Community in Colombia

Manny Carrillo

Manny Carrillo is a third-year student who spent three weeks of his summer of 2023 in Cali, Colombia. As a double major in Criminal Justice and International Security and Conflict Resolution, Manny is a dedicated individual who makes the most of his college experience and strives to learn how to make his efforts in the community count— he was able to do so specifically when he visited Cali, and observed the unique culture and strong community. This led him to an unforgettable experience that, upon reflection, made him feel as though “the world got bigger instead of smaller.” 

Manny’s three-week trip was organized depending on what week the program was in—week one was focused on education, week two was how to take action, and week three was reflecting on their experiences. Manny thought that this was an ideal layout as it was incredibly uniting and gave him the opportunity to see how his coursework transferred into real life. When asked about the overall experience of observing day-to-day life in Colombia, Manny responded rather enthusiastically, saying, “it was so nice seeing everybody interact with one another!” He mentions how special the strong sense of community in Colombia is, and how it was the first time he ever felt unconditional support despite being in a new country and not knowing most people. Manny specifically remembers and holds dear his memory of sitting in a park listening to his lecturer with bands performing, kids playing, and vendors gathered around. He recalls that everyone had their own things going on, but when they saw a woman and child fall off their bike, everyone stopped and rushed to help. It was a simple act that set the tone for how Manny would later remember the people in Colombia: uniting, welcoming, and caring. 

This is just one of the countless anecdotes that Manny has surrounding the incredibly strong community he observed in Colombia. In conversation, he mentioned how surprised he was to witness this unconditional support for one another, and compared it to his experience with society here in The States. Manny went on to mention how his experience taught him that Columbia was much more of a collectivistic society, as opposed to an individualistic one. Everyone there was constantly looking out for one another, and their relationships with each other were incredibly important to their society as a whole. Seeing and experiencing a society like this taught Manny so much, and made his experience all the more special.

Though he was there almost a month, Manny felt time slipping through his fingers and mentioned that he could have spent much longer being abroad. Luckily, Manny was so determined to continue his studies and action in communities that he applied for, and was selected as a Mundt Scholar for the summer of 2024 in South Africa. While here, he will be able to continue his passion for finding peace, building his intercultural relationship skills, and discovering the impacts his actions have on the world. If Manny could recommend anything to future students looking to go abroad, it is to “not be afraid to try new things, learn from other cultures, and approach everything with an open mind”—you’re going to gain so much confidence and meet so many people you never thought you would.

Manny is a third-year student studying Criminal Justice and International Security and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, he is a student leader on campus, specifically a Residential Advisor who supports students in their transition from high school to living on campus in college. Manny’s study abroad experience was truly eye-opening as he got to learn about the history of Colombia and how it has impacted people at the grassroots level. Furthermore, he learned about the peace initiatives that members are implementing to support the communities that were affected by the civil conflict. Manny found this very interesting because he got to experience and see first-hand what he was learning in my classes; specifically, all the efforts that go into achieving long-standing peace.

In Colombia, Eating My Way to Peru

Warm welcome from the Cálico Cat Café in a district within the large city of Bogota, Colombia called Chapinero. Chapinero is an urban neighborhood flooded with academic youth and artist. In fact, one of the more influential artists in my life, sculptor Doris Salcedo resides in this charming town.

As I sit and enjoy a delicious Mochameowlatte and the chilly weather here in Bogota (very different from the heat I’ve been experiencing living abroad in Costa Rica), I am reflecting and sharing with you all of the delicious tastes I’ve had these few days. I have started and ended this trip to Colombia at the Cálico Cat Café, a café and restaurant that houses cats in need upstairs. They allow the public to enjoy the company of these kitties as well as adopt them if it’s in your interest. I love a good coffee shop but one that offers something beyond a polite buzz is even better.

The great taste at my first stop in Colombia set the bar high for my taste buds — and not once on this trip was I disappointed.