Transcribed By: Elena Walker
One of the highlights of our virtual summer internship has been partnering our interns with community members in Ecuador so that each week they can discuss life and feel a little more connected to someone thousands of miles away. Below is an interview that one of our summer interns, Elena Walker, had with her community partner.
What is your name and a little bit about your family
My name is Cynthia Diaz. I have one sister, Veronica. She is 20 years-old and taller than me. I live with my mother and father. My mother is 54 years-old, and my father is 57 years-old. Her name is Teresa, and my Dad’s name is Carlos. My dad was in the army 14 years ago. I have a dog, and his name is Toby. He’s a schnauzer. I am almost 20.
Where and what do you study?
I study in the Central University of Ecuador. I am in my first semester. I am studying to become an OBGYN. I will start classes in one month. My university is in Quito, and I will study for 5 years. I like my career because I love to help other people (especially babies). I think helping women is really important for society.
What is your favorite place in your city (Sangolquí)?
The San Luis shopping mall. I like it because there are a lot of different stores and arcades. You can hang out with your friends. I also like the waterfalls, but they are very far from where I live.
What is your favorite Ecuadorian food?
Cariucho. It is grilled chicken with potatoes and an onion and peanut sauce. I also love ceviche.
Can you tell me a little about Ecuador’s most famous customs?
We have a lot of carnivals...each city has their own. There are a lot of people dancing and colorful decorations. We also have a lot of traditional indigenous outfits.
What made you interested in MPI?
When I was 14 years-old and my mom found MPI, she enrolled me in an English course. I started in the third level. I used to go there each Saturday. I made friends there. They also had a lot of books...I really love books. I used to borrow them. I have read Frankenstein and Crime and Punishment from that library. I used to love going there. It was absolutely perfect. They also had a room with videos games and a ping pong table. The volunteers were so nice! I love that place. That was 5 years ago. It is very important what you guys do. It’s very nice.
What programs did you participate in?
I participated in the English class and art class.
What was your favorite program?
English class, but I also really loved the drawing class.
Have you recognized a difference in your life because of the MPI programs?
I think that interacting with and talking with natives from the United States makes it a lot easier to learn English. When I began English classes at the University, it was a lot easier for me because I had already taken lots of English classes with MPI and had the opportunity to speak with native English speakers.
What do you want to achieve with your current participation in MPI’s programs (the language exchange with MPI’s summer interns)?
I want to not forget my English and have the opportunity to practice with a native speaker. I also like being able to share my language and culture with another person and also learn about theirs.