Aaron Kleinschmidt
2024
Guadalajara, Mexico
Are We All Migrants? Stories of Hope Amidst Mexico's Most Treacherous Journey
Aaron Kleinschmidt (2024: Guadalajara, Mexico) is working with sponsoring organization FM4 Paso Libre as an international development intern and immigrant/refugee support volunteer in Guadalajara, Mexico at a migrant shelter along ‘The Beast,’ a 1,450-mile train route from southern Mexico to the U.S. border traveled by 400,000 to 500,000 migrants and refugees each year and claims countless lives and leaves others with life-altering injuries. He will address pressing issues such as women’s rights and immigration, work with local NGOs to teach valuable skills to marginalized groups, collect data to evaluate community needs, assist social workers, lawyers, and other volunteers at an aid shelter by serving meals, cleaning living areas, and improving services through data collection.
For as long as I can remember, I have had a heart for learning new languages and serving immigrant and refugee communities.
In every step of my educational journey, I have had the privilege to hear unique perspectives from my immigrant and refugee neighbors and get a firsthand look at the vital role newcomers play in American communities.
Through my Spanish studies at Belmont, I learned how intense immigration through Latin America can be and the serious risks people of all ages will take to pursue a better life, whether that involves safety, financial stability, or proximity to familial support.
Guadalajara is perfectly positioned as a resting point for those taking a “safer” route through Mexico from the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras). In my work, I hope to not only provide respite, comfort, or assistance for folks both passing through and settling in the city, but also hear and learn from the stories of immigrants, allowing these perspectives to shape my future work, whether in politics, non-profits, or education.
I am a passionate language learner and intercultural communicator, which means that experiencing ALL parts of a new country (within reason) is a must. Thus, I’m excited to explore the city’s food, architecture, and overall vibrance. I don’t want to leave Guadalajara without (1) newfound passion for immigrant communities and (2) a 100-word arsenal of Mexican slang. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for updates!
More about me....
Home Town: Palatine, IL
Major(s): Spanish & International Politics
Country Highlights
My Stories
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All Good Things…
Greetings, I write to you at the wee hours of the morning as I finish up my last overnight shift at FM4. Only
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!)
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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
