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Who Am I?

Hey,
it's me again. I wrote a forum topic earlier about studying Spanish for a year at the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla. My mom has been going through the "motherly motions" lately and does not want me to go ( I'm the first born by the way) for safety concerns. Im having a little trouble explaining to her why studying Spanish in Colombia means so much to me.

She is basically trying to persuade me right now to study Spanish in Spain. As a mother she says, would have more peace knowing her baby boy is studying in Europe rather than South America. Looking at it from her perspective I can understand considering Colombia doesnt exactly have the lowest kidnapping , drug ect problems compared to European countries.

The issue for me is that studying Spanish in Colombia means so much more than just learning a language. I feel that studying in Colombia will give me a greater understanding of who I am. As a second generation Colombian American I feel that Im only Colombian through "association." Apart from my grandparents who were born there I have nothing to show for my heritage other than my olive skin, dark hair ect...

Growing up in "Italian Jersey" I was known as the "kid with something weird in him" or "the South American kid" sometimes the "Colombian kid" but rarely. Im at the point in my life where its not enough to know where on the map I came from. My grandfather speaks so highly of the country where he came from and if only for a year I would like to understand why.

I want to live the lifestyle, and experience the culture. Passing the opportunity to learn Spanish in Colombia will only hurt me in my effort in finding my identity. I understand that safety is a big risk but it's worth the reward when it comes to finding out who I am.

Im having a hard time explaining this to my mother. If you could help (advice ect..) it would be appreciated.

Thnx
Gordon

By Piatt on Apr 13, 2006, 23:00 in Friendly Talkzone.

Crazy4Cali says on Apr 14, 2006, 09:38:

Try Costa Rica The spanish there is just as "pure" as it is in Colombia and there is much less political trouble. Not that Barranquilla is particularly dangerous and if you want to find trouble in Costa Rica, you can certainly do that, too, but at least you won't be fighting against Colombia's reputation. Besides the beaches in Costa Rica are much better than those you'll find in Colombia...if that's any concern.

If you're looking for a diplomatic compromise, you could go to Costa Rica to study and, while you're in the neighborhood, just hop down to Colombia for a while to find your roots. The incremental approach might be less stressful on your mother and still accomplish your objectives.

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Piatt says on Apr 16, 2006, 19:38:

Costa Rica My grandparents came back from Costa Rica a couple months ago. They loved it , showed me a lot of pictures and the beaches are beautiful. However Id much rather just live in Colombia maybe it would be a little savory to my mother if I said we could easily hire a bodyguard. What is the going rate per month for a private body gaurd? maybe that could ease a little stress kn owing someone is nearby to protect me...
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

gordo

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adrimm says on Apr 16, 2006, 20:26:

Does it have to be this year? imho, why not have a little intro trip as part of a backpacking tour of Latin America? Take a couple months this summer and go. You'd get a first hand look as how cities in Colombia are vs others. After that, you'll be better equiped to decide where you would like to go to study for a year.

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