Never had I ever… taken five classes at three different universities on opposite sides of a city. I am though – and I’m not mad about it. Before coming to Mérida I was warned by previous students on the program that academics in Mérida would be a little less organized than the US. They told me to prepare for vague syllabi, a more relaxed classroom environment, and ambiguous due dates. Never did I imagine my first day of classes would be moved forward a week days before I was supposed to fly to the country. But I persevered and figured it out. And with the support of my classmates, professors and IFSA, it was half as difficult as I imagined. Though the first two weeks were virtuales, classes are in-person (presenciales) (mostly – when the teacher wants) and I’ve made some wonderful friends. All this goes to say that I’ve had no option other than to learn to be a little more chill and be okay to take everything in stride. It’s been one of the best lessons I’ve learned in Mexico. 

With practice – more of it than I’d like to admit – I’ve learned how to let things (especially my school work) go a little more easily. I’ve gotten better at being okay with not turning it into my absolute best work if it means that I get a good night’s sleep and/or an unforgettable experience. Removing myself from the stress-filled, all-academic-focused Whitman environment has allowed me to learn to prioritize my non-academic needs. This is not to say that I’m slacking off or failing my classes, but that I am learning to build myself outside of school. I look forward to returning to my fascinating and immersive Whitman classes next fall and genuinely do miss my engaging Whitman professors and classmates and I am grateful to have the opportunity to spend a semester focusing on my social, mental and physical wellbeing and growing as a person and a friend outside of school.