally qualified for any of these roles — at least not to the best of my knowledge. However, I was asked to lead a daytime shift for the first time this week, and it helped me realize just how multifaceted this work is. As humans, we have a vast range of needs, but migration typically augments those needs, meaning volunteers and staff must be jacks of all trades, ready and willing to adjust to new situations at the drop of a hat. FM4 seeks to give comprehensive, dignifying support to migrants and refugees; although we have experts in law, counseling, medicine, and several other areas on staff, every person on the team must understand how their piece fits into the puzzle.

While my time in the shelter has been quite eventful, I have also been enjoying fellowship with the other full-time volunteers. We are all passionate young adults, so there’s never a dull moment. This past weekend, we had a training where we walked the train tracks that run through the city. These are the tracks that immigrants follow as they traverse Mexico — the very tracks that inspired me to continue working in the realm of immigrant and refugee rights. The trip was somehow harrowing and inspiring. Seeing firsthand the path that is simultaneously a symbol of hope and a threat to the safety of all who dare follow it nearly brought me to tears. In the shelter, our scope is so limited. Often, we forget to genuinely consider where migrants come from and the journey ahead.

Between the extra work trainings and meetings, I’ve still been making room for lots of fun. I played basketball for the first time in probably a decade with this year’s volunteer cohort (yes, I have videos, and no, I won’t be posting them in an act of self-preservation), explored two new parks, visited one of the most bustling (and impressively unregulated) markets in the city, and appreciated art at a local museum. Add to all that lots of good food, drinks, and dancing, and you’ve got a couple of busy weeks! The adventures don’t stop however, and the next one will finally be out of the city (think sand, sun, and waves), so stay tuned for those updates.

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and the variety in my day-to-day experiences is perhaps the reason why my time in Guadalajara is flying by. However, I love being kept on my toes, and the unexpected is what keeps me coming back each morning with renewed motivation and energy. I’ll also take the opportunity to blame the unexpected for this late post — I promise I’ll try harder next time! 

Hasta entonces,

Benito

P.S. HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

 

Posing with this awesome crew of full-time volunteers! Together, we represent 4 different countries.

A view of the stretch where immigrants typically hop off the train after hours (or days) of nearly nonstop motion. Those coming to FM4 must walk about 2-3 hours, following the tracks north.

Another chaotic day in ropería! Luckily, we were blessed with some support from pyschology students from a local university.

A few works from the art museum I visited yesterday. I love spending a day as a tourist in Guadalajara!

My Why

Welcome back, folks!

In the last two weeks, I feel I have lived and learned more than I ever anticipated. Most notably, I just returned from a three-day training with this cohort of full-time volunteers. We are currently eight volunteers from three different countries. We all bring unique experiences and passions to the table. Some of us are just finishing high school, while others are wrapping up university (or well past graduation, as in my case). Despite our differences, I’m now more excited than ever to be a part of this crew. Their intentions are genuine, their energy seems infinite, and they are willing and ready to learn. Also, there’s now another Aaron on the team! After some brainstorming, I was given the nickname Benito, and it’s catching on.¹

For our training, we traveled an hour south to a cabin in Lake Chapala, where we learned more about the current context of migration through Mexico, the origins, history, and mission of our organization, how to work well as a team, and more detailed aspects of the work we’re already doing. We laughed through demonstrations as we practiced the procedure for new entries to the shelter, but we also took time to connect on a deeper level and build trust. It was the first time in a long time I was in an educational setting as a student, not a teacher, and that actually made me quite emotional. Though I only finished undergrad a bit over a year ago, it feels like I’ve lived multiple lives since then; I’ve called several places home and found community and companionship in so many contexts. Feeling like a learner once again brought me an unexpected peace — a brief intermission for a season of life that sometimes feels like an emotional roller coaster.

Further, the training brought me back to the roots of my decision to embark on this adventure — my purpose, my motivation, my why. My interest in immigration was born long ago, but it truly came to fruition during my senior year of high school, when I met one of my closest friends. An immigrant from Brazil, he took a leap of faith to come to the United States when he was only 14. He came knowing very little English and with only a few relatives in the country. Against all odds, he achieved fluency in English within three years and graduated with flying colors. Looking at him now, you would never come close to imagining the setbacks and challenges he faced. Though far from perfect, he is able to live a stable life, and he has found a strong support system in the United States.

Senior year of high school was a blur, but if memory serves, stories of migration like his were what first compelled me to study Spanish and international politics. Over the next four years, I volunteered and interned with several organizations dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees, and I even practiced discussing immigration topics in my Spanish classes at Belmont. I cemented my belief that immigration is a human right and that facilitating the process for those in need is a worthy cause. Since my arrival in Guadalajara, I have not once doubted the validity or necessity of this work. I can see the impact it makes firsthand, and I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to expand my perspectives on a phenomenon so dear to my heart.

I could say a whole lot more about why and how I ended up in Guadalajara doing this type of project, but I need a little something to keep you coming back! Though my social calendar has slowed a bit since my last post, there is so much more I want to do in and around Guadalajara with my new friends. Hopefully, I’ll be back with stories of thrilling adventures and unfamiliar experiences.

Until then,

Aaron/Benito

 

  1. Contrary to what some may believe, “Benito” is not a tribute to the iconic Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, but rather a Spanish take on my middle name.

 

It might sound like a lot of work, but I promise, I’m still having fun! One of my favorite shots from last weekend’s trip to Tequila.

 

The 2024-25 crew on the lake. I love these guys!

Burning the Midnight Oil

Good morning, afternoon, or evening, wherever you are.

I write to you as I wrap up a 12-hour overnight shift. If you had told me three weeks ago that I would be here, as an amateur security guard and volunteer-in-charge, I would have laughed you out of the room. Alas, needs are needs, and this week was a tough one for volunteers; we were very few despite the albergue being at full capacity. Unfortunately, this week was also marred with drama and conflict, including a serious incidence of theft and some rebellion against authority. Frankly, I wasn’t prepared to deal with the reality that even the seemingly sweetest are capable of betraying your trust, but these occurrences served as reminders of both why there are so many rules and why they must be enforced with no exceptions.

At first, my supervisor’s offering of an early morning shift sandwich with weekend overnight shift bread made me lose my appetite, but I’m proud to say that I dove in headfirst, learned a lot, and have grown in my capacity to lead firmly. Sleep deprivation is temporary, but the lessons learned and skills honed in just one intense week will certainly last a lifetime. In the midst of all the chaos, I worked out a new agreement with my supervisor, and I am now planning to stay at this shelter as a full-time volunteer through mid-November. Now that it’s official, I get to experience training, retreats and activities, and other benefits. Perhaps what I’m most excited for is the chance to work on the more administrative end of the organization, potentially in the legal, political, or social realm. Such an opportunity ought to facilitate a smooth transition back to the more traditional working world, which I anticipate being my next step.

Though it’s been fun, I’m happy to say that a new class of full-time volunteers has arrived to help out, so I will no longer have to sprint around the shelter, juggling several little tasks at once. I hope that our relationship goes beyond delegating work and sharing the burden of service; I am still looking to invest in friendships here in Guadalajara, and the dozen new arrivals are too!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the fun I’ve had this week as well. Waking up at 5:45 day after day to bike 30 minutes to work doesn’t allow for too much socializing, but I still managed to visit some stunning waterfalls yesterday, taking full advantage of my day off. I’ve also gone out on the town a bit, eager to see the vibrant, relaxed side of Guadalajara at night. It’s early days,  but now that I’ve settled the details of my volunteer commitment, some bigger trips and adventures are sure to be in the works. Stay tuned for more updates!

Un abrazo,

Aaron

 

Yesterday’s adventure: La Cascada de Huaxtla. Truly magical!

I decided to bike home from the shelter today. The sun was shining and the morning air still cool. What a sweet moment (and great way to see the city center)!

 

 

A Rocky Start

Dearest friends, family, and strangers,

I’m back after a brief hiatus, and we have a lot to unpack. Since my last post, I’ve started my volunteer role at FM4 Paso Libre, a shelter for migrants and transmigrants in Guadalajara. Taking photos in the albergue is restricted, so you will have to settle for the best description I can piece together from my (nearly) two weeks on the job.

A few things stuck out to me on my first day:

  • The team of volunteers is more international than I expected! Though mostly locals, there are a few other foreigners like me.
  • The shelter clearly lacks certain resources, but the staff are always willing and able to make ends meet.
  • In general, the vibe is chaotic. Being able to focus on a task for 20 minutes without being interrupted is a miracle.
  • There are rats... but luckily this is only hearsay (to me).
  • Some folks take advantage of new volunteers, so it’s important to be firm and willing to defer to those with more experience.

On that first day, amidst a complete power outage, I realized that getting used to the new job was enough of a challenge, and that other adjustments and/or additions to my routine might have to wait.

Unfortunately, day two was simply... unlucky. The work day was fantastic, but at the end of my shift I was stuck in the pitch-black night, waiting for my bus, which (plot twist) never came. Turns out the route ends before 9pm, and I was left high and dry. After a little panic, I took an Uber home, and all was well until... food poisoning.

Let’s just say I got very little sleep and it was a brutal night. Truly, brutal. Naturally, I stayed home from work and slept until 4:30pm, only to trudge out of bed, put on a suit, and head to a quinceañera.¹ In spite of everything, I must say it was totally worth it! We danced cumbia for hours, and I even got to relive my high school days with “Payaso de Rodeo.”²

Flash forward a week and a few days, and here I am, on the cusp of starting my third work week. I finally found a laundromat, a gym, and lots of cockroaches. Overcoming my debilitating phobia was not on my Mexico bingo card, but es lo que hay. Physically, I’m feeling (mostly) better, and I’m starting to get into a consistent routine, which is vital to maintaining my mental health. It seems like I add something to my Jalisco bucket list every day. It’s time to turn some of those trips, experiences, and personal goals into reality; I know that time will fly like a bird until I hop on that plane in November.

Hasta la próxima,

Aaron

 

  1. For context, it’s always been a random but very real dream of mine to attend a quinceañera. When my friend invited me to his niece’s, I knew it might be incredibly awkward, but there was no way I was going to turn the opportunity down! Hence my willingness to get out the door despite my physical state.
  2. A Mexican line dance my friends taught me back in the day that I really only got to practice at school dances. It’s a killer calf workout.

 

Serving our best XV looks.

El Salto del Nogal, the tallest waterfall in Jalisco measuring 105 meters. The hike was tough, but the views? Worth it.

Tapalpa, a “Pueblo Mágico” near where I spent this past weekend in the forest.

Sunscreen & An Umbrella

Hey all!

I made it! This past Wednesday, I bid farewell to my family and friends as I took an early-morning flight (2am!) to Guadalajara. Preparations looked like everything from me reaching out to my host mother to preparing and printing documents for customs. Despite the ungodly flight time, things went smoothly for the most part and I have been settling in nicely. Since my project is just now starting, I took the past few days to explore the area with my friend who happens to live here! I feel very blessed to have a tour guide of sorts, as he has already shown me several parts of the city, given me tips for getting around safely, helped me with little tasks, and, perhaps most importantly, introduced me to several local dishes!

I certainly have experienced some culture shock, but I am doing my best to keep an open mind and learn from each little experience. The shortlist of differences includes some pretty nasty traffic (naturally accompanied by pollution), relatively lawless driving habits, and perhaps tens of thousands of street vendors of all ages selling everything from fruit to tacos to clothing. In general, I am impressed, but not surprised, with how welcoming and kind people are in Guadalajara. I knew of the city’s friendly reputation before arriving, but believing in that and trusting that are two distinct steps, and I don’t think I have taken the latter just yet. This week, I am challenging myself to get over the fear of the unknown (and of being the stupid foreigner) through little tasks like walking my laundry to the laundromat, exploring the supermarket, trying out local gyms, and actually asking questions when I have them (instead of awkwardly trying to figure everything out on my own).

A few days in, my friend pointed out to me that I was drawing loads comparisons to places I’ve previously lived, saying things like “This would never happen in the US,” or “I wish people acted more like that in Spain.” Having traveled quite a bit over the past 3 years, I now understand that this is just one, defensive way I try to make sense of the change, and I’m starting to recognize that its a fruitless effort. I can be stubborn, so it was admittedly unpleasant accepting constructive criticism from my friend, but I think it was a timely challenge for me to adjust my posture to one of service and learning as I begin my project.

My initial role in a shelter for migrants and transmigrants differs significantly from the one I held with Fulbright in Spain. Here, my primary goal is to give dignifying support to those in need while learning about the sociopolitical context of immigration in Mexico — not to share about my American experience and draw cultural comparisons. So, into the workweek I go, seeking to simply observe, learn, and work step-by-step towards acclimation, putting my existing worldview on pause for at least a moment.

Oh, and one more thing before I let your weary eyes rest. Only one day into my time here, I learned I must always be armed with sunscreen and an umbrella. It’s rainy season, and when locals say that, they aren’t joking. I’ve learned not to be fooled by sunny and warm mornings. The sun might be blazing through the afternoon, but come evening, there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked (or electrocuted if you’re not careful). Forgive the obvious metaphor, but just as I want to be prepared for the weather, I also want to be prepared to do my job well, whether it is exactly how I hoped it would be or quite the opposite. Maybe this experience will be made most meaningful through a little mix of both. 🌦️

Until next time,

Aaron

A stunning gothic church in Guadalajara

Sopa de tortilla and tacos de camarón

The warm, thermal river in La Primavera Park

Lake Chapala, just an hour and a half from Guadalajara

More camarones (I love shrimp)

Preparing for Takeoff

Hey there, I’m Aaron! Welcome to my Lumos blog. Over the next four months, I’ll be keeping you in the loop on my international development project in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Part of the time, I will be working in a shelter for immigrants and refugees as they pass through the city. I might also have the opportunity to expand the project to work on local issues and work with other NGOs.

I recently returned from a nine-month stint in Galicia, Spain, where I taught English on a Fulbright grant. That experience certainly made me feel more confident as a traveler and intercultural communicator, and I am excited to use my much-improved Spanish to serve. My time at home has been short, but I am making the most of it by seeing lots of friends and family before I leave the country once again. It’s a whirlwind, this season of life has helped me feel more comfortable moving around and adjusting quickly to new environments.

While the past year has prepared me well for some aspects of the project, I know that the work I do in Guadalajara will be immensely different than teaching. I might have the opportunity to teach at some point, and I will be looking out for any chance I get, but I will also have to do lots of physical labor and “grunt work” at the shelter. Regardless of how I contribute, I’m excited to do so, and I’m doing my best to begin this experience with an open mind. I’ll be back with more updates next week after I land in Mexico and visit a friend before beginning my work!

¡Hasta pronto!

Aaron