Open-Mindedness

Abstract

Countries, in many ways, are like people: a reputation precedes them. Perhaps no country experiences this as much as Mexico, where beautiful beaches are juxtaposed with thoughts of violence and poverty. These stereotypes weighed heavy on my mind before going to Puebla, Mexico, where OU has a study center. What if I feel unsafe? What if my Spanish is not good enough? What if I do not like Mexico? These were all questions I had leading up to my departure. In many ways, I expected Puebla to be a sort of rough, old city. It turned out to be a lot different than that. I have now studied in Puebla for three semesters, and through a never-ending process of trying to remain open-minded, I have come to appreciate and love Mexico.