Here in Buenos Aires, when I strike up conversation, I almost always get asked something along the lines of “how come you speak like us?”, that is, how come I use the local variation and words. They ask with wonder and seem to be quite happy about it. Connections are made easier through this guise. This has been the most significant difference since first arriving here over 7 months ago. There is a whole new bridge of kinship that I access through language and my better understanding of the local culture. I think most people are quite good at recognizing love, and I feel a deep love for my new home.
My journey to loving Buenos Aires has not always gone smooth. Being confronted with other ways of life has been a humbling and challenging experience. Never having left Montreal for more than a vacation, I took many of my behaviors as universal and did not realize just how deep culture runs within us. I was confronted with my low tolerance for change and my strong desire for control. Integrating has meant becoming a more resistant, respectful, and flexible person, as well as becoming less prideful.
One of the most beautiful parts of living in Buenos Aires is seeing how joy and pleasure is prioritized. Nights are stretched out until dawn, even the ones where we are just chatting. There is dance in every park, accessible music and shows. The present moment is savoured.
In a time of deep political uncertainty, I feel united with people from all walks of life who are coming together and demanding a just society free from oppression. My soul is uplifted when I am surrounded by my community at soccer and at queer tango. I feel incredibly lucky. I am currently attending the University of Buenos Aires, a public university with powerful energy, filled to the brim with passionate, political, and progressive students.
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships are open to undergraduate students of McGill University, University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, and McMaster University, along with recipients of the McCall Huron County and MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships studying at any Canadian institution. The Fellowships accept applications between October to January each year.