A Lesson Of Colombian Kindness

This weekend I got to catch up with someone who left a big impression on me. Her name is Johanna Molina and she’s an impressive entrepreneur who founded The Intern Group, placing young professionals in quality internships in cities across the world.

In 2016 I was part of the program and spent 6 weeks in Medellin, Colombia where I met Johanna in person and had an experience that has completely shifted the direction of my life. I share more about that in my TedX Talk!

Seeing her got me thinking about my experience in Colombia, and something that stood out about it was how warm and friendly the people were. Within minutes of me arriving on site for my first day, nearly 15 people swarmed me with a bunch of questions and a genuine intention to get to know me. If that were to happen in the States, in most cases the new guy would be ignored and avoided.

Another example of the warmth of the Colombian people happens any time you get in an elevator. Literally, for every person at every floor, each person in the elevator greets each other hello and wishes them a good day when they leave. There was constant chatter and it took the awkwardness out of riding in an elevator, which for whatever reason in the United States is a time where we all act like the people around us don’t exist. 

And of course, I was reminded of Colombian kindness in spending time with Johanna. She greeted me with a warm hug and a gift. She asked about everything that has happened in my life in the last 9 years, personally and professionally, and listened intently. 

We have a lot to learn about life from other cultures. Just because we do things one way doesn’t mean that’s how it needs to be. It’s just the norm that we’ve been taught and haven’t thought to question. And my takeaway is to be friendlier and kinder, just because it’s the right things to do, and it makes the world a little brighter.