Last Words

September 1, 2016

This trip has been such a wild learning experience that I am so grateful for. I learned so much about film and editing, through making four videos, one of them being a documentary with a group of indigenous Ecuadorian media makers. I also learned how to enjoy the experience, despite the fact that I was frustrated with many things that were going on. I know that this will be an experience I talk about for years to come, and if I focus on things that I was frustrated about, then it would ruin the point of the trip. To enjoy another country’s culture. I am so lucky to be a part of this trip, and I can’t wait for my next experience.

I think my professional goals have stayed the same for the most part. I am more interested in documentary filmmaking, which was inspired by the work we did with APAK where we filmed a documentary with them. I think I would certainly consider filming a small mini documentary by myself, or take a documentary filmmaking class. I think that I have still solidified my interest in going into the entertainment industry, and working as a director.

One of the greatest self-discovery’s I had was that I really do control how my experience went. If I want to be upset about working all day I can, but if I don’t choose to let it upset me then it won’t. Mindset is everything. Attitude is everything. I used this to keep a good vibe when I was doing things that scared me. I am not a big fan of insects, I think they are gross and scary, but I went on a night walk in Mindo anyways, because I wasn’t going to waste the experience and opportunity for adventure. Despite the fact that I saw beetles, scorpion spiders, and baby tarantulas, I was still able to enjoy it for what it was.

The best part of traveling abroad is getting to experience a community that you have never been part of before. I wanted to experience another culture, another way of life, and to see how it was different, unique and beautiful in its own right, and that is the best part about getting to go abroad. It’s fascinating to think that we are stepping into a new world outside of our own, where we can just let the culture envelop you. I have never been to Ecuador before, and I had no idea what it would be like, and going in with no information was a great way to just see everything the country had to offer me. Seeing what influenced me the most, solely based off of experiences, and not preconceived notions, was a great way to experience a new culture.

My absolute favorite experience was Las Octavas. Las Octavas is a celebration that happens every Saturday for eight Saturdays. The festival is complete with singing, dancing and lots of drinking. I loved this the most, because I was able to go and experience Ecuador without the vendors and other tourists. This was one of the few times when we weren’t filming either, and it was enjoyable to go, watch, take in the experience, and not feel like we were intruding on their time. Everyone was sharing their drinks and food, and everyone was so happy to just be there, and I was so happy to be able to experience this too. This time was definitely when I felt the greatest sense of community, which I loved.

My biggest piece of advice is to go in with an open mind. I think my program had some problems, but it is important to recognize that you are in another country doing a study abroad, an opportunity many kids don’t have access to. There will be hard parts. There will be bad parts. But focus on the moments where your breath is taken away, because those are the special parts. Those are the parts you will want to remember for the rest of your life.

I would be so blessed to have the experience to study abroad again. I have always been in love with Asian culture and I would love to visit China, Thailand and Japan. I have always been interested in the history associated with feudal Japan and the Chinese dynasties and I think Thailand has some of the most breathtaking places to visit. I would be very grateful for the chance to visit. And if I am not able to go again on a different study abroad, I am at least very thankful for this life changing experience in Ecuador.

Written By

Michael Mendez

Being a Media and Screen Studies and Theatre major, I chose this dialogue because it directly correlated to making videos, and media production. The chance to work with indigenous media makers will be a huge learning experience, and very inspiring. I am very interested in depicting Latino culture in film, being Mexican American, which is another reason I chose traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos. I have a passionate desire to travel, and see everything the world has to offer me. I think that going abroad is a great way to experience other cultures, but also a great way to learn about yourself. I want to submerge myself in a foreign environment, and see how it influences my art. I am hoping to make beautiful videos that capture the breathtaking scenery and highlight the fiery South American culture I will be submersed in.