By Joselyn Alaniz
They say that when you’re drawn to a particular place, it’s because there’s a story waiting for you there. Most interpret this as the chance to meet the love of their life. For me, though, it was Oaxaca, Mexico, that called—and when I arrived, the only person I found waiting was myself.
During my freshman year of college, I decided to study abroad in Oaxaca. It was one of the best decisions I could have made. I went to improve my Spanish-speaking skills, learn more about the culture, and, really, to take a risk I had never taken before.
I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and had never been outside the country, despite being of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. I am the first in my family to attend university and the oldest of nine siblings.
Leaving home to go study in Oaxaca was incredibly difficult for me, as I had never lived independently before. It felt impossible. Yet the call to go was strong enough for me to set those fears aside and fill out an application.
With my parents’ blessing and support from Pacific Lutheran University’s Wang Center for Global Education, I applied to the Oaxaca Gateway Program for the fall semester of my sophomore year.
Oaxaca street with streamers and lights in preparation for Mexico’s Independence Day, September 16. (Photo courtesy of Joselyn Alaniz)
It’s difficult to encapsulate all the learning and growth I experienced while studying abroad. My time in Oaxaca gave me a deep understanding of its rich culture and history, while also helping me better understand my own identity and develop a stronger sense of self.
Studying literature and cinematography allowed me to analyze how Oaxaca’s vibrant history and people are depicted in art and media, deepening my understanding of the community’s resilience and the cultural significance of storytelling.
In my biology course, I explored the remarkable ways the community embraces diversity, justice, and sustainability. A course taught by a feminist professor and former journalist provided valuable insights into the political issues affecting Oaxaca and the ways its people actively fight for their community.
My intensive Spanish classes not only taught me proper language skills but also helped me navigate the streets of Oaxaca with confidence. Through salsa lessons, I felt more connected to my own culture (prior to that, I could have sworn I had two left feet!).
Slowly but surely, I gained confidence walking the streets, speaking Spanish, and immersing myself in Oaxaca’s beautiful culture. I visited museums and workshops that broadened my perspective on what the word “diversity” truly means. Oaxaca is known to be one of the best places in Mexico for its gastronomy, and I can absolutely second that!
Joselyn releasing baby turtles into the ocean at a turtle sanctuary in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. (Photo courtesy of Joselyn Alaniz)
I found myself falling in love with life and with the person I was becoming. Although my roots don’t directly trace back to Oaxaca, for the first time, I truly felt like I belonged somewhere.
At home, I was comfortable–but between the demands of work, studying, and the role I played within my family, I never had the chance to fully explore who I was. In Oaxaca, I was free to express myself, speak Spanish everywhere we went, and feel a sense of beauty in a community that mirrored my own heritage and roots.
I found myself falling in love with life and with the person I was becoming.
I also had the opportunity to complete an internship working with children ages three to 12. I absolutely loved working with them. We had daily discussions about local shops and restaurants, their cultural traditions, and their opinions on the differences between Spanish and English.
At times, I would correct the children’s English grammar, and in turn, they would correct my Spanish! I often felt I learned so much more from them than they did from me.
My time in Oaxaca not only deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity, but also broadened my understanding of educational practices. Experiencing firsthand how different communities approach education and family involvement shifted my perspective on what it means to be an educator and highlighted how deeply culture influences teaching and learning.
Nevería, Oaxaca after a weekend in an Indigenous community. Joselyn took this photo after a 3-hour hike that children in the community take just to get to school. (Photo courtesy of Joselyn Alaniz)
While these academic experiences shaped my intellectual growth, some of my most memorable highlights were personal. One of the most profound moments was meeting my father’s brother in person for the first time. My uncle had returned to Mexico before I was born, and until then, I had only known him through photographs and the occasional FaceTime call, when the signal allowed.
When I hugged my uncle in person for the first time in Mexico, I felt as though I was bridging the gap between him and my family. I had been in Oaxaca for three months and was missing home terribly, but seeing him after so many years apart felt like a reunion. In that hug, it was as if I was embracing a piece of home—and through me, my family was embracing my uncle back.
If anyone were to ask me, I would wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad. My time in Oaxaca taught me not only about its rich culture but also about myself. I grew more confident in my professional aspirations and gained a deeper understanding of the world around me. In Oaxaca, I learned, danced, cried, laughed—but most importantly, I learned to love myself and to live fully.
Joselyn Alaniz grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Mount Tahoma High School. She is currently attending Pacific Lutheran University and is part of the Seed Teachers Program. Joselyn aspires to teach fifth grade and hopes to create an inclusive, welcoming, and loving learning environment for all of her future students.
Featured image: Joselyn with her uncle and cousin, whom she was able to meet in person for the first time while in Oaxaca. This photo was taken at a beautiful church named Santo Domingo. (Photo courtesy of Joselyn Alaniz)
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