MEXICO REFELCTION

Stairs to the Church of San Cristobalito

Something Fermin, the last director of Cantaro Azul, brought up to us was that with every solution that is brought to a community comes a burden as well. The burden of upkeeping that system for it to function and bring safe water to people. When doing the various water experiments on treating water, I soon realized how each experiment was in its own way unsustainable long term, they take time, and not always effective. We attempted to clean water doing Moringa based coagulation/flocculation treatment. This unfortunately only increased the turbidity in the water. We attempted to disinfect the water with solar disinfection, SODIS, and lime juice. Lime juice, based on research, should have sped up the disinfection process, but in our case led to an increase in coliforms. From experiementing with water this past month I have found that cleaning and disinfecting water is difficult and not a trivial challenge.

Us at Cantaro Azul

After interacting with NGOs this past month, I have grown to really admire non-profit organizations. Isla Urbana, Canataro Azul, and Tseinan are all actively working to solve problems and change the lives of individuals for the better. Seeing how these non-profits work and the passion of the individuals we met towards their cause, make me want to look for that kind of passion in my future career. This experience has instilled the value that I want to do something that will help others and give back to the community.

6th graders at Pequeno Sol demonstrating their project to Dr. Hunter and I

Doing this study aboard program has been one of my favorite experiences at Rice. Being able to be in Mexico while learning about water purification systems and manufacturing processes has allowed for me to see the effects water systems have on a community in real life, see non-profits work through solutions through the design process, learn about their manufacturing methods, and get the perspective of people living in the community itself. This has truly been an immersive way to understand the importance of topics discussed in CEVE 314 and EDES 350 where the classes go beyond a slideshow. Thank you Dr. Loyo and Dr. Hunter for this amazing study abroad program! It was truly unforgettable and something I’ll always cherish and look back on!