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!