GRIP, Internships Abroad The Sore Thumb

GRIP: Sustainable Development in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a bustling city within a country rich in culture and experiences. A place I had been longing to visit and was fortunate enough to be selected to work in over this summer. However, little did I know that I would become, what felt like at least, the only Latinx individual in the entire country.

I stood out so clearly from everyone around me. Every face I saw was different from my own and I initially felt a sense of disconcert; however, this is a feeling I knew I would encounter. As a result, I set out to utilize this unique opportunity as a catalyst for a growth in my self-confidence and personal livelihood.

I stuck out like a sore thumb on a day-to-day basis. The constant stares and glares reminded me of my differences. The unsettling feeling of knowing that everyone is looking at you and talking about you in a different language may seem daunting, and it was. I faced many setbacks and wistful thoughts about why I decided to come, but I faced my discomfort head-on and stayed prideful of my identity.

For those willing, I shared my culture and identity and never shied away from questions about my Mexican heritage. Whether it be co-workers or people I randomly met on the street or at a restaurant, I was open and willing to talk and soon realized that despite the glaring majority of those who wanted nothing to do with me, there were in fact people who were genuinely interested in my experiences, leading to meaningful conversations and connections.

I also did my best to engage in Vietnamese culture as well to demonstrate my willingness to learn which helped them want to learn from me. From exploring hidden gems in Vietnam such as Con Dao, to tasting local cuisines like Banh Xeo, Pho, and Banh Mi to immersing myself in their history and traditions, I truly was propelled outside of my comfort zone and learned so much about Vietnamese culture that will forever stay true to my heart.
       
Although my appearance set me apart, it also made me unique. Rather than trying to mask my identity, choosing to embrace it gave me an invaluable lesson of self-confidence and the importance of resilience and adaptability. I learned that I could thrive in a foreign environment, adapt to new challenges, and forge meaningful connections, but the most important thing was that I proved that I am perfect just the way I am.