Freshman moves from Mexico to IU for education

With his perfect English, blonde hair and blue eyes, freshman Enrique Molina could easily be mistaken as an all-American boy next door. But the 19-year-old economics and international studies double major from Puebla, Mexico, gives the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover” a fresh meaning.

Molina, born to a Mexican father and an American mother, was lured from his home well south of the border to attend IU because of its “beautiful campus.”

While the campus has ties to his mother, who graduated from IU in the 1970s, this is Molina’s first time in Bloomington. After a 12-hour flight with a layover in Houston, he found himself in the heart of the Midwest. He said he’s been to the United States a handful of times, including visits to Washington, North Carolina, Texas and his favorite destination, Illinois. The latter, he admitted, was his favorite because of the “bright lights” of Chicago.

When asked for some differences he has observed between United States and Mexican culture, he was almost at a loss for words, searching for the many he had in mind.

“Everything,” he finally sputtered.

“People (in the dorms) leave their doors wide open here,” he said. “You don’t see that where I’m from. People are generally more friendly here.”

Molina, one of 15 Mexican students on campus this fall, said views toward race are also quite different. He simply did not encounter racism in Mexico growing up.

Because race has not been an issue in his culture, Molina explained that he has not quite found a place for his humor in the “political correctness” of the United States.

“We laugh at stereotypes in Mexico,” Molina joked. “I have to stop that. I really have to watch my mouth here. ... Everything’s more serious and professional here.”

Jokes aside, he commented on his favorite candidate for president of the United States, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.. Sure, he favors him over Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for straight political reasons, but he also appreciates the social message America could send in electing a black president.

“He’s black, and I just think that’s awesome,” Molina said.

However, Molina said the social climate has not been the most challenging adjustment.

“Oh, the weather,” he explained, laughing. “It’s way more hot here. See, I’m not from hot Mexico.”

Nestled between Veracruz and Mexico City, Molina’s hometown of Puebla serves as a modern tourist magnet with a rich Aztec history. He said the temperatures generally hover at a dry 70 degrees throughout the year, a striking contrast to the mid-80s in Bloomington.

The climate back home is perfect for a common pastime and his favorite sport: soccer. But don’t plan on seeing him on the field in Bill Armstrong Stadium this fall.

“I’m a big soccer fan,” he said, “but I’m just really bad at it.”

Molina might have been raised in the country with the greatest number of Spanish speakers in the world, but he speaks English as fluidly as he does Spanish, and without a hint of an accent. He credits his language skills in part to his parents, who spoke English at home. He also attended The American School of Puebla, where all courses are instructed in English.

“You have to go private there,” he said, explaining that the public school system in Mexico is less than desirable. And don’t tell him that the American system is not so great, either.

“No, the schools here are great. They’re so big,” he said in reaction to the idea that many Americans have criticized the public education structure of the U.S.

The Office of International Services offers support to help foreign students adjust to life in the U.S., but Molina has never seriously lacked any. He says just living in the Global Village, part of the Foster Quad, has allowed him to meet other international students, broaden his horizons and help him feel at home.

“Living at the Global Village has helped me understand different cultures,” he said. “It’s a great place to live and learn.”

So, after several visits to America and a couple weeks living in an international dorm, Molina knows what America is to him.

“It’s politically correct, challenging, fun,” he said. “It’s great.”