Tara Prescott '98

 

Looking Forward to the Baja VolunTour™ Trip to Mexico

M.A. from Johns Hopkins University
Currently a first year Doctoral Student at Claremont Graduate University - English
Tara is looking forward to the Baja VolunTour™ Trip to Mexico on May 12-15.

What is the main attraction of this tour for you?
Tara: To see part of Mexico and interact with people there in a meaningful way, not just as a typical American tourist. When I studied abroad in Ireland, I ran into stereotypes about Americans. The assumption is that Americans are oblivious and self-involved.

So how is this trip different?
Tara: When people go on vacation, they tend to think, "Where can I have the most fun? How can I get the most out of this?" For me, the Baja VolunTour is a chance to ask, "What can I learn about the people who live here? What skills, gifts, stories or time can I contribute?" I want to experience a slice of real life in a specific place in Mexico.

What are you excited about visiting and why?
Tara: Tough call! I'm excited about the Museo de Las Californias, as well as the beehive making, because I have no idea how to build a beehive.

Aside from the schedule, what else do you intend on doing?
Tara: I definitely want to wander around the food vendors, try different kinds of breads, coffee. I'm also bringing along my camera to take lots of pictures and my journal to do sketches and write. Travel is a source of inspiration for my poetry.

Why do you think people should explore our neighboring country?
Tara: If you live or go to school in California, you know how important Mexico is to everyday life. Mexicans and Mexican-Americans are a vibrant and vital part of American culture. My best friend's family is from Mazatlan. I have students in my classes from all over Mexico. It's important for Americans to experience what life is like outside of America. This is especially true today with the recent tragedies due to the tsunami and the war in Iraq. It's also important for people in Mexico to meet Americans who aren't only interested in cheap goods and spring break partying.

Do you have any apprehensions about going?
Tara: To be honest, I am a little worried about the water situation. I don't know if bringing bottled water is a smart thing to do or if it would appear ignorant or condescending. I'll have to talk to the coordinators about that.

The cost worried me at first, but then the option to save money by sharing room was an added perk. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other people. My roommate for the tour lives in West Covina and we are going to carpool down to San Diego together, where we'll board the motorcoach to Mexico.

I also feel terrible about not speaking Spanish. Growing up in California, I really should speak Spanish, but through a fluke I ended up in German class instead! Because of my lack of Spanish skills, VolunTour is really an excellent choice for me to see Mexico for the first time.

What do you hope to get out of this volunteer experience?
Tara: Meeting new people from UCLA as well as new people in Mexico. I'm hoping to broaden my understanding of Mexico and to make new friends.

Check it out for yourself!