The Story So Far–GCL Edition: Part II

“The real tragedy would not be appreciating what you have”

– Joe Goldberg

The Global Challenge Lab (GCL) is an experience that we should be grateful for. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, appreciate the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. In my last article, we started with what to expect for the GCL as well as the main things to pack for your new excursion. Similar to the last article, nothing has changed; however, I would like to emphasize the need to look into the COVID climate in your location as well as follow the insights that I previously provided.

So starting from the denouement of my first GCL article, we have finally arrived in Mexico City. As we brushed passed airport security, we were all in a foreign place, with individuals that we have only met days prior. Adrenaline rushed through all of us, as we were attempting to overcome the sense of unknown that continually waited for us. Questions blared at the back of our minds: “What’s next?”, “Where do we go?” and, finally, the most important question “What is the wifi password?!” As we passed through the infinite twists and turns of the airport, we were finally able to meet our “boss” for the GCL. After a brief formal introduction, we officially were able to step outside the sliding airport doors and experience the trip to our home for the next three weeks.

Figure 1: My teammate Harrison (left) and I becoming best friends on the ride to our destination

Part I: Adjustment

Our clients were required to provide transportation in the country, but our boss was kind enough to be there in person when we arrived at the airport. We were headed to Polanco, which is said to be one of the most upscale areas of Mexico City, and as we drove around the busy Mexican highways, our eyes flashed with excitement. This excluded Harrison, who was tired from the flight (our team’s Debbie Downer). Countless sensations flashed through our minds and bodies as we realized the new reality that we were about to face. As the 30 minute journey ended swiftly at our hotel, we arrived at Alteza Polanco. Although restless, we realized that some much needed rest was necessary to explore our new location. After a couple of hours of rest, we decided to get dinner at a popular restaurant in Roma Norte, which was where we rendezvoused with the other team. After a quick get together, we tried our first Mexican churros and called it a night.

Figure 2: The Churros 🤯🤤

Part II: A whole new world

The next day, we gathered at the eighth floor, where we were delighted to be told that we had access to free continental breakfast daily. We continually discussed the vast nature of what to do together as a team, while also contacting the other team. It was eventually decided that we would visit the iconic Chapultepec Park, which has various attractions that include beautiful walkways, museums, countless vendors, and an emblematic church that stands in the middle of the park. This was the perfect activity to do before our first day of going to the office.

As we called an Uber (a very viable means of transportation in Mexico), we continued to understand each other and our lives. We were bonding and wanted to find comfort and common ground between each other. We were all strangers creating a bond with each other in a foreign environment. They say that Thunderbird creates lifelong friends, and now I am a believer in this concept. As we reached the park, we rejoiced, as we were in a space of peace and tranquility. Although it was a busy day, being with the group felt like being in different pieces of home. Each member of the group grabbed different parts of my heart. This was the beginning of a perfect trip.

After spending a multitude of time inside the park, we decided to continue our enthusiasm for new sights. While casually strolling through the bustling streets, we came across a national monument named the Angel of Independence (Monumento a la Independencia), which is a sight to behold (as seen in Figure 3). The streets were bustling with countless food stalls and vendors that were fairly priced. During our stay in Mexico, we realized that we were able to bargain for mostly anything. Although this idea was foreign for several of us, it was warmly welcomed as we continued our stay. As day turned to night, once again, we had dinner in the Roma Norte district, and, abruptly, the rain poured down in a way that seemed quite scenic and cinematic. As we all continued to converse about various topics, we realized that we could be codependent on each other for the duration of the trip. On the Uber ride home back to Polanco, we decided to plan strategically for our work, which started the next day.

Figure 3: Me posing with the Angel of Independence

Part III: Work work work work work – Rihanna

As the alarm blared at 7 a.m., I woke up. As Michael Scott always states, “OMG, okay, it’s happening.” Those words continued to shoot through my mind as I started my morning routine.

Monday-Friday Typical Schedule

7:00 am: Wake up

7:05 am: Make the bed/check social media + emails

7:10 am: Turn on speakers and listen to music + begin to get ready

7:30 am: Go to the 8th floor and enjoy breakfast

8:00 am: Shuffle into the Uber XL and leave for work

9:00 am: Begin our work day

2:00 pm: Lunch

5:00 pm: Uber back to hotel

5:30 pm+: Free time

Our schedules followed a similar script to the one above. There would be days where we would switch up our workplaces by going to local coffee shops, or end the day late or early. There was not one set schedule for us. Our client was very grateful in the first place that he had the opportunity to work with four master’s students and wanted to make our stay as comfortable as possible. As long as we provided the work that he wanted, there seemed to be no issues, but I would be sure to properly communicate with other clients about scheduling and what is expected during the GCL.

Our first day, as we walked outside the Uber, we were welcomed into the office with open arms. We were able to meet some of the employees that were in the office, and we were able to converse just to get to know each other. With such a friendly atmosphere, we were sure that we wanted to do our best in the GCL project. The first week consisted of choosing various roles for the team members to do as well as doing meetings with the client and our professors. We already had some form of game plan in executing our project; however, we quickly realized that we wanted to impress our client. This project would be a way to creatively express everything that we’d learned during our Thunderbird courses and utilize it as a future resource to showcase our future employability.

As the days progressed, we adapted to Mexico well. We got used to our 9-5 schedule, adjusted to the lifestyle, and, most importantly, did not feel homesick. The GCL travel portion eventually came to an end with the conclusion of our midpoint deliverable. After the last farewell party at the office, we thanked all the staff for their kindness and hospitality and promised that we would all someday be back. As we all made peace with our surroundings for the final time, we realized that it was time to go back home to our old fulfilling lives at Thunderbird.

The morning of our departure, our client once more came to visit us and thanked us for our work. He stated that we had done a great deal of work for him and to continue the energy when we arrived back in Arizona, a request we all happily obliged. We said our last farewells and entered our transportation. As we left the familiar sights, we reminisced about what we would miss and how we would continue to stay lifelong friends for the years to come. These familiar views eventually brought us back to where we started this incredible journey. In the wise words of Thanos, “Where did that bring you? Back to me.”

As we came to our terminal, the rest of the group had a smooth transition process of checking in their bags with the ticketing agents. I, on the other hand, was 8 pounds overweight and did not want to pay $75… So what did I do? I opened my bag and had on around 8 sweatshirts by the time I arrived at the ticketing agents.

Check your baggage weight before you check in is the moral of this story. Otherwise, your other colleagues will certainly clown you for dressing like you’re going to Antarctica when you’re really going back to hot Phoenix, Arizona (Cough, Cough, MAGGY). After the rigorous process of getting patted down 20+ times by multiple TSA agents due to all the clothing, I finally made it to the gate along with the rest of my colleagues. Although excited to return to Arizona, parts of Mexico City had attached to us. After getting onto the plane, I started to queue music. What sounded like the right song choice to make as I looked through my various Spotify playlists. One song made sense…

“2 soon” by Keshi

Part IV: Back in DTPHX

Once we arrived back in Phoenix, we decided to take a couple of days rest to get readjusted to Arizona and do other activities such as reconnecting with loved ones. We realized all the hard portions of the project were complete. We just needed to connect all of our work together and create our final presentation to present to our client. This took around 2 weeks to complete and included a one hour presentation and a 50+ page document. We were finally done with the course and created a very happy client who still continues to converse with us.

And that was my story of the GCL…

…?

You’re still here? It’s over. – Deadpool

Or is it? – Jae

Please feel free to reach out to me regarding any questions about the GCL through email or socials!

Email: Jsong79@asu.edu

Instagram: Jaewonsong