I am a member of the CAST Schools student advisory, a group of 4-5 students representing each of the 6 CAST Schools. Every year this group is invited to take a global leadership to Mexico. The advisory group typically changes from year to year; however, a few leaders have the opportunity to serve two years. As one of those who has served on the advisory for two years representing CAST Med High School, I first traveled to Mexico City in November 2023, and more recently visited Monterrey in January 2025.
Being able to explore two of Mexico’s most vibrant cities, Mexico City and Monterrey, was an unforgettable, transformative experience, each city’s unique energy shaping my view of culture, innovation, and opportunity.
When I visited Mexico City with CAST Schools in November 2023, I immediately noticed its rich culture and history. Our first stop was the El Ángel statue, beautifully situated in the heart of Mexico’s bustling capital. We also visited Coca-Cola Headquarters and General Motors Co., gaining eye-opening insights into how these companies operate differently or similarly to those in Texas and transcend borders to do business. At the Senate of the Republic of Mexico, we had an informative discussion about the current workings of the Mexican government and the close connection between Texas and Mexico.
My favorite part of Mexico City was visiting A Favor del Niño and Xochimilco. A Favor del Niño, a CDMX non-profit, ensures children in underprivileged environments have access to education, nutrition, and health. It was inspiring to see how the city is supporting the disadvantaged and working to improve life opportunities. Another unforgettable experience was Xochimilco—riding the boats, enjoying the view, and savoring local food was a privilege that immersed us in the city’s culture and history.
Monterrey, in contrast, showcased Mexico’s tourism and entrepreneurial spirit. At the Torre Ciudadana, we learned from Nuevo León’s Secretary of Tourism about Monterrey’s identity beyond tourism and discussed misunderstandings about Mexico and what they are achieving in the aspects of safety. Later, visits to companies like Grupo Prodensa, Cemex, and Softtek highlighted Monterrey’s thriving business ecosystem. Grupo Prodensa demonstrated its expertise in industrial services and nearshoring, Cemex impressed with its global leadership in building materials and sustainability, and Softtek showcased cutting-edge technology, cementing Monterrey’s status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Lastly, we visited PrepaTec, where we met peers our age and came to understand the differences in our schooling in the U.S. and highschool in Mexico. We also visited Tec de Monterrey, one of the top universities in Mexico, and learned about the community and the university as a whole.
Through CAST Schools, I had the experience to explore how education bridges these worlds that seem so far apart, but are actually very close. These learning opportunities provided by CAST Schools helped me gain a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and helped me think globally. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Mexico City, or Monterrey’s mountainous landscapes, the trip emphasized the power of education to connect, innovate, and create meaningful change.