por Kaitlyn Medina
In February ’19, we met Kaitlyn Medina, an outdoor, experiential educator—you know, Just Your Average Latina. At the time, she was on her way to Patagonia and Cuba to co-lead a 90-day gap semester.
Well, she’s back. And her stories have us doting on her!
“This semester was one of my favorites in terms of the Itinerary. The first two months spent in Patagonia/Chile were unbelievable. It felt like I was dreaming, being able to spend so much time outside and in places that not many people get to see in their lifetime. Cuba was a major throwback! We stayed in a small town along the coast named Matanzas, it was our homebase. The biggest take away from Cuba was from one of our guides, she advised us not to try and understand everything that we saw but instead just take it in. To accept it for what it was and not to overthink or over analyze. I’m such a curious being, so my default is to ask questions constantly about why things were or weren’t a certain way. However, her advice allowed me to remain present and refrain from prejudice or unfair judgments and accept the country for the colorful place it is.
As an instructor I was pushed to grow, to become even more flexible, be confident in my abilities, and ask for support even when I didn’t want to. During a 90-day trip you learn so much about yourself and your students. One of my favorite parts is the facilitation of activities that allow for vulnerability and openness. It can be difficult at times to create a group dynamic that’s inclusive, positive, and loving. I have students who come from so many different parts of the US, their experiences are different so managing that brings its challenges. With the help of my co-leader we can guide our students through their new experiences. We give them a space where they can feel free to be themselves, express their ideas, but also learn how to co-exist with others. We find it easy to forget to connect with another person when we focus in on the negatives. So, what we help foster is creating connections with each student in positive and uplifting ways.
Managing group dynamics is tricky business, it’s never something that is just fixed or that just becomes great, you constantly work at it to maintain it. As instructors, we’re intentional, communicative, open, honest, and patient. There were times during the semester where I felt like I made a mistake in choosing to follow this career path. It takes a village to run a semester successfully. I’ve grown into someone who’s learned that reaching out is a good thing, to collaborate to make the experience a better one, and to be confident in my abilities.
In the end, I’ve learned that it’s all about enjoying life. Keeping a positive outlook and reminding myself not to take anything too seriously. That allows me to appreciate my job for what it is, and I love it.
I’m stoked for my next trip, which will be in Hawaii. Leading a two-week trip with some awesome folks, doing some service work, surfing, and all while camping on gorgeous beaches. Mientras estare en San Gabriel Valley. If you want to go on a hike, need a climbing buddy, or want to hangout outside let ya girl know.”