Tom here, writing you from my home here in the beautiful city of Cali, Colombia. The climate is around 80 degrees and perfect,while the wildlife and plantlife erupts from nearly every possible surface. I live with a yoga instructor from Argentina named Pablo, the owner of the house and center named Samantha, and her one and a half year old son Ilan. As if that wasn’t a perfect environment I also live with a fellow Carpe Diem Latitudes student, Julia Collins! She has become one of my best friends and together we explore the city, delve into the culture, teach English, and embrace the amazing hospitality of the Colombian people.
A very big part of what makes this placement so perfect for me is the volunteering we do, which is in the form of teaching English to the kids in the barrio (neighborhood). The children come to our house and we first teach English, but often times we teach them yoga, body movements, healthy eating, as well as play soccer and dance after class. Every class and week I am constantly shocked by how much the kids (ages 9 all the way to 17) learn and how their drive never stops. Julia and I came up with what we call the “phrase of the day” which is something that we use with our friends at the end of class. We have used “Its all good”, “Don’t worry”, “Lets Hangout” and even gone as far as “you have beautiful eyes” the guys loved that one. As obvious and apparent it is that they learn so much, I can’t help but think that I learn even more from them. Through them we get to see what it’s like to be a kid here, and get a better insight into what the customs and functions of modern families here in Colombia. They truly love to spend time with us, and even stop by our house when we don’t have class just to visit. Every interaction I have with my students inspires me, and pushes me to find my abilities as a teacher and leader in class and in my life in general. I am truly blessed and thankful for Carpe Diem and my family for putting me in the situation I am now, the best of my life so far.
Aside from teaching, entering the world of living with yoga and meditation experts pushed me into a new lifestyle full of amazing opportunities and experiences. Every week I attend multiple yoga classes both in studios and personal classes with my housemates. Being with such advanced people has come to my benefit greatly as they can help me change my old gymnast body into that of a budding yogi. Yoga has helped me noticeably feel better physically, as well as the meditation helps me relieve mental stress and unnecessary physical attachments. This new lifestyle helps me take better care of myself in every sense of the phrase, and I intend on staying with it for a very long time. My classes and housemates have led me to take part in many cultural activities ranging from traditional ceremonies, to salsa dancing, to concerts by up and coming artists outside of the city.
The beyond open and generous people aside, as well as the amazing architecture and wildlife, Cali is a city of creative expression. All of my favorite parts of the city such as San Antonio and El Penon are absolutely filled with murals and street art. The street art here is much more than a hobby, it’s like a painted story of the city. Through the murals and street art it is easy to see that the history of this city is literally shown on it’s sleeves. As if the art here wasn’t enough, the parks are filled with musicians, artists, jewelry makers, poets, writers, people practicing yoga, and so much more. The city lives and breathes creative expression of every sort, all you need to do is look around. As an aspiring trumpet player/ musician and writer I find inspiration by the truck load on a daily basis. As one of my favorite music producers once said in an interview “If you’re inspired and do nothing about it, I do the opposite. I think about what’s inspiring me the most right now, and I chase it.” That quote in addition to the inspiration around me is what constantly drives me right now, and I love it.
Another very large reason I feel so connected to the city and country is because my mother was born in Cali, and I was raised around the Colombian culture and people in the states.. Walking around the old, picturesque streets of Cali, I often envision my mother as little girl walking in the parks. This brings about a profound connection I feel with the city.
My entire life I would tell people I am Colombian and my mother was born there. Only now, after living here for more than a month, can I begin to wrap my head around what that actually means. When people here find out I am Colombian and that my mother is from Cali, I am always embraced with a hug and the phrase: “Bienvenido a su pais y sus raizes.” Which means welcome to your country and your roots. I am filled with a great sense of honor and pride every time I say that my mother is Colombian and I am too. In addition to the friends I have made here, I have family here too. My mothers cousin Kiko is an amazing person who makes me feel better when I’m homesick, y tambien (as well) mi tia Ligia (my moms aunt). To spend time with, and to get to know my family here is a life changing and mind altering event in itself. To fulfill this part of my life while volunteering, studying and living out my FVP is the most developmental part of my life I have ever experienced or can even imagine. Due to the fact my Spanish is constantly getting better, I am getting more and more comfortable talking to my family, and can’t wait to talk to my grandpa and aunt in Chicago who only speak Spanish. I truly am aprendiendo my raices (learning my roots) here and am happier than I have ever been in my life.
Definitely the most difficult part of my travels through Carpe Diem this year has been being away from my Mom, Dad, Brother, and girlfriend, Becky. I miss my family dearly, but without my girlfriend it can be even harder. Although it has been extremely hard at times, it truly has made our love grow even stronger and has proven the trust and faith we have in each other. But despite being away, I was lucky enough that she came and visited me in Cali! After our fourth month being apart this year, she hopped on a plane without knowing Spanish, ready for whatever experiences were to come, and met me here. She spent seven days here, which happened to be the best week of my entire life. It was a very beneficial test for me to show her a variety of places that range from touristy malls all the way to rural and very poor parts of the city. All in all I gave her a carpe tour, which means you see more of the culture and less shops that sell t-shirts and shot glasses haha. Sadly, the week went by too fast, and we were stuck saying “ We’ll do that next time” to many things on our to do list, for the next time we come back to Cali together.(Yes, together) I am so fortunate she was able to see what my life is like here, where my mother and family comes from, and to see who my FVP is helping me shape into. Due to the responses I give when my brother at home in Chicago asks how I am, he will be visiting hopefully soon as well! I am elated that I will be able to share what I have learned about my family and this City with my older brother.
A big belief I have come to put all my faith in is that when you truly believe something, you can make anything happen, and can achieve anything. This thought has lead me to be more positive, optimistic, and helps me to constantly stay true to my personal truths. I started to develop this mentality during my group semester in Central America. Every new place I arrived at I liked more than the previous place, until I thought my time in Colombia couldn’t compare to my group experience. Upon my arrival in Cali, I found my new favorite place. Thus leading me to believe that no matter how much you think how amazing something is, there is always somewhere and something new and more exciting, all you have to do is take a leap of faith and go out there and find it.
In conclusion, I have only been living in Cali on my FVP for a little more than a month, and it is already one of the best months of my life. Choosing to take a gap year was the second best decision of my life, and the best was to take a gap year with Carpe Diem. Being a traveling latitudes student has been the most fun, most inspiring, and most developmental time in my life, without a doubt. I am certain, anyone who does a Carpe Diem gap year will come out more mature, more humble, and with a better understanding of the world and the opportunities we take for granted every day. For the rest of my life I will Carpe Diem, and share it with those around me. Until next time…
-Tom Burke
A note to the fam back home..
Hey Mom, Dad, Tim, Becky , Mona and Chloe
Hope all is well en la casa de Burke, and that everyone is staying healthy. Kiko and Tia Ligia send there love and can’t wait to see you Tim! I miss you guys, a lot, but I know this is where I am supposed to be in order to take me where I want to go in life. Always sending you guys Love, Support, and positive energy. Te amo mucho, y te quiero mucho.Tomas