With a mind for travel and a fascination with foreign languages, I began in my first semester to research study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. As a journalism major focusing on broadcast news, I admit that I wasn't sure where fluency in Spanish would help, but I knew it would benefit me in some way.

After a short visit to friends in Guadalajara, I decided that the cultural center of Mexico would be my study abroad destination. I dreamed of mariachi, cathedrals, beaches, tacos, tequila, and most importantly, learning Spanish.   

I spent afternoons on the quiet lake Chapala with my Mexican family, the people I grew to love like my own family.

In my five month adventure in Guadalajara, I dove into a rich culture that was more than I dreamed.

I was fascinated to see beautiful Spanish cathedrals in downtown Guadalajara, and then see ancient Indian ruins from 800 B.C. within a short drive away.

I lived the city life, but traveled to small pueblos where humble people pass lazy afternoons in simple town squares.

I journeyed to Guanajuato and discovered a captivating city where a famed victory took place in the battle of independence from Spain.

I went to San Miguel de Allende and found a peacefully quaint town with cathedrals like castles from a fairytale. I traveled to Zacatecas, an old Spanish mining town where the elaborate architecture remains standing in defiance of the elements.

I went to small mountain villages like Tapalpa, where daily life is calm and simple.  I traveled over the central plains to Mexico City, the second most populated city in the world, and learned what overpopulation and pollution mean.

I spent afternoons on the quiet lake Chapala with my Mexican family, the people I grew to love like my own family. I traveled to the small town Tequila, where all tequila comes from, and visited the colorful Jose Cuervo factory.

I went to vibrant Puerto Vallarta and spent amazing days on its gorgeous beaches playing in the waves, learning to surf, and searching for the occasional whale on the horizon. When I met vacationing Americans, I was proud to call it my home.  

I encountered a people with a completely different way of life. Being with friends and family is a priority, so the parties usually started with lunch and ended with breakfast the next morning.

Instead of shaking hands to greet, we hugged and kissed. Instead of brushing me off as a foreigner, the Mexicans gave me encouragement by proudly teaching me their customs and helping to fill in the holes of my broken Spanish. They seemed excited that I wanted to experience their culture. 

I went to learn Spanish and walked away with a new point of view and changed heart. I carried home priceless experiences from the country I grew to adore.