It's been amazing to see how someone's nationality impacts how they approach a subject and the examples that they use to explain their thought processes.
To backtrack a bit further, I should explain why I chose Mexico and what it means to me to be here. I have a very strong emotional reason for choosing this country for my study abroad. When I was about your age, my father got really sick with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. I was lost and did not know how to feel knowing that my dad was in a lot of pain. I also had to decide if I would change middle schools from the science program I was in to one that was closer to my house so my mom didn't have to worry about driving me every day on top of taking my dad to chemotherapy.
As my family was dealing with all these questions, my best friend's family stepped up and offered to help in any way they could. The Lopezes would allow me to stay at their house for however long I needed after school, often letting me spend a few nights over when my father's treatment schedule was hectic. In the midst of such a terrible time in my life, they took amazing care of me, bringing me to bailes and quinceñeras, two types of parties, and making me feel normal in the midst of a time of catastrophic loss. They shared with me some of their hardships as a Mexican-American immigrant family and introduced me to many facets of Mexican culture, including the language, food and festivities. Though I lost my father after a year-long battle with the disease, I gained so much love and support through the incredible bond I made with my beloved second family.
It was their affection that sparked my interest in Mexico and the Spanish language.
