Volunteer Stories  |  Tessa

A first impression of a T2T volunteer.

I think I always knew I would be back. Well, not in the same place, but back with Travel to Teach. Ever since my volunteering experience in Thailand and even more so after I got back home, I had the feeling of having been bitten by the volunteer-bug. To top it off, there had been word of a new project, a new continent, new people, a new experience…

Tijuana, Mexico. A whole new ballgame compared to Nong Khai, Thailand. Both are on the border, have bumpy roads and excellent food, but that's about where the obvious comparison stops. Walking around the scruffy streets of Tijuana, seeing all the colorful houses and shops, smelling the various taco stands, hearing the mariachis play their guitars, you simply forget about the prejudiced tales of crime and danger and are immediately put at ease by a single smiling face and a cheerful 'Buenas dias'. Our dorm is right in the town center, so everything we need is a short walk away. The house is simple, but cozy and right next to an independent cultural activity center, where a lot is happening every day and night

So much for the sights of Tijuana, because there is work to be done! The first volunteer projects to be focusing our attention on are two rehabilitation centers. Travel to Teach will offer them the possibility to attend English and computer classes and for the youth that already goes to school, some tutoring in various subjects. Besides the fact that I am not mistaken about how much these young guys would love a foreign teacher, especially a female one, they seemed honestly interested in the newly given opportunity to broaden their future perspective. My enthusiasm was growing by the minute.

Another project, that actually came to attention while walking on the beaches of Tijuana, was doing something about the pollution. It would be so nice not to get distracted by all this garbage, while enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves clashing on the beach and observing the endless, beautiful horizon with, if lucky, a few dolphins or a seal. Another good project for the volunteers to get involved in, according to T2T. I am definitely looking forward to really be useful here. There is a lot to be done, but if we all pitch in I am sure we will be pleased with the results.

Of course there are other plans for future projects, such as helping out at the local orphanages, tutoring people that run voluntary organizations, in order to enhance their English and computation skills. T2T is also looking into teaching possibilities in some schools, set up especially for street children in Tecate and Ensenada. No need to worry, I don't think I will get bored any time soon! The Travel to Teach introductory program is another good pastime. Catch up on, or learn from scratch, the beautiful sounds of the Spanish language, move rhythmically to the Salsa music (the way you are actually supposed to…) and profit from the opportunity to not only taste, but learn all the secrets of 'la comida Mexicana'. Hmmm, I definitely found a substitute for my Thai food addiction!

If Tijuana is becoming too familiar or boring, which I seriously doubt, San Diego is right across the border and definitely worth the short and easy trip. There are buses going back and forth for only a dollar or two. With T2T, we will also make an excursion to go whale watching a little more down south of Tijuana. When more volunteers will come, we should definitely have a Tequila tasting one night, because I have been told that they are not all that bad, and definitely not all shots need to be washed down with lots of beer and end up in puking all night. But again, this is what I have been told. I guess I haven't been here long enough...