News reports tend to focus on crime in Mexico, but the news doesn't offer a full picture of what life in Mexico is really like, Nelson said.
KS Fine said the people are warm, friendly, and receptive to newcomers.
"People go out of their way for you," she said.
Meanwhile, Kempker said she's come to love Mexican culture and its "appreciation for the little things, like having meals together, enjoying your free time, not stressing too much."
"Those are great things that I think almost any American needs to learn a little more of," she said.