For my final blog post, I thought it would be fitting to use the evolution of my final project as a comparison to my study abroad experience in Guatemala as a whole. After a semester of researching Maya land rights, I thought I knew what I would be learning and gaining from my time abroad. However, as the program continued, I quickly found new passions and began seeing Maya land rights from a new perspective. The hands-on learning experience helped inspire a new capstone topic regarding the struggles of Maya cultural sustainability and current events threatening their sacred sites, something that I would not have discovered solely from readings in a formal educational setting.
Like the changes made to my capstone project, this Maymester prompted transformations within myself as well. After having apprehensions about my solo homestay, I found that this was one of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Guatemala. I was pushed out of my comfort zone through Spanish language immersion and the newfound friendships I made outside of the program. Additionally, I learned to be flexible and adapt to both the natural environment and climate of the tropics, as well as navigate the general health issues that arise from international travel, especially during the age of Covid-19. Overall, my experience studying abroad in the Maya heartland far exceeded my expectations – the extensive knowledge I gained, the friendships I made, and a lifetime of memories will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
-Daniela Echavarria
