Saying goodbye to Mexico City (CDMX) has been a very emotional experience for me. Some of the friends I have made on this study abroad program have been people whom I will never forget—either because we bonded over feeling overwhelmed by all Mexico had to offer or because of the the amazing experiences we made together. This includes both people I came on the program with and those whom I met during my brief stay in CDMX. It is funny, actually, how two months can feel both like a lifetime and a distant memory when your days in a city are numbered.
One of the things I will miss will be learning about healthcare directly from those who manage it. At Universidad Panamericana, we were fortunate to received lectures not only from medical doctors but also from a previous Secretary of Health and others who have worked directly with the Mexican government to build the healthcare system currently in place there.
Another thing I will miss will be how friendly and happy people seem in CDMX compared to people in the States. That is not to say that Americans are depressing people, just that there is such a welcoming feel to this city.
Overall, my perception of Mexico has changed drastically as a result of my time there. I have come to appreciate how diverse the country is when it comes to race, culture, food, etcetera. I definitely hope to be fortunate enough to return to CDMX later on.