National Museum of Mexican Art - Week Four

Hello!

It is unbelievable how quickly time passes, this was the final week at my internship and I somehow still can't wrap my head around that.

The beginning of the week involved me completing some research for teachers curriculum in the fall, specifically team building activities. My second project for the week researching about The Huichol people to create an assessment for adults. I tackled this project very open minded, considering I was clueless on the topic. I was fascinated by the amount of Mexican History I learned, and wish to continue learning about my roots. Learning does not just involve a school setting, rather happens all the time without us noticing it. Every opportunity is a chance to learn something new and feel as if I have learned more than ever this summer.

  

Growing as a person is something I learned from Washington Week, and decided it would be ideal to share my experience from Wednesday with my fellow YAP family. Last summer I took classes at a school near me to complete a Certification in Legal Interpreting. That same summer, I did an internship at a Law Office in which I practiced my interpreting skills. One of the clients I worked with for several appointments asked me if I could kindly interpret for him at his appointment with USCIS in downtown Chicago. The appointment was this week and it was my first time interpreting a real case. It was surreal. Considering it was my first time, I was extremely nervous due to the fact that simultaneously interpreting legal terminology from English to Spanish is a lot harder than you would think. Surprisingly, I knew more than I thought. I walked into that room believing in myself and knew it was one step closer to becoming a better Interpreter.

On Thursday, I was sitting in my desk working on some research when Rebecca, the Permanent Collection Curator walked in looking for someone. One decision changes everything. I asked her why she was frantically looking for this person, and it turns out Laura Molina was at the other end of the hallway. Her painting, Amor Alien, is one of the most recognized in the museum. She explained to us what the story was behind the painting she created, which was a million times better than reading about it. One decision of simply asking led me to meeting Laura. One decision can change a lot, even if it's small.

Laura Molina's painting, Amor Alien.

Friday morning I walked into the museum, and couldn't believe it was all coming to an end. Ricardo, Director of  Education, organized a lunch date for me to meet with two Immigration Lawyers. We drove to downtown Chicago, where we met up with Giovanna and Lindsay. I had Greek food for the first time, and felt a million times better about the career choice I want to persue. They were very honest and gave me guidance that will ultimately lead me into the right direction. All the networking skills I learned during Washington Week have been used a lot since I've been back. They also told me to consider having an internship with them next summer, the world is filled with possibilities.

Lindsay, Giovanna and I at lunch!

Everyone at the office was extremely kind to me throughout the four-week period I was there. I felt very comfortable with everyone and they have a special place in my heart. Lately, I have realized that as you grow up, you find people that have more in common with you and have the same outlook in life. They were all passionate people, who had a goal of making the community better.

Working at the National Museum of Mexican Art taught me a lot and would relive the past month again if I could. I learned more about Art, Mexican History and most importantly, about myself. I want to continue getting out there by applying for more internships in the future. I feel accomplished in the sense that I tried something new and widened my perspective about museums. I love Pilsen! Definitely put me out of comfort zone and felt like a little piece of Mexico.

It has been absolutely rewarding sharing with all of you on this blog. It has even pushed me to create my own! If you still have time left at your internship location, enjoy it. Time goes by quickly, therefore make the most out of it.

Best of luck with the beginning of the school year fellow YAP,

Andrea Vallejo