What do you think of when you think about Colombia?

I'm in the unique position of having been born in Colombia, but raised in the U.S. since I was 3 months old.  So, throughout my life, I've heard the opinions of nearly everyone I've been in contact with regarding Colombia.  Unfortunately, most of it has been negative...well, until about 5 years ago.

In 2008, I began my career with ESL (English as a Second Language) adults from around the world.  It turns out that those in other countries typically, although not always, have a more positive view of Colombia.  From them, I've heard how kind and generous the people of Colombia tend to be whereas those from the U.S. overwhelmingly believe Colombia is a place of drugs, violence, conflict and kidnapping.  Just the other night, my close friends asked me if I'd have a chaperone for my entire stay.  When I replied no, they were visibly uncomfortable and made jokes about how I must blog, email or FB daily so they'll know I haven't been killed or kidnapped.

They're not alone.  Each time a new friend, co-worker, acquaintance or classmate learns I'm from Colombia, they inevitably mention one of 2 names, if not both: Juan Valdez and Pablo Escobar.  QUE LASTIMA!  That seems terribly sad to me...such a beautiful country with so much to offer and it's been reduced to coffee and cocaine in the American mindset, as well as many others.

Colombia is well aware of their problematic reputation; it's why this program exists.  My favorite of their steps toward building a better international image is their slogan: 

In my opinion, it is more wishful thinking than truth at this point, but I do believe it will become a reality in the near future and I'd like to know I was a small cog in that wheel of change.  That's one of the many reasons I'm here.