A Hoosier win in Mexico
In one day, senior Juan Alvarado covered a Hoosier victory, toured ESPN Mexico and attended a professional wrestling night.
I went into this trip without many expectations. All of us did.
I left Mexico City knowing there was no better way to have handled it all.
The opportunity to go to Mexico City was better than any sort of spring break trip to Cabo, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. There weren’t any beaches or resorts, but what we had at our disposal was an endless amount of cultural experiences that I will forever be thankful for.
Our travels allowed us to see an entirely different perspective on the world. We saw how those in Mexico City live, and we learned about the history that fuels that. At every meal, we ate some of the best food of our lifetimes. With every passing day we saw a new beautiful and historic location. From a soccer perspective, we witnessed just how vital a sport can be to a country’s identity.
We even were able to give back to the community around us by speaking with students at the American School Foundation and doing hands-on teaching with aspiring sports media students from UNAM. These adventures, along with trips to ESPN Mexico and TV Azteca, helped open our eyes to the potential we have in this field.
The best part of it all was our experience with the Indiana men’s soccer team. From the very beginning, we were offered an almost unprecedented amount of access. For everything the team did, we were there. Whenever we wanted an interview, we got it. Wherever we wanted to bring a camera, we did. And most importantly, we established relationships with every individual on this team.
It was an experience that was new and remarkably beneficial. These relationships helped transform those who normally shy away from media coverage to individuals who asked for more camera time. They turned those who normally give short, blunt answers into people who felt comfortable providing passionate insight. All of it came together to provide us an opportunity to do something we never had before.
Now that we are all home safe and sound, we are beginning the process of compiling everything into one documentary from the trip. After working 17-hour days each day of this trip, we have all we need to do something different and outside of our comfort zone.
Ultimately, our trip to Mexico City was a dream come true. It was a trip that changed perspectives and allowed us to grow as journalists. It was an experience that we will never forget and one that we will always be thankful for.