Jack Fogelquist
Mechanical Engineering
The Engineering Abroad Program was an incredible
experience that hugely impacted me both as a person and
as a future engineer. As a person I grew culturally,
developing a newfound appreciation for the luxuries that
we have here in the United States. As a future engineer, I
gained valuable hands-on experience in the real world.
As was expected, the culture in Guatemala is dramatically
different than that of the United States. Knowing this, I
still had no idea what to expect. We researched aspects of
their culture prior to our departure, which was valuable,
but seeing it for ourselves was entirely different. We were
fortunate enough to go deeper past seeing it, and submerge
ourselves in it, staying at our homestays through the first
half of the trip. This was incredible, as we received homecooked meals, lived in the living conditions of the locals,
and got to see their routines and daily agendas. It was
truly a unique experience. This also brought on an
entirely new appreciation for what we have here in the
United States. It showed me how much I’ve taken for
granted growing up here. Warm water, constant
electricity, working toilets, reliable plumbing, and tap
water that is safe to drink; it was a big wake-up call not being able to readily access these amenities. The big
shocker for me was that none of the locals seemed frustrated about doing without these things. Rather, they
seemed really appreciative of what they do have. They found great joy in simple things like sharing meals
together and talking to strangers on the street. I got the sense that appreciating the little things is somewhat lost
on our culture here in the States. Everything is more of a competition here; instead of stopping to be thankful
for what we have, we tend to keep looking ahead at what else we can get. This mindset was never something
that I had thought much about before, so I am grateful to be more aware of it. I owe that to this trip.
With regards to engineering, I’d never had much hands-on experience. With this project, we thought we had a
good idea of what we were up against, but upon arrival, we found that things were dramatically different. The
concrete box that we thought to be the water source turned out to be the end of the line for a water pipeline that
winded around the mountainside. Understanding and quickly adapting to our new circumstance was a great
experience, and excellently demonstrates that projects are rarely as clean-cut as they appear in the textbooks.
This was my first experience with real-world engineering and I found it genuinely valuable. Besides the
designing phase, I learned how efficiently tasks can be completed through group work. We made the general
plan, divided into groups based on interests, and worked within these groups until each section of the project
was completed. Everything was seamlessly connected, which was extremely gratifying after being so
consumed in one aspect for so long. It was exciting getting to see how each group’s system functioned, and we
all taught each other a lot through this process. The project really came to life that day, which was thrilling to
be a part of.
This trip was life-changing, and despite opening my eyes to the lifestyle of a different part of this massive
world, I learned a magnitude of skills and expectations. I have a hard time imagining that I was ever on-thefence about signing up for this program, and stress that anyone with the opportunity pursue this once-in-alifetime experience.
Evan Langer
Mechanical Engineering
When I first heard about the Abroad Program I was
very excited and thought it would be the perfect
opportunity for me. I have been traveling to
Guatemala for the past 3 years studying Spanish and
coincidentally, this program was in the same city! I
have a family in Guatemala, they have a special
place in my heart, and I was really hoping to be able
to give back to the community and make a
difference. After being accepted, I started wondering
what the project plans were. The thought of
engineering in another country full of challenges and
hidden obstacles enticed me. I was excited to use my
Spanish and what I had learned in school and apply
it to real life challenges. I heard of the first group’s
difficulties and problem solving situations and I was
ready to take it all on.
When we first left for Guatemala, as soon as we
were on the airplane, you could tell everyone was
excited, there was an energy in the air, and I'm sure
even the other passengers could feel it. When the
plane touched down in Guatemala, the excitement
was at an all-time high. Setting foot in Guatemala, as I've done 3 times before, felt different this time. I felt like
I was there with a real purpose, a cause to help a whole community. After the first night, and the city exploding
for New Year’s, we made it up to the community of Vuelta Grande. I had never been to this particular village
before. It was high up in the mountains, and the road there was nearly straight uphill at some turns if you
believe it. When we arrived at the school, the view was breathtaking, and all excitedly surveyed the whole area.
After assessing the situation, we could finally get a feel for the actual work site. We had a meeting later that
discussing everything about the project, who would do what, what needed to get done, etc. I had previous
construction and metal fabrication experience but nothing can prepare you for working in another country. On
top of that, a language barrier and different materials than you are used to having available makes things that
normally are quite easy, much more difficult. It totally takes you out of your element, and made us think like
real working engineers. We faced many challenges and our thinking was expanded to solve real world problems
and come up with solutions.
Just living in another country makes you cherish things that you generally take for granted. The community of
Vuelta Grande had one wish above everything, and that was water. Something we take for granted, often waste,
and don't think of ever not having access to. For this community, it was a huge problem as they did not have
clean water. Together as a group, we collaborated, dug trenches, fabricated metal brackets, fitted pipes and
valves together, and worked cohesively. The community was very thankful and helped us out a lot too, so they
were part of the project as well. I feel like everyone learned valuable life experience that will stay with them for
the rest of their lives. We lived in another culture and shared lives with people in a community very far away in
terms of distance, but not distant in terms of needs we also have. Traveling to Guatemala and participating in
this project has given me so much experience working as an engineer, more than any classroom could, and I
feel it should be a standard part of an engineer’s education. The amount of things you learn and experience
make it truly a one of a kind opportunity and something that I, and also my peers, will never forget.
David Vaiz
Mechanical Engineering
My Engineering Abroad experience began in the spring
semester of 2013 when I hesitantly applied for an
opportunity to be a part of Cabrillo’s first Engineering
Abroad Program. I was hesitant because I was only in
my second semester at Cabrillo and I felt very under
qualified and under educated to sell myself as an asset
to the team. Despite my doubt, I applied and soon after
was asked to be an “alternate” for the program. This
meant that I would attend all preparation meetings and
be fully involved with the project planning that would
take place on Cabrillo campus, preparing to fill in if a
delegate were unable to attend the trip. Fortunately,
every delegate was able to attend last year and I was
still able to gain plenty of knowledge on rainwater
catchment systems through the planning process. I
believe this prior experience advantaged me to
understand the pre-existing system we arrived at this
January of 2015, making it significantly easier to
understand the purpose of the new components we
added to the original system.
It was an amazing experience traveling to a completely foreign land: different foods, languages, clothe styles,
architecture, ways of living, and so much more. All I had from home were some American snacks and my
fellow Cabrillo engineering students. Together we ventured into new territory with the common goal of
improving a Guatemalan village’s water supply while inspiring young villagers to pursue higher education. The
experience was priceless. I not only got to grow closer to my classmates and build long lasting memories
together; I also had the privilege of creating new friendships with the village kids and La Union volunteers.
It was inspiring to see so many people from the village we were working in come out and help us dig, build
retaining walls, and assess the plumbing “blueprints”. The people really cared about their community and gave
their time and hard work toward building a water system that would benefit the whole village. I hope to take
this humility of being a part of something bigger than me back home. I can apply this community mentality in
my own household, with friends’ needs, and even at school with tutor help.
Our worksite wasn’t too bad either. We were set up in a valley of steep hills, full of agriculture and volcanoes in
their background. I have no clue how the village kids walked up and down those massive hills every day to
school, but I’m extremely impressed.
From the experience of engineering abroad, I received confirmation that engineering is the profession I belong
in. It is a profession that aids people in their deepest needs, considering communal benefits and improving
quality of life. I would have my dream job if I were able to work towards the improvement of anything—on a
big or small scale—knowing that my efforts would make someone’s life easier and more enjoyable. I would
recommend this experience to anyone who has the chance; it can’t hurt to apply!
Shae Finnegan Connor
Electrical Engineering
I remember hearing about the first group’s trip to
Guatemala through the Engineering Abroad Program and
thinking, “Wow that sounds like such a great experience.”
At that point I still couldn't imagine becoming part of the
program myself. It wasn’t until I got an email from Jo-Ann
and Kelli encouraging me to apply that I actually
considered it. I figured that it didn’t hurt to apply and that it
was still unlikely for me to get accepted.
Fast forward eight months and we’re landing in Guatemala
City. I’m surrounded by classmates and instructors that I’ve
spent hours preparing, planning, and bonding with. Despite
all the time we’d spent getting ready and all the previous
times I've traveled to foreign countries, I couldn’t shake this
anxious, excited feeling. I had a million questions in my
head: what will my host family be like? Who will I be
rooming with? Which part of the project will I work on?
Will we finish the project on time? What will the food be
like? And on and on.
Turns out I had little reason to worry. Upon arrival we were
greeted by a group from La Union holding a Cabrillo
College sign. They loaded all our bags onto the roof of a
bus and handed out individual hand-made cards from our host families. I think that's when it started to set in
that we would be staying in Guatemala for the next three weeks. The drive from Guatemala City to Antigua was
the perfect introduction to our experience – we were all glued to our windows, watching the scenery change
from busy city to the picturesque colonial town of Antigua.
The day after arriving it was time to celebrate the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015! After spending the
day exploring Vuelta Grande and meeting our host families we all met up to watch the festivities unfold. I have
never seen so many fireworks in my life. It was an incredible feeling to be surrounded by so many joyous
people – and they were all speaking Spanish!
After a long night of ringing in the New Year, we were all ready to get to work on the project at Vuelta Grande.
We all divided into teams for the divide and conquer approach. Kelli, Karl, Brandon and Patrick were truly
invaluable to the entire design and planning part of the operation. Erbin and the other wonderful people from La
Union were a crucial link between our group and the community living in Vuelta Grande. I felt lucky enough to
spend a little time on each project throughout the week, so I got a good idea of the bigger picture of what we
accomplished. Our groups worked fantastically well together, in my opinion. Everyone contributed to the
project in some way and in the end we built a huge increase to their water storage system during the dry season.
It felt incredible to use our skills to help a community that was so kind and welcoming from the very beginning.
Overall, the trip was an unforgettable experience. Exploring the Mayan culture in Guatemala, meeting amazing
people, forging family-like bonds within our own group, and working with the people of Vuelta Grande to
complete the project – I wouldn't change a minute of it. I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity and I
doubt I'll experience anything like it again.
Nathan Whaler
Mechanical Engineer
Prior to this experience, I did not know much about what
engineering “out in the field” really meant. Now, after
this amazing project I can firmly say, engineering “out in
the field” is getting your neck sunburned, hands dirty, and
clip boards filled with sketches…all in the name of
helping people and problem solving.
While I was in Guatemala, I was not just on a work site, I
was with a family of friends, and we were taking on an
awesome engineering challenge: update/ improve last
year’s project with new gutters and 100 feet of new pipe,
install three more tanks on an embankment above the road
with a spicket at road level, and improve the large
concrete tanks that were already there. We were given
hardly any information going in to project and we had
only five days to complete everything. We would wake up
early, run to the hardware store for the day’s parts, and
then hit the job site with such force and determination it felt like there was nothing we could not overcome. The
days we spent on the job site were tough. We were out in the cold wind and hot sun, digging trenches, laying
pipes, putting in tanks, repairing, replacing and improving all sorts of things, and making a huge difference for
everyone who lived in Vuelta Grande.
The project, like any other, was far from flawless. We had a number of pipes brake unexpectedly, and issues
that had gone unforeseen which led to frustration and stressful days. But no matter how bad the breaks, or how
huge the issues, we overcame and worked on doing what we had to do to adapt and keep moving forward.
Looking back on this, I’m still impressed with what we managed to pull off in just five days.
For me the experience was highly inspirational and motivating. My team was close and trusting. The project
was challenging and exciting, and the finished product was amazing. I’ve been a part of similar community
service projects, but I have never seen any on this scale of size or complexity. On top of that none of us were
skilled/ trained workers, we were students. It just so happened that we were students who carry high standards,
and were determined to help. We were not just a rag tag group of college students. We were more than that, we
were a team of engineers, and we had a job to do.
But the three week trip was not just about waking up early and working hard. It was also about culture and
experiencing something totally new. To say that after three weeks in Guatemala, the only thing that has changed
for me is my increased desire to be an engineer, would be far from the truth. Being in Guatemala and seeing a
whole different way of looking at problems was an extremely valuable experience. Solutions to problems there
are simple, cheap, and effective. The solutions might not always be lasting solutions, but they are far more cost
effective, and never over complicated. And as iffy as some things may seem there is wisdom I have taken from
it….a solution doesn’t need to be any more complex then then problem is itself. That is to say, a simple
problem will almost always have a simple solution.
Kalika Diaz
Aerospace Engineering
If I’m being honest, I never thought that I would be
selected to be a part of the Guatemala Engineering
Abroad Program. I did hear of the program the year prior.
The thought of applying did cross my mind, but only for a
split second. What could I possibly offer the program?
When the first year’s team did their presentation at the
Friday Colloquium I was uplifted with the confidence to
apply for this year’s trip.
Our newly created family consisted of 15 students, and 2
instructors. My hopes when we started Fall semester were
simple enough, or so I thought. I had hoped that we would
have a clear idea of what it was that we would be doing so
that our projects would be successful. Have a plan of
attack for Guatemala so that by the time we were there
and working no time would be wasted. There was a whole
village depending on us, and the thought of letting them
down troubled me. My second hope was for our group of
chosen candidates to become a trusting unit before we
ventured to new lands together. I’d heard of such bonds
being created within last year’s group, and I couldn’t wait
to experience the creation of a new family.
The first meeting definitely set the tone for the rest of the
semester. We would need to be prepared and on point with everything that Jo-Ann was throwing our way. Our
first focus was researching Guatemala. We still hadn’t heard back from the village what it was that they wanted
us to do, so in the meantime we would try to prepare as best we could to be engulfed in their culture. Each week
we went over the basics of a different topic. Our first focus was Guatemalan culture, and then we shifted to
cautious traveling, basic construction safety rules, what makes a good team, and so on and so forth.
Near the end of the semester we finally got word of what the team might be working on. Three different
projects: connect the holding tanks from last year to the village’s already existing storage tank; bring in three
more storage tanks and connect them into the village’s spring pipe system; and clear out and re-pipe the spring
storage tank.
Before I knew it we were in Antigua, Guatemala. The culture was welcoming and the land was so rich and pure.
If it weren’t for the numerous tourists walking around, you would’ve easily forgotten the existence of the
modern westernized world outside.
It didn’t take long for everyone to feel comfortable with each other. We were in a different country after all; if
we couldn’t trust each other, who could we trust? That sense of community, in my opinion, was best for the
project. Because there was that feeling of comfort and trust we were able to work together and push each other
in a productive manner.
From our time in Guatemala, I’m not more confident in my career as an engineer. I know now more of what I
want in that career, and have a better idea of what I need to be successful. It’s not always guaranteed that a team
will have a layout for a project, this I understand. We were somewhat prepared for our project; and even with
the small surprises that sprung up on us while down there – shortage of tools, broken pipes, sickness – we were
able to be manage through and complete our projects. Of course this program ran as smoothly as it did because
we had such an amazing collection of students eager to put their knowledge to use. It really validated the point
that with a good sense of community within a team a project runs smoothly despite any obstacles. This entire
program and experience well exceeded my hopes and expectations; it was a very rewarding program and I could
only hope that any project I work on in my engineering career can work as well as our project in Guatemala.
Josh Sylvia
Software Engineering
I first learned about the Engineering Abroad program
in the fall of 2013 and I was instantly inspired. The
thought of going to another country and building a
rainwater catchment system for a village that runs out
of water a few months out of the year, is amazing.
Once, I was accepted into this program, I knew the
journey was just beginning.
We spent one whole semester learning about this
project and learned all about Guatemala’s; history,
culture, agriculture, education, and many other areas.
Sometimes we would even have guest speakers, for
example; the school nurse came in to talk to us about
the dangers of getting mosquito bite in Tikal. One
time the travel agent came into to give us tickets and
explain on ways to get in contact with her if plans
changed.
While we were in Guatemala, we did not build a new
system, but we did a lot of upgrading to their existing
infrastructure. There were actually two separate parts
in this project. One part of the project was to create new water storage tanks and link them into the existing
infrastructure. The work that was needed to be done was to level an area for the storage tanks, dig a trench to
the main water pipe, and clean the existing spring box. In part two of this project, was to fix a couple of things
on the rainwater catchment system. Last year’s abroad group did an amazing job on this part of the project, but
we just needed to fix a few minor things. The three things that were needed to be fixed was to extend a water
line, so a water truck can fill up the existing tanks, lower the water spigot for the gravity feed, and build better
support brackets for the gutters. Everything in this project was completed in 6 days. We even had some help
from the locals during a few of these days and I was amazed how hard everyone worked.
In other news, we made it to Tikal, which is an ancient Mayan city. This city is filled with wonder and amazing
temples. I remember looking at this one mountain and I was thinking to myself, there is another temple
underneath all of this trees, rocks, and dirt. Another interesting fact of this city was the acoustic and design of
the city. The temples were always built in line with each other and built in a way to amplify the sound. This
means on of the Mayan priests could talk to another priest across a football field or more.
I just want to thank everyone that made this trip possible. It was filled with excitement and a true learning
experience. This program will stay with me for the rest of my life and filled with great memories.
Melissa Jimenez
Computer Engineer
I first heard about Cabrillo College’s Engineering Abroad
program two years ago during an event that was being held
at the STEM center. My only thought was, That sounds
really awesome! but nothing more. To me the whole idea of
going abroad to do work as an Engineer was a foreign
concept, however that would soon change. One day in the
STEM center Jo-Ann approached me and told me she
recognized me from a speech I gave at a past STEM Gala.
She helped me plan my remaining semesters at Cabrillo
College and made sure I was on the right path. Meeting JoAnn was the catalyst of all my future endeavors at Cabrillo.
Within a year she had me involved in all sorts of things I
never thought I’d be involved in. One day in the summer
she called me into her office and told me to apply for
Engineering Abroad, assuring me that someone like me
could be useful. But how? I thought to myself. I have no
experience as an actual engineer and I’m not very good at
talking to people. I applied but in the back of my mind I
was sure I wouldn’t be chosen. A few weeks later I got an
email saying I was selected to go to Guatemala. My mind
was blown. I was so excited! I was going to Guatemala to
work and help people, it felt like a dream come true.
The next step was an intense learning experience. During the fall semester we researched Guatemala and
planned out what projects we would be working on. We learned everything about Guatemala culture including
food, music, politics, geography and much more. Spending each Friday together also gave all 18 of us a chance
to really bond. I started to feel like we were a family.
The day we arrived in Antigua was one of the most amazing experiences ever. I was so taken by all the sights
and smells. Our host family was so welcoming; they immediately made us feel like part of the family. It didn’t
take long for Antigua to start feeling like a second home. I loved the people, the food, my host family and
Vuelta Grande. Vuelta Grande was the small community where the school we would be working at is located.
We dug ditches, installed pipes, built gutters, and made repairs to the existing water system. The local children
would often join us and lend a helping hand. Working at the school was a life changing experience. Every day I
was covered in sweat and sunburn but I loved every minute of it. At the end of our work day our bus rides back
were always my favorite part of the day. I had time to reflect on how everything we were doing would impact a
community of amazing people whose lives deserve to have all the crucial necessities of life.
Visiting Tikal, Chichicastenango, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan felt like the reward for all of our hard work.
These places were so beautiful and rich with culture that it was hard to absorb it all in the time we had. We also
had a very intense Mayan cultural experience. It was so beautiful to see all the women in their traditional
clothing demonstrating how they craft their goods. We even got to participate in a lot of demonstrations, such as
making authentic corn tortillas, balancing a basket on our heads and of course marrying me to Thomas in a
traditional Mayan ceremony.
By the end of this trip I felt like I gained not only the confidence to continue on with my engineering career but
also a new family. Not just my fellow Cabrillo family but also the people we met in Guatemala and the people
whose lives we touched. This experience has given me a whole new outlook on my future. I am no longer
unsure of what I want to do in my life or second guessing my choice to be an engineer. I can only see one path
in front of me, which is the path where I am an engineer and I help make a positive difference in the world. For
that I am grateful to everyone who was involved in making one of the most amazing experiences of my life a
reality.
Eric Wells
Civil Engineering
I first heard of the Engineering Abroad Program at Cabrillo
about a year and a half ago, and I was excited that such a
program was about to be created in our Community College.
At the time, I did not fully understand what an Abroad Program
required of its participants but it seemed like an amazing
opportunity that is not normally given to Community College
students. When I was accepted as an alternate, I agreed to
commit a good portion of my Fridays for about four semesters
(two school years) to the program and to the Engineering
Abroad Club to help raise funds. At first, I was a bit uneasy
about my decision because of the commitment involved to
attend all of the meeting associated with the program. I initially
had fears that the meetings would conflict with the homework,
work, or any other interests of mine. I was worried it would be
difficult to balance the engineering coursework and life in
general while also dedicating time to the Abroad Program as
well even though I was grateful for the opportunity.
After I started to attend the meetings for the Abroad Program, I
began to realize that my first fears about joining the program
disappeared as none of them were coming true. Instead the
Abroad Program presented many more opportunities than I
previously imagined. I made new friends as I met more
students and teachers around campus. I learned a wide variety of new skills and I had the opportunity to practice
skills that I learned in my courses. I got to travel outside of the country and experience new cultures, while also
trying to provide a positive impact on the community of Vuelta Grande along with the community at our school.
When the first year of the program completed their project, I was happy to see how successful they were at
accomplishing the goals that were set before they left to Guatemala. In the fall of 2014 I became a delegate for
the second year of the program and I was looking forward to continuing the program where the last group left
off in Vuelta Grande. This gave us a chance to make adequate repairs to the system that they put in place the
previous year and add new infrastructure to help store water during the dry season. Even though we faced
issues along the way, we were successful and met our original goals. Before we left for the trip, I did not really
know what to expect about the program because I had never been out of the country. There were a lot of
unknowns for me going into the Abroad Experience, not because of a lack of preparedness but simply because I
had not experienced travelling and engineering in a team outside of the United States. As the days past I
realized that I could not have hoped for a better team, I think a large part of the success of the Engineering
Abroad Program is that all the team members get to know one another well and we were able to work
effectively together as friends and as peers.
Nicholas Greene
Mechanical Engineering
In the weeks after returning from Guatemala, I think the one question
I heard the most out of friends and family members eager to learn
about my trip, was “what was your favorite part about your trip?” To
be honest, to this day I still don’t have a clear answer for them. I
don’t see how it is possible to take a trip like our abroad experience
and disseminate it into ranked moments of favoritism, but rather I
feel the only way to reminisce and explain it is with whole
experiences. One thing that I learned quickly while on the trip is that
you can’t take anything for granted, because sometimes the
seemingly smallest moments are the ones that turn out to be the
brightest in your memory.
Going into the abroad experience, I really had no idea what to expect.
We all had chances to talk to the previous year’s delegates about
what it was like, but as always, the pictures I formed in my head were
worlds apart from what it was really like once we got there. Upon
arriving, I had my most extreme culture shock to date, which turned
part of what made the trip to fulfilling. Being that as engineers,
during school time we mostly see classrooms and problems to solve,
it was a completely new experience getting to go out into the world,
with the goal of finally putting all we have worked towards into
practice. School does its best at trying to give you real life examples
and situations, but nothing can compare to arriving at a job site, and
knowing that the responsibility is 100% on you and your teammates
to make things happen. That is something that cannot be taught in
school. When you are working on problems in a classroom they all
have solutions; however when you are out in a real situation, you
cannot simply ask to check your answer, and I believe this really helped us all grow as people and as engineers.
For most of us, this was the first time that we were able to personally see, and work on an engineering project
that had a very real purpose, and use. We had all built computer models, and simulated projects, but never
something with the goal of doing something as important at delivering water to a village. Being able to see that
my future profession can have such a profound, positive effect on those around me was an almost indescribable
feeling. The joy I saw in those children’s faces was an immense reassurance that this was the path that I want to
continue down, and that one day all of the hard work I am putting in will go into something capable of changing
the lives of those around me for the better. For me, this is what I try and tell the people around me when they
ask about my trip. While it may not be one single answer, the best experiences in life cannot be explained with a
single sentence.
Thomas Martinez
Mechanical Engineering
When I first heard of Cabrillo trying to create an Engineering Abroad
program, I was excited. I had seen flyers from language programs
around the school but an Engineering program...this was completely
new. When the time came, I of course applied for the program. It was
my first year at Cabrillo and I did not have high hopes of making it in
(more time to complete core work and such). I wasn’t accepted, as
expected. When the 2nd trip came around, I had higher hopes but still
not completely sure if I would make it. I was accepted as an
alternative for the 2015 trip! I might not have been going on the
current trip, but now I was guaranteed to go! During the summer, I
received an email from Jo-Ann saying that grant that she had
requested had been granted and all alternatives are now going on the
trip. I was so shocked; I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I had to
read it again to make sure, I then saw that Nick had tagged me in post
saying we were going to Guatemala! It was true, I really was going! I
could not contain my excitement; I shared the news with everyone I
knew! I was now part of a program that not only benefitted me, but a
rural community as well.
People said that it would experience culture shock upon arrival,
interestingly enough, I experienced culture shock coming back home when our plane landed in L.A. The
cultures between the two countries are completely different. Guatemalans have much less than us, yet, they
were some of the most joyful and helpful people I have ever met. Everyday life over there moves at a much
slower pace. Things I didn’t think that were luxuries here in the states, I became thankful for (such as a shower
with hot water). It’s quite a humbling experience when you are happy just to take a hot shower. Now one thing I
had trouble coping with was the way that animals were treated. I witnessed stray dogs running rampant
everywhere I went…some even fighting over scraps of food. I think throughout the entire trip, I only saw one
dog where I couldn’t see his ribs. He also had a collar too (Most dogs don’t wear collars). Watching animals
kicked just for the fun of it and not being able to do anything was painful. I couldn’t say anything, I am their
guest, and it’s a different culture, their views on animals lives were clearly much different.
Aside from that, I am still proud to have experienced such a rich culture from riding on tuk-tuks to chicken
buses; if offered to go, I wouldn’t need to think twice. I would go in a heartbeat. I have been to six other
countries but I have never been to a country and missed it after coming back home. Guatemala is the exception.
The first two days back was rough. Something was always going on, everything was GO GO GO. People are
also much more abrasive and rude. For the first two days whenever I thought of Guatemala it would start to
bring tears to my eyes. It was the only country I’ve been to where I felt welcomed there. I missed my new
friends that I had made there, especially those at Guaté Java (my tea shop). I missed the simplicity of the
lifestyle. I missed the lack of safety. I missed my second home. Whenever we left on excursion, when we
returned, we all took a sigh of relief and thought, “We’re back home”
Antigua was home.
Brandon Faria
Mechanical Engineering
Having been a part of the previous year’s Engineering Abroad
Program that went to Guatemala, and being invited back to be the
teacher’s assistant, I was given the opportunity to share and utilize a
lot of the skills and experiences that I gained from the first trip. These
skills would be tested in ways I could never anticipate, but having
confidence in myself and in my team made this year’s project a
success. And not just a success in the project working, but also in the
impact it had on the community of Vuelta Grande, forming bonds,
strengthening team work amongst ourselves, and empowering the
individuals. Most of our team didn’t have a lot of construction, or
water system experience, but what they lacked in experience they
made up for with motivation and the want to learn. By us having gone
to another country it took all of us out of our comforts of home, and
put us in a place where most had never been, but had to focus and
complete a project. We had to think as a team and rely on one another
in order to complete the project and to stay safe.
This year we were to add more water storage to their municipal
system, clean out and bring into use two existing concrete tanks, add
piping to last year’s storage tanks in order to fill them at the road from
a water truck if needed, and to replace the gutters feeding last year’s
system. This year’s main project was different from last years in one major way, and that was that this year’s
project would be tied directly into their existing municipal water system whereas last year’s project was a more
or less isolated self-contained system. Being tied into the existing municipal system meant that we needed to
understand how their existing system functioned. We needed to know where the existing pipes were, where they
went to and came from, how to shut the water off to be able to tie into it, and what affects turning the water off
would have. These were all variables that we were not able to plan for ahead of time, and needed to talk to the
officials of the village and whoever else had worked on the system. There were no existing plans of the system,
and pieces had been cut, capped, bypassed, and re-done all by different people at different times. It took a
collective of people, translators, and much patience to understand their existing system and to convince them
that our system was going to work also. These connections and understanding has definitely incorporated us
into their community. As we work with the community, we not only strengthen our skills, but also those of the
people in the community. We have something to teach and to learn from one another, and the more the diverse
people and working conditions the more we are apt to learn and grow.
Having been a part of this program for the past two trips, and seeing two projects completed along with directly
seeing my skills and confidence grow, has shown me how crucial and significant this type of work is to any
individual let alone a developing engineer. Also being in a community where a lack of clean water has been of
great importance has provided me with valuable insight to begin thinking of and implementing systems and
practices here in the states. There has been an increase in awareness of water conservation as we face an overuse of water coupled with a lack of rain.
I am very fortunate and grateful to be a part of such an impactful program. Experiences like these help to shape
us into better people and engineers
Janaye Marshall
Chemical Engineering
When I first heard about the Engineering Abroad Program in
2013 I immediately became excited and knew I had to apply. I
ended up as an alternate for the 2014 delegates, which guaranteed
a place on next year’s team. It seemed so unreal that I was given
the opportunity to go to another country and build a water
filtration system. It had no idea what to expect or what skills I
could contribute to our team.
We spent some time planning before leaving for Guatemala,
although not as much as I anticipated. The departure date grow
closer and closer like a bug flying straight into my eye, quick and
unexpected. I was slightly worried about getting sick and also
pondering how I was going to converse and network with
community members in Guatemala. Before leaving I had only
completed Spanish 1 and was feeling self-conscious about my
level of Spanish. As everyone gathered at Cabrillo before driving
to the airport I realized, this was it!
Upon arriving in Guatemala I felt extremely excited and
determined to learn new skills from building, pick up a bit of
Spanish, and volunteer my time to help others. The Spanish school, La Union, became our hub and meeting
place in the mornings. Everyone at La Union welcomed us with open arms as if we were old friends. The
connections we made with Erbin and Manuel in particular are amazing considering more than half the group
does not speak Spanish. During the construction of the water catchment system our group really bonded making
a killer team. Each morning I felt ready to take on the world and absorb all the information I could. I learned
how to properly use simple tools such as a garden ho and got to work with tools I’d never even heard of before.
We engineered ways to make things work if ever in a pinch, like plowing through a mound of snow as if it were
not there. It was amazing how much we achieved as a team and rewarding to overcome the obstacles we faced.
Being a part of the Engineering Abroad Program has been and honor and a blessing. I gained hands on
experience that could not have been possible in a classroom setting. I surprisingly enjoyed writing in my journal
about as many things as I could remember throughout the three weeks in Guatemala. It almost felt like reliving
those memories again. I even caught myself laughing while recording the more ridiculous jokes or comments
others had said. As an engineering major I was never fond of English courses so I am grateful to have gained a
respect for journaling and I plan to carry this habit with me. Working and living in Guatemala for three weeks
was a very humbling journey that reminded me how much the little things in life can create happiness. My
overall confidence in becoming a successful engineer has increase immensely encouraging me to continue to
reach for my dreams. Something I have taken from this experience is, if you do not understand figure it out
instead of letting it go. Being a proactive learner is crucial to being successful. Traveling to Guatemala to build
a water catchment system solidified my passion for helping others as well as my drive to improve the quality of
life through science and engineering. La Union greatly impacted my life because I now have a place outside the
U.S. were I am safe and welcome anytime. Throughout the two years of being involved with the Engineering
Abroad Program I have broken out of my shell by becoming more a confident person and acquiring leadership
skills. My public speaking skills have never been a strong point but I know as I complete the program I will
have many opportunities to expand on my weaknesses.
The Engineering Abroad Program has so much to offer students working towards their degree in engineering. I
highly recommend this excellent, hands-on experience so to those who have not applied, step out of your
comfort zone!
Jose Flores-Martinez
Electrical Engineering
I first heard of the Engineering Abroad program from
Jose Jimenez, he was part of the first group that went to
Guatemala. He encouraged me to apply for the program
and he told me about his awesome experience, I ended up
being persuaded by him. But to my disappointment
engineering 26 was required in order to apply for the
program; however Jo-Ann waived the class. I ended up
getting chosen, I was ecstatic that I was going to be part
of the Guatemala experience. The only negative thoughts
that ran through my mind were the airplane ride! I hadn’t
flown in a plane since I was seven, so this was going to be
my first time in 14 years.
One of the obstacles that I was thinking about at that I got
chosen was “how am I going to raise all this money to go to Guatemala?” So throughout that summer I was
saving up money for the trip, but then school came around in September and even though I had been saving up I
still had not raised enough money to pay for everything, at this point I was thinking of giving my spot up to a
delegate. But to my surprise Jo-Ann ended up getting a NSF grant that paid for our excursion to Guatemala! So
I had no worries at that point.
This soon turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life; it helped me grow as a person and as a future
engineer. Prior to the trip we spent about 16 weeks talking about the project and preparing for it. During this
time we did research into the Guatemalan culture, and gave presentation on a separate subject. For example I
did research on the culture of their food and gave a presentation about it. We also informed ourselves about the
dangers in Guatemala. We also assessed the site through google maps, and Karl talked about the ideas of how
the project was going to work. While talking about the project in class I learned my first lesson about
engineering, the lesson was that you can plan for a project but you don’t really know what is going to go on
until you arrive at the worksite!
At the job site I was part of the digging team. Our job was to dig the trenches for the pipes and to level the site
where the three tanks were going to be placed. At the site is where I learned my second lesson: things don’t
always go as planned. During the digging one of our teammates fractured a pipe so we had to replace it. The
next lesson I learned was that thing may get complicated. There was a point where I was being the translator
and things got really bad. There was a miss communication between the locals and us. It was probably the most
stressful day for me in Guatemala.
Those hard days at work and stressful moments were totally worth it, seeing the complete project in the end was
amazing. Knowing that I did something for a community that desperately needed it gave me a sense of
accomplishment it’s a feeling I have never felt before. And to be thanked by the community and La Union felt
awesome!
During this trip I learned that as a future engineer you can prepare yourself for a project but most of the time
things will not turn out as smooth as you want them to go, and you are going to run into obstacles. This trip also
helped me as a person because it helped me feel confident in myself while working on a project that I knew was
going to benefit so many people.
Pablo Tejeda
Computer Engineering
Our trip began a whole semester before I put my first article of
clothing inside my backpack. The first time we sat down around the
computer desks and shared food in that yellow room was when the
journey truly began. The 15 of us have different reasons for choosing
the paths we have, and we all ended up there. Two experiences of the
program really defined the trip for me.
Becoming familiar with my new family in the program was one of the
most remarkable experiences. Whether it was fundraising and
planning at our weekly meetings, working together at our worksite, or
going out together in the evenings while in Guatemala, they taught me
important lessons. I can count on them. I would never have been able
to see and admire them for all their different stories. They have given
me a new appreciation for my fellow students. I often flashback to
New Year’s night, seeing everybody let loose after only having seen
them grueling through the semester, I can only remember the bliss in
all our faces as we lit fireworks and walked towards the arch.
Getting to know our families and the Vuelta Grande community was a profound experience that made me
realize just how diverse and different our world actually is. Our working lives until the age of 18 largely consist
of going to school and possibly getting summer jobs. The importance of education is not as widely recognized
in many undeveloped communities as it is in the United States. Seeing the push for education in Vuelta Grande
be met by families that struggle to weigh the benefits of letting a child go for a portion of the day while they
could helping tend the crops, gathering firewood for that night, or bringing jugs of water for the family, has
changed my perspective. I now see how it can be quite possible for education to come second although my
upbringing deeply contradicts that. My mom always said my only responsibility was to study, and although I
have taken up other responsibilities as I got older, my education always came first. The contrast between the
rural community of Vuelta Grande and our home stay families further embedded the issue of social classes in
Guatemala and just how much they range.
Furthermore I feel empathy towards their situation. Before going to Guatemala I watched a film on migrant
children who journey to the United States in hope of finding job and bettering their standard of living. These
children make the decision to leave their families as young as ten years old. Meeting Christian and Marvin, age
nine and eleven respectively, while knowing that they may soon have to make the same decision that my mom
made at the age of eighteen was saddening.
The experience as a whole was deeply moving. I am excited to share my part with new applicants and hope they
learn some of the things that I have. The realization that the struggle in Guatemala has global implications and
is relevant in United States communities is something that could help us live more culturally and globally
aware.
Kelli Horner – Instructor
Civil/Environmental Engineer
Almost two decades ago, just before my lower division
Engineering course-work at Cabrillo College, my desire
to experience international culture was positively
affected after spending a summer in Venezuela with a
very close Venezuelan friend from High School and her
family. At the time, even though engineering was still
quite new to me, it was the correct direction of study,
for I continually assessed how and why humans interact
with the natural world around them through modern
systems (structural, transportation, water supply, etc.).
This first international experience also allowed me to
fall in love with the Latin culture that I was born and
raised in, beginning first in Whittier, California and then
at the age of five, in Watsonville, California, where the majority of the populations were and still are Latino.
The generosity and welcoming nature of the people I met were unimaginable to me before travel and after travel
I just wanted more. Any sense of desperation that I experienced was met by good humor, community
involvement and a respect for the rhythm of nature and time.
As a young adult and aspiring Engineer, it was my understanding that I would have to wait until I was in
graduate school or working within my profession to become a part of a team who travels abroad to help
international communities design and build a sustainable future. My understanding turned out to be my truth. It
was not until the summer before my graduate studies were complete that I traveled to Guatemala for the first
time to work as a volunteer Engineer for a non-profit group (Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group)
where my main focus was assisting with solar hot water systems and a micro-hydro-electric system for a small
organic coffee plantation nestled in the west coast foothills of Guatemala. After many other travel experiences
over the past fifteen years, including two visits to Oaxaca, Mexico where I worked as a Professional Engineer
collaborating with a community on re-design of their waste water treatment settling basins, I thought I had
accomplished my dream abroad experience, at least until this past January 2015. The Cabrillo Engineering
Abroad experience was the dream I had longed for when I was a student. With all the past travel, work and
educational experience, I was well qualified, and fortunate enough to be paid to travel abroad and play the role
of Engineering professional, Engineering instructor and surrogate mother to fifteen engineering students,
alongside two other outstandingly qualified instructors.
Like one big family, the students, instructors, and the community members we worked with, learned through
shared experiences in engineering, language, education, Guatemalan family life, survival, respect, playfulness,
honesty, and understanding. Over the course of this past semester (pre-trip meetings) and the international
experience, I had the fortunate opportunity to create a deep connection with three new communities of learners;
engineering students, educators and Guatemaltecos. During the building process of these community
connections, I was given the expected opportunity to recognize my own strengths and weakness as an Engineer,
instructor and individual. What I did not expect was gaining a greater sense of hope. Hope for the future lives
and cultures that our budding engineers will influence through their work, understanding and respect of
humanity and the environment. This complete abroad experience of project-based and culture learning allows
our next generation of engineers to be the change agents that will create a sustainable balance of equity,
environment and economy.
Karl Ewald
Materials Science and Computer Program Engineering
About a year ago, while reflecting on Cabrillo’s first Engineering
Abroad trip, I wrote:
“It is hard looking back and trying to wrap things up in a nice little
package for others. The experience is so deep, immersive, and
personal that there doesn’t seem to be anyway to capture its
essence in words that don’t dilute or diminish the whole. The way
we digest experience to form meaning involves so much more
than just recounting the events or expressing our thoughts and
feelings. It involves trying to take all of that and pulling it together
into a deeper understanding of the world and a deeper
understanding of ourselves.”
As it turned out, I wasn’t up to the task of finding those words… I
eventually retreated and looked at the trip in less personal terms by
focusing on it from the perspective of a teacher. I had just returned
to academia after a decade in industry where I learned the
importance of three things: Facing Unknown, Asking the World,
and Working as a Team.
School often presents students with unknowns, but they are shallow unknowns. The correct answer is there, just
hidden from you for a short while. The unknowns we face as engineers are much deeper. Each problem has
many solutions and most likely, no one has found a single one of them yet. You might be the first to even look!
So the trick is to teach people how to become experts. How can they be sure they are right, or right enough,
without an answer key to check against?
In many cases, we have to “Ask the World”. In other words, we try it. We do the experiment… We build the
prototype... We give it a shot and see what happens. Then we make changes or try another idea. Sometimes the
world can give you an answer faster than you can make a model and crunch the numbers.
In many disciplines, the era of the lone inventor is over. Many of our modern products require more knowledge
to design and produce than a single person can acquire in a lifetime. Engineering is a team sport. Each member
brings a different expertise and only together can they summon enough knowledge to find a solution. Trust and
communication are paramount. Fear and defensiveness can slow or incapacitate a team.
As with the first trip, all three of these ideas came to the forefront during our project work in Guatemala. Each
day brought new problems and eventually, new solutions... Each day we tried things we thought would work
and sometimes they did work. Sometimes we had to try something else instead… All the while, the team got
stronger. People helped each other. They embraced each other’s strengths and bonded through the successes and
challenges of the project.
Now, after a year of reflection and another trip, I think I can delve a bit deeper into the way these trips have
affected me personally. I knew last year there was something significant about the language barrier. I couldn’t
quite put my finger on it then… I remember feeling small, diminished. In a sense, that was true, language is a
powerful tool and without it, how could I be myself? Of course, I was missing the point... The team is stronger
than any of its members. The right team can cover for any weakness. Trust the team. Trust the smiles. Trust the
results.
It continues to be a great honor to participate in Cabrillo’s Engineering Abroad Program. The program really
broadens the experience of our students and gives them a glimpse of the kind of life they can develop as
engineers: A life that embraces change and empowers optimism, a life of deep meaning and significance.
I want to offer many thanks to the students and staff of Cabrillo for all their hard work and dedication. The
National Science Foundation provided much of the funding for this trip, but we couldn’t possibly make this
work without our partners and donors. Thank you! Thank you!