Junior Brenda Hernandez traveled to Mexico in 2012 to visit family and enjoyed the chance to immerse herself in a different culture.

“My dad’s and my mom’s part of the family live in Mexico. They’re very sweet and kind. I went to visit them and to get to know the place,” Hernandez said.

While Hernandez was in Mexico, she also had the opportunity to explore different historical and geographical landmarks.

“I went to the pyramids and I also went to some caves. I got lost there, but I found some people who spoke English, thankfully, and I found my way back. It was actually a lot of fun,” Hernandez said.

Besides visiting tourist locations, Hernandez was able to experience the different way of life in Mexico City.

“It was a lot different, being in that culture. In Mexico City, there’s this place where they sell a lot of things, they’re called puestos and it’s cheap, but it’s affordable,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez was also struck by the difference between the shopping centers in the United States and the shopping centers in Mexico.

“Here there’s just a lot of stores, but over there it’s like an outside type of mall. It’s nice, everything is more handmade,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said that not only were the cultural centers different, but the general attitude of people was dissimilar as well.

“The city’s full of a lot of people and everybody’s smiling and they’re happy and I love that about Mexico. Over here you’re just kind of in your own world and seeing things in your own way,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez also mentioned that philanthropy feels especially important to her in Mexico.

“There’s a lot of people who need a lot of help and you can give out to the poor if you want, which I did,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said that she enjoyed the experience of travelling to Mexico because it allowed her to come into contact with different customs as well as spend time with family.