Mexican Students Travel To The U.S. To Develop Projects To Combat Drugs, Violence In Home Country

Melissa Parra, a 17 year old Mexican student worked alongside 76 other students who came to the U.S. to develop community service projects in hopes of fighting the drugs, violence, and truancy that plague their country.

She spoke Wednesday at a ceremony on American University's campus where groups of students presented plans targeting domestic violence, self-esteem problems, childhood development, bullying and risky behavior – all problems that they felt underscore the country's larger issues.

They were of the opinion that high self-esteem and clear goals can save young people from getting involved with violence, gangs and drug addiction.

Alejandro Rangel, a tall, well-dressed 17-year-old who is considered as the next Mexican president by his group, had trouble getting community leaders to take their plans to combat bullying seriously. He said people thought they were "just jokers, youngsters."
 
The students return to Mexico Thursday. They plan to reconvene next year in Mexico City to track the projects' progress.