Finding My Place in LATAM, Part III: Reflections and the Road Ahead

August 22, 2024
by Chaka Tellem

Chaka Tellem is a class of 2023 UC Berkeley graduate who studied political economy with minors in public policy and race & law. Tellem will attend Yale Law School in the fall of 2024. His passion for advocacy and law grew from his formative years in Dallas and Los Angeles. Tellem was the ASUC (Associated Students of the University of California) student body president for two years, from 2021 to 2023. He had the opportunity to work and study in Bogotá, Colombia, supported by the Political Economy Student Experience Fund and the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program. Tellem shares his reflections on the program's impact in this final entry in a three-part series.

As I acclimate back to life in the U.S., my mind is rushed by a sense of ease as I reflect on the experiences I had during my time aboard. The past seven months have been nothing short of a rollercoaster — exhilarating highs, quick (and at times unexpected turns), and countless lessons in between. With my next chapter at Yale Law School on the horizon, I'm taking a moment to reflect on this incredible chapter and the paths it has paved.

Connections and Community

One of the most unexpected aspects of my time in Latin America was how frequently I encountered fellow UC Berkeley alums. Whether I was walking down the busy streets of Colombia or hiking through the jungles of Nicaragua, a "Go Bears!" was never far away, reminding me of the incredible community I belong to, spanning far beyond the confines of campus. These encounters, often in the most unexpected places, reinforced a sense of belonging and the extensive network that connects us globally.

The relationships forged during this journey have continued to resonate deeply with me upon my return to the States. I’ve already had the pleasure of reconnecting with several friends made during my travels, one of whom is also an incoming student at Yale Law School. The shared experiences and the wonderful people I met in Latin America will undoubtedly continue to influence my day-to-day life, offering perspectives and friendships that enrich my personal and professional landscape.

Impact of Experiences

Throughout my travels, I’ve engaged deeply with different cultures, tackled language barriers, and worked on meaningful projects that tested my resilience and expanded my worldview. My experiences here have shaped my understanding of justice and community, themes I am eager to explore further at Yale.

Working with local communities across Colombia, particularly, has shown me the real-world impact of legal systems and the profound necessity for upholding justice. I anticipate drawing on these experiences while at law school these next few years.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

I am grateful to the UC Berkeley Political Economy Program and the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program for making this journey possible. Their support has been crucial in allowing me to explore these opportunities.

The end of this trip does not mark my goodbye to adventure and growth. I'm even more committed to improving my Spanish, engaging deeply with different cultures, and tackling challenges head-on. My journey of learning and personal development is not ending — it is evolving.

To everyone who has been reading these posts and following my journey — thank you. Your engagement has enriched my travels and motivated me to document them. As I step into the world of law, I'm excited to bring these stories and lessons with me, hopeful that they will illuminate my path and, perhaps, occasionally guide others, too.

Chaka sits in front of a sign for Yale Law School

Chaka will be entering Yale Law School in the fall.

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Tall flames erupt from a skillet as an apron-clad cook looks on. Produce sits on a shelf in the foreground.

A restaurant cook in Granada, Nicaragua

Read more from Chaka

Finding My Place in Bogotá — A Journey of Work, Culture, and Connection

March 21, 2024

Chaka Tellem is a class of 2023 UC Berkeley graduate who studied political economy with minors in public policy and race & law. Tellem will attend law school in the fall of 2024. His passion for advocacy and law grew from his formative years in Dallas and Los Angeles....Read more about Finding My Place in Bogotá — A Journey of Work, Culture, and Connection

Finding My Place in LATAM, Part II: Backpacking through Central America and Returning to Colombia

April 26, 2024

Chaka Tellem is a class of 2023 UC Berkeley graduate who studied political economy with minors in public policy and race & law. Tellem will attend law school in the fall of 2024. His passion for advocacy and law grew from his formative years in Dallas and Los Angeles. Tellem was...Read more about Finding My Place in LATAM, Part II: Backpacking through Central America and Returning to Colombia

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Graduating from UC Berkeley was bittersweet for Chaka Tellem, the former two-term student body president. He had made many friends and...Read more about Two student body presidents share their advice for Cal students

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