Many Lancers are taking extended vacations, especially during the Christmas season and winter break. For example, Bryan Zavala (11) will be traveling to Casas Viejas, Michoacán, his hometown in Mexico. Zavala says his family makes the trip by car, which typically takes about two days. He says that they stop overnight at a hotel, with the car packed full of his family and their belongings. Zavala says the long hours sitting in the car can be tough, but he has grown used to it after years of making the journey.

This year, Zavala will stay in Mexico for an entire month, leaving on Dec. 13 and returning on Jan. 13. He says he is looking forward to spending time with family and relatives. Zavala is especially excited to participate in his cousin’s quinceañera and play for a soccer team based in his hometown during a tournament. This is his first year playing for the team, and Zavala says it has been a lifelong dream to represent his hometown. He is eager to play alongside friends and familiar faces, saying he hopes to contribute to the team’s success and improve his skills as a player.

“I’ve been going to Mexico around this time ever since I was a little kid, probably around two years old was the first time I went,” Zavala said.

Zavala says his time in Mexico is filled with celebrations, dances, events, and enjoying authentic Mexican food. He says that the food there is much more flavorful and authentic compared to Mexican food in the U.S. He describes the dances as lively parties with mariachi bands providing the music as everyone enjoys themselves. These parties, known as bailes, are attended not just by his family but also by many people from the town.

“Being in Mexico is such a completely different feeling and lifestyle than being here in the U.S.,” Zavala said. He says life there is more stress-free and relaxing, allowing him to enjoy his time without worrying about school or work.

Zavala says the most difficult part of the trip is leaving his family and returning to the U.S. “The hardest part about all this is having to leave and come back to the U.S.,” Zavala said. He says that adjusting back to the responsibilities of school and work after such a carefree time in Mexico is always challenging.