Graduate Embraces Her Community in Mexico (and at Dance Class)
English teacher Alyssa McKendry earned degrees from Rutgers before instructing students in the city of Oxkutzcab in the Mexican state of Yucatán
Alyssa McKendry, who earned both bachelor and master degrees from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, headed south to teach English and learn firsthand about the different cultures of Latin America.
A recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program grant, the Blackwood, N.J., resident taught English as a second language in the small city of Oxkutzcab in Yucatán, Mexico.
The 23-year-old, a Spanish major who graduated from the School of Arts and Science in May 2023 before receiving a master of education degree in language education from the Graduate School of Education in May 2024, discusses her Fulbright experience and finding community through Jarana, a traditional dance from the Yucatán Peninsula.
Describe your Fulbright project.
I was in the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in Yucatán, Mexico, where I taught English classes for nine months. I created lessons where students learned English while simultaneously learning about other cultures. I also had a conversation club at my school where students could practice their English outside the classroom.
My focus during the program was to create a space where students felt comfortable practicing English, where they could make mistakes and learn from them without judgement. I wanted to show students that what is important is that they try, even when they’re nervous.
As I finish my Fulbright program, I believe I have achieved those goals, and my students are now more confident in themselves and in their English.
What brought you to Rutgers?
I was looking for a school that was close to home but was a new environment for me, with a lot of diversity and vibrant campus life. While touring Rutgers I also learned about the Graduate School of Education’s five-year teacher education programs, which I was very interested in. This also became one of the main reasons I chose Rutgers, so that I could explore education.
I fell in love with teaching, and now I have my master’s in education and I’m an English teacher.
What drew you to your field of study?
I chose Spanish for my undergrad major because I really loved learning it in high school and wanted to continue learning about the beautiful language and different cultures in Latin America.
Studying Spanish also opened the door for me to pursue my master’s in language education afterward. I was able to learn from and connect to so many of my students in my English as a second language classes.
I was exploring different career opportunities with Spanish and became really interested in education. I love working with students and I really enjoy being able to create a safe and joy-filled classroom where students feel supported.
I decided to study Spanish and English as a second language education in my master’s program because I loved helping students see the opportunities that come with being multilingual and all the new perspectives, cultures and people they can connect to.
What have you gained from your study-abroad experience?
Moving to a new country alone for the first time is extremely difficult: You have to find your community there, learn new cultural norms, workplace customs and navigate the education system.
All of these experiences, while challenging, have taught me so much and shown me different cultures, ways of life and perspectives. Through my experiences here, I have become more resilient, independent, welcoming, kind and in touch with myself and my identity. I’ve also really immersed myself in the community here in Tekax, the town I live in.
I have found a community that has welcomed me with open arms and has made me feel so safe and loved. The people here in my town are so caring and kind, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be here and to have met them.
Alyssa McKendry
Rutgers-New Brunswick graduate
Although it’s a bit scary, I’ve put myself out of my comfort zone to truly learn from and connect with people here. By doing this, I have found a community that has welcomed me with open arms and has made me feel so safe and loved. The people here in my town are so caring and kind, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be here and to have met them.
How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned moving forward?
I plan to keep this focus on the community no matter where I go. A beautiful element of Mexican culture that I’ve seen firsthand is the tight-knit community that will immediately welcome new people, help each other and is incredibly kind and generous. This openness and generosity were so impactful, and I plan to emulate this same kindness in my life no matter where I am.
What are your plans now?
I remain in Mexico (my Fulbright program ended on May 31 and lasted nine months). I have found a job teaching English in Merida, the capital of Yucatán, and I’m incredibly excited. I know my time in Yucatán is not over yet, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to stay and continue learning and growing here.
When you have free time, how do you spend it?
Taking dance classes. I’ve been learning salsa and Jarana, the regional dance in Yucatán. Jarana has become such a big part of my life. Throughout my time in Mexico, I’ve been able to participate in several performances and events and wear the traditional clothing used in Jarana.
I did not plan to take dance classes when I arrived in Mexico, but they quickly became an invaluable part of my life here. This dance is so prevalent in Yucatán, and I feel very lucky to be able to learn it and perform. My Jarana teacher and the girls in my class have also been so kind and supportive, welcoming someone who is completely new to the dance and helping me when I’ve struggled.
I’ve found such a beautiful community and a connection to the culture in Yucatán through Jarana, and it truly has been one of the most impactful parts of my time here.
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in applying for a Fulbright grant may contact the Rutgers-New Brunswick Office of Distinguished Fellowships or the School of Graduate Studies, respectively.
