I (Karla) graduated in May of 2023 from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors in Political Science with a Business Spanish Certification. I was over the moon that I graduated from my dream University that I dreamt of when I was 8 years old. I could not believe I was walking the stage graduating not only from my dream university, but also having the privilege of studying what I wanted. As well, thankful for my mom supporting me and believing in my dreams with me. 

As I was preparing for graduation in my last semester as a senior I was coming up with a plan on what I wanted to do. I knew immediately I did not want to step into the corporate world. My passion is to travel and meet people. However, I wanted it to have a specific significance, I wanted to celebrate this big accomplishment and give back from all that I have learned in hand with my true passion. So, I looked into volunteer opportunities abroad. I thought to myself the best way to give back was through volunteering and giving back to the universe all that it has given me. 

Next thing you know I went onto the Worldpackers website and started searching for opportunities. There were so many countries to choose from I did not know where to begin. However, as it was my first time ever doing something like this I wanted to feel comfortable, so I did not want to pick a whole new country to travel to learn and navigate. So, I picked one of my favorite places on earth to volunteer, which was the Quintana Roo region of Mexico, Cancun. I came across a volunteer experience teaching English to a family in Mexico in Playa del Carmen. I submitted my application, we spoke for a bit next thing you know I was approved to volunteer for a month.

Time flew. I graduated then 2 days later. I make my way to Houston to catch the first flight in the morning to Cancun, Mexico. I flew a day early before my volunteer job started staying at a hostel near the beach, and as well I made a hair appointment to chop off my hair. I wanted a fresh start to turn the chapter to the next part of my life. Had a great party celebration meeting people at the hostel, and the next day I met my host family.

My host family picked me up and I was thinking to myself what I have gotten into? I just met these strangers and I am going to be teaching all 3 of their kids English. All the kids were close in age 4 turning 5 to 6 and 7. I had no idea what I was doing. However, with clear communication and all the overwhelming feelings I was feeling I expressed myself to them and they were patient and understanding to me. It was a flood of emotions from graduating, flying to Mexico by myself, chopping my hair off, now staying with a family teaching their kids English. Quite bizarre if you ask me. 

However, it was quite the opposite. I could not be more grateful for that experience with the family. They accepted me and we learned from each other. Luckily I speak Spanish so we did not encounter many communication issues. We ended up building a routine with the kids with teaching in the mornings, hanging out in the afternoons, and in the evenings I would walk myself to the beach to meditate and read. 

I learned a lot from them. I became vegetarian for a month eating vegetables I probably would never eat out of my own free will, they taught me a simple lifestyle of living each day as it comes, and the kids would even correct my Spanish but I got back to teaching them with teaching English haha. I enjoyed the cenotes in the area and truly immersed myself living in Mexico. Despite the cultural differences we have, especially me with both American and Venezuelan culture it was a beautiful fusion. I in return introduced them to American slang, cooked Venezuelan arepas, and made smores. I love eating if you cannot tell. 

Despite the fact that I went to volunteer to teach English I believe you also receive so much in return. The family took me in and treated me as their own. The kids made me laugh and even made me notice things in myself by pointing out random habits I had. It was such a beautiful experience and I highly recommend it if you are young and open to a different experience of travel. Despite the hours you give working you receive so much in return. Thank you to those kids and family for making a memory I will never forget. 

*If you are interested in volunteering and are afraid I recommend checking out worldpackers for they are safe, verify every host, and they have insurance that is covered during your stay! If you want to know more you can also book a consultation with us and we’d be happy to help find you a great opportunity as well.