SDA Students Visit Family in México

Family is very important to many Latinos. Many students, like me, take time out of their busy year to leave home for a few weeks and visit family in Latin America. The lifestyle is different from bustling San Diego, but those differences have come to be appreciated by many.

“It’s a much poorer country and they don’t have as many resources, but I would actually want to move there,” said senior Alondra Zamora whose family lives in Hidalgo, Mexico. “I want to live in Mexico where my dad grew up for a couple of years. They have such a different philosophy of life and they’re not as materialistic.”

Many visit to benefit their family as well as themselves.

“Right now my dad isn’t really able to go see his parents, so for me to go see them for him, it kind of makes him feel better about it,” said senior Aileen Castillo, who visits her family in San Luis Potosí, México.

“I do it for my grandparents so that they get a chance to meet the rest of the generation that they created,” said Rosa Tlatempa, who visits family in Puebla.

There is great contrast between life in Mexico and Encinitas.

“It’s a lot harder [in Mexico],” said senior Sandra Ramales whose visits family in Puebla and Mexico City. “They struggle more and they’re more humble people. But, when I come back [to Encinitas] it’s quieter over here. Over there everyone’s in the streets, everyone knows each other, everybody’s greeting each other and I think it feels nice.”

Castillo shared a similar opinion.

“It’s very different because where my parents are from is such a small city that they all know each other. It’s weird because when were there they’re like ‘Oh, you guys aren’t from here.’”