Building Blocks

A small town, boasting rodeos, a casual diner, and more roundabouts than one can count. A little town, 30 minutes away from the chaos of the world  renowned skiing resort, Vail. This town has shaped the way I think and I navigate around the world. It has enclosed me in a bubble, that wouldn’t have been bursted, if I didn’t travel. This bubble is built by the feelings associated with being away from the “business” of the city. It closed us off from the ideas of a big city. There’s not much diversity, or crime. We’re stuck in the ideas of safety, and ignorance. Living in a small town has it’s personality. Being able to break through from the ideas and the close circle of people, to another part of the world and another part of understanding gave me a whole new view and enabled me into being able to inform and educate others about it as well.

The person that I am has also been built on the closely knit culture that small towns have built for themselves. The families built within our small population. This has made a new sense of trust. Growing up, and waking up to a view of the mountains everyday is beautiful. It gives you a new sense of appreciation for nature. The sticky smell of fruit, the calluses on my hands after being at neighborhood park all day, knocking on friends doors to go play, and going downtown for slushies. These experiences turned into memories and those into personality. I was becoming the extroverted, curious person that I am now, because of these activities. There were moments that I enjoyed being secluded from all the noise and commotion of cities and their trends. The fact was that living in the mountains provides us with barriers to the weird trends you find elsewhere. There’s a consensus on how to act not based on the internet as much, but more on the culture of our community.

We are taught that society rules over all and that we obey it to keep in the norm. We are also aware of how diverse and multifarious the ideas of society becomes. With its different customs around the state, the nation and worldwide. That only some customs bleed into all aspects of humanity. I adapted and created my own knowledge of being who I was always, not just because I was from a small town that speaks its mind but because of my family. Being biracial is one of the coolest and sometimes a confusing part of me. I’m Bulgarian-Mexican, not a combination you hear of very often. But with that and living where I have, I built a character for myself and how to let my opinion and my beliefs dictate how I created my path, not letting others steer me away. I brought my opinions to the table and the ways I acted to become self aware and reflect on how much I respect myself and others. Coming from a closer community, my gratitude has been immense. I have a population surrounding me that I can trust and support during my life, it’s something priceless that I have enriched with my experiences around the world.

Presence

In a world full of hate, there is also a world full of love. In a world full of regret, there is also a world full of prosperity. In a world full of danger, there is also a world full of safety. In a world full of rock bottom, there is also a world full of success. In a world full of heartache, there is also a world full of lightheartedness. In a world full of mistakes, there is also a world full of learning. Balance. These worlds combine everyday to become balance. Whether it’s on your deathbed, or today, or 3 years ago. There is always something you could have done, why not be able to say, “I’ve done it.” Yes the hate, the regret, the danger, the fear of hitting rock bottom, heart ache, and mistakes are going to be there. But it’s your choice to decide where they land. Either in your past, or your future. They cannot control you if you decide to surmount and turn into a learner, an advocate and so much more. Because of these trips I have been able to create a new sense of harmony in my life. Because opportunity lives in failure. And really, “If mistakes are seasoning, who wants a bland dish?” - Lisa Nichols.

Nepal. In a world full of problems and hate. With a constitutional monarchy and the rise of a federal republic. The monarchy with King Birendra, brought Nepal more freedom with their decision in rulers, but a stagnant economy. As the world transitioned into 2001, Nepal went into a civil war, destroying minds and lives, their rulers were massacred. In 2014, the newly appointed prime minister Sushil Koirala, was quick to face natural disasters. An avalanche in mid-April that killed 16 sherpas, a landslide in early August that killed 156 people, and floods that killed 102 more. But these events were nothing in comparison to the 2015 earthquake northwest of the Kathmandu area. A 7.8 magnitude tremor, spreading about 21 miles, and another tremor following shortly after on the Tibet border at a magnitude of 7.3. Overall, killing 9,000 people, and injuring 16,800 + people. ⅓ of the population lives below the poverty line and make less than $1.50 a day. The future of Nepal holds a lot of growth. With it being the first of its neighboring countries on its way to become ‘total literate’. Which means, the education in their country is striving for literacy among the population. As well as, in 2017, Nepal had 2 successful sets of elections, with ¾ of the population as eligible voters. In May of 2018, their original two parties of CPN and UCPN, merged into the now Nepal Communist party.

Becoming a believer of opportunity, and becoming a creator of opportunity become your choices in the game of life. To become a believer shows your intent on keeping a dream alive. To become a creator shows the results of your dream. This trip of life and this dream of giving. What will it create once we get our hands dirty and create a better future for others around us and not just ourselves? We can build so much more with the intention of helping others become their best and highest selves when we also find who we are. The greatest invention was love. Because love kept us warm. Kept us full. Kept us wondering. Kept us dreaming. Most of all, love kept us alive. In this, where we get the wonderful opportunity to feed that love and that dream. In Tanzania, in Cambodia, in Morocco, in Nepal. Because there is where I’ve found who I was going to be, and who I am. The poverty and the literacy rate doesn’t define the people, but defines our purpose. Defines what we will do. Defines our ideas. Brings our wisdom. To ignite a fire in the people. To inspire them to create and manifest a much better, satisfying life. And empowering others and ourselves to find the greater good and being into our lives.

Art exists because...

Art exists because, there is a formation of words and color. A formation of sound and rhyme. It has a way that only exists through yourself. Art finds a way to be heard, seen, felt. It becomes your best friend or your worst enemy. There are so many things or thoughts that art can create. Art is a creation of life, and life is a creation of art. I have always been grateful to art. Art has always been there for me, a way to go back and let my emotions spill on paper. It has built trust and a legacy of love. There is always a form of freedom. A willingness to be limitless and truthful.

Maybe put this section just after your first paragraph?Traveling should be considered an art form. It’s a form of expression. One that forces you to think and can never be interpreted the same way. Art becomes an experience with unlimited possibilities, one that comes from the heart with a purpose. I remember when I thought traveling was only for vacations, but now I have grown to believe in the well-being of others before myself. I have enjoyed giving back ever since day 1, and hope that can turn into forever.

CGA is an amazing organization, started in the Vail Valley, that lets ages 12-18 join a service trip and give back. To sign up, you have to submit a form, write an essay and attend an interview. The process is hard, but the outcome is the most rewarding I have ever had. Nepal, one of the countries that I have aspired to visit ever since I first signed up with CGA. A wonderful country filled with more than just the Himalayan mountain range. Such loving people and an interest sparking culture. In Nepal, we will be expanding the knowledge of kids in a school by the name of LISHA, located in Bhaktapur. We also get to visit families of the students and assist in the recovery from the 2015 earthquakes.  

301 miles, and state qualifier? 6th grade Gaby would say you’re crazy. There are so many things that I am grateful for. One of those things being cross country. Something about those long runs, tear-jerking track workouts and silly inside jokes that make me want to run five kilometers against other people. Which we can all agree that is masochism at it’s finest. Apart loving to run for fun, I also like to photograph. I started taking pictures a couple years ago, and to be honest I don’t do it as much as I’d like to but I love it. Being able to look at something through a lens and capture that moment lets you into the paradise that is the world. Snowboarding, although I’m not a pro, I love getting out onto our beautiful mountainous home and enjoy from the top, and shredding it down.

I was born to two beautiful loving people. Tsvetelina, and Armando Fuentes. My mom is from Bulgarian descent, her name Tsvetelina meaning flowers and light. My dad of Mexican descent, his name Armando. I was then bombarded with a little brother, Armando. He is a blessing and a pain (as all people would say about their siblings.) I have been very gifted to have such an open-minded supporting family, that cares so much about one another’s successes, as well as the well-being of others and themselves. I also have two amazing half-sisters, Anna who is now a freshman in college and Paola who is a senior in highschool. Without the love and acceptance of this family I would have never been able to accomplish what I have done today. I believe that with all their excitement towards trying new things I was able to get new experiences to shape my life and my perspective into what it is now.

I love that art can be so magical. A story that is personalized. An even better notion that would likely cause a commotion in a wave. Of chorus. A beautiful symphony of colors and words. One that declares itself unique. A free will in itself through others. Waiting to be released. A simple but complex being of madness. You create out of sheer will to create. There is a fire that ignites when you want it to bloom. It becomes possible when you believe in what you have created. What will you create?

The Puzzle Pieces That Make Morocco

“Welcome, welcome! Where are you from? Please come in. Take a look, only student price here.” Oh the joys of being a tourist. After seeing a glimpse of the wonders that this country has to offer has been quite the experience thus far. From wandering the world famous “Blue City” to exploring the oldest medina in Morocco, I have been blown away by not only the physical beauty of the cities but of the rich culture that lies within. The culture here never stops filling its country with love and happiness, very similar to how the people incessantly fill your cup with more tea. The kindness in this country exceeds the amount of cats.

                This past week of teaching has been a great learning experience. With knowledge from past trips, it’s been a lot of help, but taking control and showing who’s boss still takes hard work.  So, I am not only proud of myself and my teaching partner but of everyone on this trip that has worked incredibly hard to be here and teach these eager children what they deserve to know. In an intermediate English class, my students have aspirations of being doctors and even teachers themselves, they want to learn English to succeed in a place where it’s hard not to follow the crowd. So, to be teaching them English makes me feel accomplished and relieved that they have the opportunity to learn another language. One student that stands out to me is a boy named Amine. He always goes out of his way to help kids around him that don’t understand, and is always asking for help and tries to do more than what is asked of him. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.

                Being able to see all these new cities has broadened my horizon. I have been able to see new sides of the country as opposed to our usual medina in Rabat. Chefchaouen also known as the “Blue City” full of blue doors, blue walls, and even blue stairs. A sight that you have to see to believe. Then the New York of Morocco, Fes. With 10,000 plus alleys of markets, residential areas and factories, home to the oldest university in the world which was founded by a woman.

                Going from a blue tinted city full of color not only in appearance but in feeling to a bustling medina in Fes, and finally back to our riad in Rabat feels like I’m coming home again. I think that once you experience what being a tourist is like for a couple of days, you get tired of carrying a camera at some point and you want to go back. Because of that, I am so excited to go back to the school and teach the kids English. A universal language that will help them thrive. To be able to witness that? Cause that? It’s beyond priceless to know that what you’re doing is going to help someone for the rest of their life.

                Viewing and learning about Chefchaouen’s beautiful color, Fes’ busy streets, and the excited voices of the students waiting for you to call on them. All these things have helped to motivate me to do my absolute best for the people here in Morocco.

               

Yay Morocco

Bonjour, Salam labes alik, Hola, and Hello are all greetings that can be heard all over the streets of Morocco. With perfect weather and bustling markets, Morocco is one like no other. And as time started to pass, and reality began to seep in, the signs and the buildings which varied in shape, style and condition blurred past us. When we first parked, I thought, “Oh we’re already here we don’t have to walk, blah, blah, blah.” Boy was I wrong. We crossed the street with unapologetic drivers in cars that zoomed by us. We then walked past decorative doors, down twists and turns and a plethora of cats in the alley ways. We dragged our bags behind us down stairs, onto gravel and finally into our cozy riad. We were soon to learn about the beautiful cuisine of Morocco. But before we could stuff our faces, we went for a walk in the rather sunny but temperate market. We then got to encounter the concrete diving pool that the local boys loved to spend their free time in.

                15 hours of sleep later, we got to explore more of the market and the rooftop of Ali, the manager of MCAS comfortably known as the organization that CGA works with here in Morocco’s office, with breathtaking view of the roofs, coast and markets. We were treated to a much needed Darija (Moroccan Arabic) lesson, from our translators Wi Am, Rim, Abeir, and Leila who embody the new Morocco. They bring a strong belief in women’s opinions, a new fashion, and more freedom of choice. While the new Morocco is slowly brought to the surface, the older traditions never fail in letting you feel at home. When you have to pleasure of attending one of your students home, the family takes you in as one of their own and brings you plates upon plates full of sweets, traditional dishes, and of course, tea, juice or milk, but still insist that what they are giving you couldn’t possibly be enough. They constantly keep pouring you tea, directing you towards the sweets, and invite you to listen as they tell you their story. When I arrived at the home of one of my students, Nada, her parents were quick to show how much love and support was in their home. That they wanted her to do whatever made her happy in her life. After a couple days we went to another one of my beloved students homes, Zineb, we admired how her mother made many decisions so that Zineb could be supported past age 14. Along with her husband who recites verses from the Quran.

                 The medina (an older closed off city, very much like a corn maze) screams unique. Since our arrival it has been quite the adventure to navigate the streets look at all the art, and the people that become parts of our memories. In the classroom, I soon fell back into the rhythm of teaching and the thrill of being able to teach them something they can use for the rest of their lives. My mom always says “Bring a homeless man a fish and he will eat for one day, teach a man how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” I have been blessed with the pleasure of getting to know the Moroccan culture along with its people. I couldn’t be more thankful for the time I have had here so far, and the times to come.

Qabul

Love, and acceptance. These values emit beautiful thoughts, vibes. They are more powerful than hate, and ignorance. They can turn a tsunami of frowns into a wave of smiles. A chorus of laughs. All these happy, wonderful feelings, all feelings of love and care. I’m sure everyone wants to feel that. Wants to smile, to laugh, to be happy. The key for that, and for everyone in the world to feel it, they must integrate it into their lives. For example, if you call someone a bad name, and you expect for them to reply with a laugh and compliment back, you are obviously very wrong. There has to be kindness through and through. You must be kind to receive it back. I think that the key to ending poverty is not only to provide sustainable, paying jobs but to send help to build simple homes where people can live, instead of landing on the streets. These are people we are talking about, they aren’t to be treated like animals, they should have the resources to become the best they can be. Among the resources and material things, I really think that with ending poverty, comes acceptance and wanting to understand the situation that these people are in.

When I was researching how Morocco was attempting of climbing out of poverty, I found this, “In 2005, Morocco announced a project called the National Human Development Initiative Support Project (INDH). Over a five-year period, and for a budget of $1 billion, the aim was to improve the living conditions of citizens, reduce poverty in urban and rural areas, assist the most vulnerable groups in society and support families in difficult economic situations.

What was the result? According to the World Bank, Morocco has made substantial progress in reducing poverty over recent decades. In 2007, 8.9% of its population was considered poor, compared to 16.3% in 1998. But the picture is far from rosy. As of 2014, the poverty rate in Morocco fell to 4.2%, but “nearly 19% of the rural population is still living in poverty or are vulnerable.” And while 3.1% of the population lives on $1.90 a day, as many as 15.5% live on $3.10. Morocco has 4 million people living below the poverty level, as per the Borgen Project. So, the fact that 3 million of these reside in rural areas is telling of the geographical divide.” So, this project has been helping to decrease the number of people in poverty in Morocco from being 16.8% of the population to about 3% as of 2005.                                                                                             

To contribute to this solution I have been going on these service trips to help towards teaching and occasionally do labor work to make their living conditions more comfortable. The more opportunities I get to travel and help people around the world I will. I want to every time get donations from others of toys, clothes, etc because when they go home to the conditions they do, I want them to be happy and have hope that there are things that others and that they can do to make things better. Another thing I want to do to contribute would be contacted or become part of programs that help install water wells, or help build homes or help just take care of people who do suffer in poverty. I hope to become the best person I can be and help others do the same, no matter the circumstances, no matter race, language. Because I accept people the way they are and think they have as much of a chance as anyone else. Qabul, the Arabic word for acceptance. Here we come Morocco.

Love, Work, and Hope

Time. A valued idea. Not only an idea but a time and a place. A memory. That second you just lived in, gone, part of the past. A moment you’ll never relive. A beautiful moment that only gets to be experienced once. People talk about going back in time, but we do that through memory, recalling all that we want to remember. The time I wish to use, adding to the fire of happiness, burning with a passion to help. To fuel a laugh, a smile, or even hope. A powerful moment it is to feel a kid’s hand in yours. Looking at them and smiling like you never have before. Laughing with them, dancing, and being carefree. Helping them with cleanup and they look at you and join you, seeing you as an example. Looking up to you, same as you look up to them. Striving to always be happy. My goal for this trip would be that I get to learn more about myself and about people around the world. I want to be able to stand apart from myself and know that what I say reflects my actions.

Morocco, a powerful place. A country with beauté, jamal, beauty. Traditions like no other and a history to remember. Moroccans being the metaphorical “middle child” being targeted by the French and others throughout the first world war, but holding their ground to eventually become independent. The beginning with Europe holding Morocco in its grasp. With different cultural flavors added into Morocco’s daily life.The French Protectorate was caused by a sultan, and this sultan cooperated with the French whilst being respected by the Moroccan population. By the end of the protectorate Casablanca was thriving and Rabat had a new administrative capital.  

Morocco worked to have a pleasant government. Through the monarchy, trying to rid of the parliament. The election in 1977, being fraudulent and corrupt, with many different attempts at keeping the royal control. Early 1980’s the economy wasn’t looking good, and the harvest being poor, while human rights were being brought to attention. Shortly after Hassan passed away, the new reign of Mohammed the sixth began, new rights put in place for women to have more education, providing equity to multiple aspects.
The most interesting thing that I found while researching Morocco was that the currency is named Dirham. I found this interesting because I feel that the currency of a country is a very big representation because you use it to buy, to communicate, and to be recognized for your effort in a workplace.

Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? For where I am… For where I’ll be… What will I accomplish? What will I be? Sure enough society it comes to you… But who will I be, if I am not you? Well of course! I am me. And you are you.