This Week, Meet Up with People Cast Member,

Michael from Colorado, USA!

As Michael continues his semester traveling in Up with People,

he shares his story with us on what he hopes to gain from the program.

In what ways have you seen yourself grow while being in Up with People?

“I believe I’ve grown very much so far. It’s hard to explain how much exactly, but I’ve noticed I’ve become much more open and consider myself more of an outgoing person since joining the program. Being here has reignited my desire to travel and see other cultures so closely instead of just traveling. Now, I want to learn more about the places I’m traveling to, instead of just going through the experience.”

Have you enjoyed Mexico so far?

“Very much! It’s been insane. The country itself is not much like how the media tends to portray it at all. It’s a lot more positive and the people here have been ridiculously nice. I think it’s been really cool.”

What are some differences that you’ve seen between your country and this one?

“I’d say Mexico is more family oriented than the United States. I think in my country, we often bring more people into our circles instead of using our family as our main circle. I personally believe Mexico is a little more open and warm in comparison to the business feel we have in the States. As for architecture, I’ve seen that there’s a lot more emphasis in monuments in terms of the history here than some other things in the States. From experience, I haven’t seen a lot of people be as passionate or mindful of monuments in my country as I’ve seen people here. They explain the history behind some historic landmarks and monuments more so than people from back home. The other day, David from Mexico was talking about one of the streets in Mexico City. He was listing all of these other landmarks and castles that we had the chance of passing. You could see he wanted others to see his passion about the subject.”

What are you passionate about?

“I’m very passionate about helping people and music. I think those two coincide very well. I personally believe everyone can have a certain genre of music that they connect with that can help them when they’re feeling down.”

What do you want to take away from the program once it’s over?

“I’m hoping to take away a more positive sense of myself. I consider myself an optimist, but tend to be a little more critical towards myself. I definitely want to continue the openness I’ve experienced in Up with People. I also want to be able to be more personal with people instead of slipping back to the tendencies of closing myself off like I once did.” 

What is a positive thing about your generation?

“I believe a good portion of my generation has a go-getter mindset. We see issues and we strive to improve whatever situation it may be. I think there are a few people who vocalize that it’s pointless to do that, but I believe the people I know see that there needs to be some change and strive to do that. For example, any student who has helped start or participated in a movement has shown that people can stand behind them to show how passionate and determined we are to help make the world be a better place.”

I will show love, I will
I will share hope, I will
I will believe we will… We will

I Will © Up with People