My name is Lianna Steffen, and I am studying international studies and Spanish at Centre College. While in Merida I had an internship with the Secretaria de Desarrollo Sustentable, the Secretary of Sustainable Development.
A normal day at my job starts at 9 in the morning and I spend most of my day working on translating documents and then I leave at about three in the afternoon. My responsibilities include translating documents and if I have questions about a specific translation or if it’s wrong, I talk to my coordinator to let her know.
What I am specifically doing right now is for the food and agricultural organization of the UN and they have a program called GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) and the office where I am working is trying to make the milpa Maya agriculture system one of these GIAHS’. They're applying for it and later this year there is a conference where the Yucatan governor will go to it, so they are preparing for it now with the goal of getting approved in order to receive more funding. So far, I am learning and reading documents about how the secretary of sustainable development has made the Yucatan more sustainable, for example the steps they are taking as well as future plans.
One of the most helpful things I have learned at my internship is in general improving my language connections between Spanish and English. One experience I have had that I want to share with you all is when I went to a few tree nurseries where people out in the community, specifically smaller towns in the Yucatan, will plant trees and other plants in various parks and cities. I had the opportunity to meet some people and see the kind of plants they are growing as well as their purpose which was really cool.
For me, my time here has been a chance to learn about sustainable development in Yucatán, and I have also had the chance to make an impact on their efforts with my English and Spanish skills. I have also gotten to know some people that are making a big difference in sustainable development, so it has been very unique and a great opportunity to strengthen my Spanish skills in another setting that isn't a classroom.
If I could offer some advice for future students coming here, I’d say to drink a lot of water and to look both ways before crossing the street! Overall, I would recommend this internship opportunity for other students because it has really helped me learn about a new culture and about how people live in “real-time”, and I can help people on the ground in Mexico. I feel very connected to the people who are trying to make Yucatán a better place. Living here has also been a unique and amazing experience because the weather is beautiful here!