Coming into the Pavarotti Education Center, I was greeted by an array of colorful murals, lush green landscapes, and a scenic view of various mountains. One of my favorite things about Guatemala is its beautiful natural landscape, full of mountains, especially in San Lucas Toliman with Lake Atitlan. This is only the environment on the outside, meanwhile including the students and faculty within Pavarotti creates an inclusive and welcoming environment. I feel as though I am included in the community within Pavarotti, joining this new community in a way that was created to make me feel welcome. Within this community, Mayan cultural themes are an integral part of the center, even San Lucas Toliman as a whole. As seen with a Mayan ritual site that is within the center, there are murals around that represent themes of Nahual, colorful handmade tapestry within one of the classrooms, and murals which incorporate other elements of Mayan culture.
This experience thus far has shaped the idea of solidarity within a community, as well as allowing me to experience a different culture. Though I share Guatemalan descent and have experienced the culture through my family here in Guatemala, I have gained further insight into my own culture in the time I have been here. This experience has allowed me to learn more about Mayan culture and values, as well as learn from the students and faculty here in Pavarotti. I am immensely grateful I can have this experience and learn more about my own family background through my stay here in Guatemala. I am looking forward to basing my Capstone project on the themes of the Mayan culture as well as the strong union and solidarity within the community of Pavarotti.
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