Blog #3

This trip has inspired me in numerous ways. I was very inspired by the will power of the people to educate themselves and act on what they know will benefit their communities. I didn’t fear going to the island with the risk of the earthquakes because that is not my home. I was more concerned about making an impact while there to help their current situation, which we did and I’m extremely happy that we were able to do that. This trip taught me that exposing people to these types of environments and education is powerful. Many kids are unmotivated because they don’t know what’s out there. Schools make budget cuts to art programs, but don’t realize the impact that could have on a child’s learning. Last semester, I got to experience part of the implementation of a drug and alcohol abuse prevention plan for youth. Many youth in inner city communities are unengaged due to a plethora of reasons, but they need more exposure to their options after school to spark that motivation. Service learning is a powerful tool that can expose youth to many different things including environmentalism, construction, the arts, medicine, computer science, etc. This trip forced me to think outside of the box on how to apply some of that to what I’m currently seeing at the Department of Health and Human Services in Trenton. 

I also have never been so engaged ecological studies. It was fascinating to me. I wish that we could somehow educate everyone about how to be more environmentally friendly. I went to a conference last summer hosted by Clean Water Action and I learned a lot about how to be more environmentally friendly in my own home by decreasing personal waste. This trip took that to another level. I learned that you can make an ecological bathroom, you can use salt water to power batteries/generators, how solar panels really work. It was a lot to learn but very beneficial. I will definitely be exploring more of my environmental options in the public health field. 

Blog Post #3

Blog #2 What are two things that you learned about the Puerto Rican community and culture that you didn’t know before?  How have your previous assumptions and expectations been resolved? What are two ways that you will take responsibility for the community?

The Puerto Rican people's deep-rooted spirit of independence is the most significant lesson I learned from the trip. Based on my previous readings and research, my impression was that independence was a fringe political movement, and that people on the island had begrudgingly accepted their status in the United States. I had followed the latest independence referendum when it took place in 2017, and the results seemed to confirm my assumptions. However, the fire of independence was present in most of the "Boricuas" I met and worked with. It was manifested in their admirable work to better their communities and island. Individuals like Licia and Lidia made self-sufficiency their mission, and that is a reflection of a desire for a Puerto Rico free from dependency. As an American citizen naturalized from a foreign country, I feel solidarity with the Puerto Rican to carve their own path and celebrate their own culture and people rather than be a part of a larger entity that largely disregards them. I will support Puerto Rican independence in any capacity that I am able to.

Another aspect of Puerto Rican that I discovered was the celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican influence not just in that particular community, but in all Puerto Ricans. The mask of the vejigantes originated in Loiza, yet I saw them everywhere from San Juan to Luquillo. Bomba too is a product of the Afro-Puerto Ricans of Loiza, but those not from that town (like Nani) knew the bomba regardless. The culture of Puerto Rico was so incredibly rich and syncretized, in a way that contrasted with the mainland United States. The U.S. is a called "melting pot", but a mosaic would be a more accurate description; the cultures of different communities largely stay in those communities. Puerto Rico, by contrast, is a true melting pot. I will try to support the Puerto Rican community in the celebration of their culture here on the mainland, such as through events or the Puerto Rican Day parade.

Final Post Dedicated to the staff of the PR trip and fellow Bonners

Blog #3 How have you changed as a result of this service trip to Puerto Rico? How will these changes influence your future behaviors and choices?

For me this trip to Puerto Rico was amazing. It allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and travel to a new land with a group of people. I have never been outside the States and I'm not the best with plane rides so the initial part of the trip was something new to me. But, I felt safe, surrounded by friends and responsible staff. Once we got to Puerto Rico, I saw the lush land and fell in love. To make things better the land was just as beautiful as the people. I had the opportunity to meet so many lovely people who loved their home. They were so conscientious of their land and their fellow neighbors. It felt like a real-life version of Mark 12:31 "You shall love your neighbor as yourself". Even though I was not apart of the culture I felt like I was at home. Never did I feel judged or looked down upon, I just felt like a person.  This mentality and this community feeling is something that I wanted to bring home to the States. We live in the Northeast where everything is fast pace and you could really care less what the person next to you is doing because you have your own things to do. That is honestly really sad. There are so many individuals out there who are having bad days and a little bit of honest love from a fellow human would make all the difference. I already think that I am a loving person but I really want to emphasize this approach.

Another thing that influenced me on this trip was the day that we met with the young people at El Nido. It was a powerful thing to see young people our age gathering to help their fellow people.  It was something that we do not see very much in the States. Obviously, in Bonner, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to work with well-established nonprofits and organizations that were built to address a need.  But, in terms of seeing young people actually out there working in a rare thing. So much so that when you do see someone doing something they have to be honored, like its the bes thing ever. Which is not bad but it goes to show how little of this we see. We talked about this in one of the reflections where Raj was talking about how he is the youngest person usually out there in the community and attending meetings.  As well as how he said that we would like to see younger people involved. This is definitely something that I wanted to do not only in Trenton but in my own area. I like 15 minutes from Philadelphia and Camden. I am sure that they have many initiatives and people who are gathering and being engaged in their own community. Seeing the young people at El Nido inspired me and made me more conscious of taking that time outside of my "busy" life to help my fellow humans. This is something that I have become privy to over the past couple of days, as well as the trip, is that life is so short. I often find myself saying "ah I'll see that person later or I'm too tired to do that one thing".  This is not to say that I should jump at every chance to hang out or experience something. But, instead of to take more time out which I feel that I am not. 

This trip has opened my mind to so many new and beautiful things. I learned to be more conscientious of our land for it is alive just as we are, even more loving, and have more gun-ho to go out and experience/be apart of something great. I will forever be grateful to Sebastian, Merlyn, Kendall, Blake, Althia, Sam and Raj for this experience.  I felt safe, loved, and supported throughout the entire trip. This environment helped me gather and experience so much in this trip in which I am grateful.

The Human Experience

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." -Mark Twain

Although I have had the privilege of traveling a great deal as a young kid, the truth of this quote always amazes me. I believe this quote, strongly worded as it is, encompasses only a small part of the picture. Travel, exposure to unfamiliar situations, represents a universal chance to learn and grow. A more wholesome, expansive view of the world is only one side effect of this growth.

When traveling to Puerto Rico, I knew that I would learn something. I had no idea what, but I was excited to see how this trip would allow me to grow, to take a step towards a life of fulfillment, compassion, and leadership. Now, looking back, I believe it has changed me in ways I never expected.

Before the trip, I will be the first to admit I knew very little about Puerto Rico. Its struggles, its triumphs, its history, or its traditions; It all seemed a bit out of reach. As what felt like an outsider, I felt like I lacked the ability to even begin to understand such a complex culture. What struck me in Puerto Rico was that, although I felt like an outsider to the island in almost every way, the community there did not feel the same way. The way we were welcomed at El Nido for food and conversation, the enthusiasm of all the workers at YUCAE, Don Manuel at APRODEC and all of the small interactions between gave a sense welcome. When we ogled at the beauty of the coastline, the plants, wildlife, or the artistic traditions, the Puerto Rican community was there, enjoying it just as much, relishing the opportunity to share the land and culture they hold so dear.

These interactions have changed how I relate myself to the rest of the world. I have always struggled to reconcile my home life with my service. I was used to a life that fell distinctly within class lines, with no ill intention my parents shopped, ate, and interacted with a group of people very similar to ourselves. Spending more than two decades in this environment made me feel at home. Coming to Trenton, to Bonner, placed me far outside of the white, suburban, upper-middle class. I felt, distinctly, like an outsider. It didn’t help that with my schedule as an Engineer, I had no real site. I bumped around from site to site, always getting my hours done, but in such a way I couldn’t help but feel isolated from those around me. Even as an out of state student, I found it hard to relate with even my friends who I took classes alongside. In the same way I viewed Puerto Rico I doubted my ability to understand, to grasp the complex stories and histories of those around me without stepping on toes or igniting conflict. I found it hard to relate, and so I stayed this way for a long time. 

I would say, in Mark Twain’s words, I have been narrow-minded for quite a long time. It is a trait I have been working against, slowly but surely chipping away at, but a mental habit twenty years in the making doesn’t disappear overnight. If life at TCNJ is a hammer and chisel, the Puerto Rico trip was dynamite. By experiencing Puerto Rican, and afro-Caribbean, culture for myself, from the people who live it, it has finally hit home. Seeing their lifestyle, visiting their homes and restaurants, I can relate. Tostones are not just knock off French fries (not that I ever thought that…) and vejigante masks are more than a tourism icon. After experiencing the power of the trip, I’ve realized what I’ve been avoiding at TCNJ. Throughout all my years, I have never visited the home town of my friends, ate a meal in their houses, or discussed their traditions. The cultural learning that took place in Puerto Rico can take place anywhere in the world. Within the the US especially, I am surrounded by rich cultural traditions. By taking an open, inquisitive mind, back to TCNJ and Bonner, I can connect with the human experience of my peers, appreciate their differences as strengths instead of unknowns, and recognize the family that I have.

Puerto Rico Blog #3

The Puerto Rico trip overall made me reflect a lot about the type of traveler I am. I have traveled a decent amount to many different countries, but I don’t think any of my trips have left with as much of an impact as Puerto Rico. Once I left Puerto Rico, I felt like I really got to know Puerto Rico, in terms of the island’s history, culture, art, and people. I don’t think I’ve ever left a different country feeling like I have truly grasped everything and everyone around me. It made me realize that in the past I have been a tourist, but not a traveler. Realizing this, I have made the decision to become more of a traveler in the future, which includes straying from tourist areas and making more of a conscious effort to volunteer with local organizations, connect with local people, and support local artists, businesses, and restaurants. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico, learn from the inspiring islanders, and learn more about myself.

Mid Trip

In regards to my thoughts of Puerto Rico as a whole before this trip compared to now, it has been a heavy thought process. I don't feel like I'm in the United States sometimes, but then I remember yes I am. We often slip up and say "well in the US.. I mean on the mainland", and although it doesn't mean much in the moment there is a deeper disconnect. PR citizens aren't allowed vote nationally. They are treated like second class citizens not only federally, but also locally. They aren't afforded the same opportunities or education. This is how they treat their "colonies". So while it may not feel like the US, it is. This is also how people are treated at home, but it's more discreet.

Part of what I think also affects me constantly having to remind myself that I am in the US is the language barrier. When we drive around a lot of the signage is in Spanish, store names are mixed, depending on the store items and signage in the store may be mixed, and in school, specifically higher levels, the teachers may speak Spanish but the books will be in English because they probably have federal education requirements. Although there is a large Latin population where I live, there is not that much conjunction of languages. I could not imagine living in a place where you are practically required to learn 2 languages if you want to get anywhere, but also if you go to a bilingual schools all your life this is normal (but it's still difficult). Spanglish is the literal language of Puerto Rico.

Another thing I've been reflecting on personally is how racism presents itself on the island. When Nani had told us that she doesn't really see racism as an issue, I trusted her judgment and let my guard down a little. After visiting Loiza and then the mall in San Juan the next day, I clearly saw the differences and it was very apparent to me that racism does exist. It's not in your face interpersonal and social racism, but it is structural and a little cultural. The primary divider is classism because people live where they can afford to live, but based on the country's history that has also divided people by race. At this point the structure of the system is what maintains those divisions and reinforces all of the other social constructs that have divided us for years. That's why in Loiza, "that's where you really see a lot of the African influence". It wasn't an accident that they've stayed in the same area all this time, but I do appreciate the culture that comes out of those "untouched" communities. I also haven't seen a lot of the island so my ideas could be off.

Overall, I am enjoying all of the learning experiences that I am having. Environmental science is appealing to me, but the progressiveness of this island and push to protect their island is so evident in that area. After all the beers were out of the plastic holder, the guy we were talking to broke all of the rings. I haven't seen anyone do that for a long time, partially because I don't drink anything packaged like that, but also because not many people know that breaking the rings could save an animals life if somehow that trash makes it out of its containment. I also love that plastic bags are banned. I'm not sure what's taking the other states so long to do it since Aldi is doing just fine. Manuel from Aprodec also has such a brilliant mind. You can tell that he has honed his craft and is very passionate about what he does. I would love to spend a month just learning a fraction of what he knows.

Finally, I do agree that the hurricane and earthquakes have started a new era for Puerto Rico. The emphasis on sustainability and humanity can be felt at every site and throughout all of my experiences here thus far.

PR * #2

Before coming to Puerto Rico I have to say I had different thoughts regarding the people on the Island and I did not know what to expect. I thought that coming to PR I would find people who overarchingly fit the stereotypes on the mainland and I've always heard that the land was beautiful but I did not know it was THIS beautiful! All of those preconcevied perceptions I had were wrong and incorrect but I am glad that I could prove myself and society wrong by this experience.  Though PR is a US territory I find that they are individuals who are in love with their culture and history. They are proud and beautiful people who love their country and their fellow neighbors.  Over the past couple of days I have been able to see a broad range of different types of Puerto Ricans differing in social class and skin color.  Like other diverse lands they are experiencing issues with race and class relations. I also want to note that before this trip I did not know about the major tax on imports and exports.  That was absoulty mindblowing.  I was able to see myself reacting to the tax prices when we went shopping in the Walmart as well as the Mall. I found myself saying, "Wow that is so expensive, I am so glad we do not have to pay a crazy tax on food and clothes back in New Jersey" or "I might as well wait till I get back home because this is too expensive".  This blew my mind because these people are just minding their business and trying to make a living on that land that we as a United States "won in a war" and now taxs the heck out of to make a profit.
I found that by town we have experienced a different type of community.  On our first day we drove to Old San Juan to walk around. It was a beautiful town with art and history.  Then on our second day we got to go to a Eco-Farm to help around the farm and hear about their efforts in trying to engage with the community and young people who are fleeing to the cities due to limited work.  On the third day, our service was sadly canceled but we had an amazing cultural experience in the town of Loiza which held so much history. This town spoke to me a lot because they have kept their African history alive.  You could feel the history and proudness of the community flowing through the streets.  Then Then on the 4th day, we found an alternate form of service by buying then helping a group of young people make carepackages for the victims in the south.  It felt amazing to be surrounded by individuals who were young and so worldly.  They knew what they wanted for Puerto Rico and had the drive to push for it.  Then later that day we were able to go to a completely different world in PR.  Plaza Las Americas transported me into a different world.  In this mall I felt that I had escaped all of the issues that were going on outside of the mall. The people were clearly upper/middle class individuals or anyone well dressed.  They seemed to not have a care in the world like "earthquake what earthqauke?". This put everything in persepctive for me.  Just a few towns over a group of young people assembled on the fly to help their fellow Puerto Ricans and here in the mall the individuals who could afford to escape reality and PR were spending their day.  Lastly, today we were able to go back to reality.  We met went to APRODEC in Ceiba to find a passionate man on a mission.  This place had the vision but it was up to the continuous flow of volunteers to help make this place into something. One thing that has stuck with me throughout this entire trip is the issue of government.  Everyone whom we have done service with or for has made a comment regarding the government. Whether it was Puerto Rican or the US government. The people of Puerto Rico want their country to survive and want to unite to help one another.  They are distrustful of their 2 governments and the upper class individuals.   Today Manuel, who has a lease from the US Navy made a comment regarding the future use of the land. He said that the US and the PR government want to make profit off of this land. If he does not finish this in the next 25 years then they will take it for good and make things for the rich and not for the people of Cieba.  But, if and when he finishes it then he can fight to make it stay.  I found this so powerful and sad that these people have to fight to use their own land that would otherwise be empty.