Our trip to Puerto Rico was a mix of tourist and culture, learning, and service, leaving a lasting impact on the non-profit organization Caras con Causa. After arriving at San Juan Airport, Mariana took us on a walking tour of Santure acquainted us with the local neighborhood, making sure we were settled in for the upcoming week. On the second day we visited Old San Juan and El Morro Fort allowed us to learn about the historical significance of the region. Juan Nieves is the coordinator of ecology with Caras con Causa working directly with the Lab Com and giving us a presentation about the kids’ experiences. Mariana gave us a tour of Catano Communities and offered insights into the environmental challenges faced by locals.
Jean Luis Torres was from AmeriCorps and interning at Caras con Causa engaging in water quality monitoring and nursery service and talked about the importance of environmental management. My favorite part traveling to the different testing spots was being able to take a sample of the water myself from the bay. The mural tour was the most pivotal point in the trip because we saw how the streets were not in the greatest condition but the mural’s is what made it what it is today. The culture presentations we gave in class were highly useful. I was able to understand and begin to view the culture and the reason behind the murals.
The experiences of Yorelyz Rodriguez teaching at Caras con Causa to middle schoolers I thought was such a wonderful opportunity at such a young age, it was something I didn’t get myself going through school. Glen Miranda and Jean Luis Torres took us to the water quality testing and monitoring emphasizing the immediate impact of pollution and other environmental stressors on local ecosystems, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation efforts. Also, participating in nursery service is important for the role of reforestation and habitat restoration in mitigating environmental degradation and steps towards ecological restoration.
However, it was the mural tour that was a pivotal point in the trip. This experience offered a crucial point of reflection of the community’s resilience and artistic expression among facing challenges. Despite facing socio-economic challenges the murals in the streets served as symbols of hope. They transformed neglected spaces into colorful art and cultural identity, and served as a reminder that even in the face of challenges there is still hope.
Overall, the experiences of Yorelyz Rodriguez teaching the students and the mural tour showed the interconnectedness of environmental responsibility and cultural expression. They showed the importance of environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and social empowerment. They offer valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and communities can work together to create more sustainable futures for everyone.
We did service with Hector Rosa, his commitment to service in Reserva Natural and nurseries shows the ongoing dedication required for sustainability efforts. He dedicates time to environmental conservation everyday showing the importance of persistence and perseverance in natural resources and biodiversity. He works everyday to clear the wetland, showing the significance of consistent, long-term action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting ecosystem health. Juan’s commitment showed that sustainability is not achieved through small efforts but through sustained, constant work of our natural environment.
Overall, the experiences of Juan Nieves, Yorelyz Rodriguez, and Hector Rosa was inspiring and motivating the importance of ongoing commitment in effecting positive change within communities and promoting environmental sustainability. By working together towards a common goal and maintaining dedication to long-term efforts, we can make meaningful contributions to communities and the health of the planet. Their actions serve as inspiring examples of the everlasting impact of sustained commitment to creating a better world for everyone.
Anticipating cultural differences, I was ready to embrace new perspectives. The warmth and hospitality of the Puerto Rican people and people at Puente Blanco exceeded our expectations and made me feel at home. However, the logistical challenges made me have to be adaptable, requiring flexibility and effective communication to overcome.
My favorite part of the trip was Yunque, a rainforest exploring Yunque Rainforest was so fun and made me enjoy Puerto Rico’s nature. After that we relaxed at the beach, which was a nice way to end the week. Exploring Yunque Rainforest gave me the opportunity to connect with Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and ecology. Despite the pouring rain during our visit, the experience made the connection to diverse ecosystems and the importance of preserving and protecting natural plants and trees for future generations to enjoy.
The rainforest serves as an important ecological resource, providing habitats for many plant and animal species, regulating climate patterns, and supporting local communities through ecotourism and sustainable resource management. By immersing ourselves in the rainforest and trails, we gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and our responsibility to help the environment.
After our rainforest exploration, relaxing at the beach was the perfect way to end our week of learning and service in Puerto Rico. Angely Garcia from AmeriCorps joined us for the rainforest and the beach on Friday and it was such a nice way to end the trip. Mariana constantly told us that it felt like she wasn’t working and she enjoyed our company so much. It was extremely nice to know that Mariana greatly appreciated the work and service we did for Caras con Causa and how we will continue to make an impact on the organization.
In anticipation of our international aspect in Puerto Rico, I had certain cultural and personal expectations that I believed would shape my experiences. Foremost, I expected differences in greetings and a more relaxed approach compared to Americans. These expectations aligned with what I experienced within my interactions with the people in Puerto Rico. However, some expectations were not entirely met. I anticipated a greater variety in the local cuisine but found myself consuming predominantly rice, pork, and American food, which was different from my culture’s food expectations.
Some of the challenges encountered during our time in Puerto Rico, language barriers and the need for the group members’ strengths and weaknesses during service days were significant. As someone not fluent in Spanish, communicating effectively in restaurants and with Mariana. Additionally, the work on service days needs to be flexible and adaptable and open to change of plans. Being self aware of other people and you in the group and solving problems and a willingness to adjust plans as needed. I noticed that everyone would always greet one another in passing even if they didn’t know each other, which made it feel so welcoming.
Despite these challenges, we were able to grow even closer as a group as the week went on and were able to establish a relationship with each other. By remaining open – minded and supportive of one another, we navigated cultural differences and challenges together. Ultimately, these challenges allowed me to personally grow and strengthen our bonds as a group.
In our trip to Puerto Rico, the principles of effective project team management proved to be vital. The characteristics talked about in our class discussions became guiding principles for our interactions and collaborations within our group and with the local communities. Throughout our project work and community engagements, the importance of teamwork is the backbone to a successful team. We learned to cooperate and support one another, ensuring that everyone in the group had the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts.
In Puerto Rico, where challenges and opportunities often come about, being proactive was essential. Our group learned to anticipate needs, take initiative, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Building relationships with local communities required effective communication and the ability to inspire each other. We listened to Michael attentively and expressed our commitment to the scope of work, we were able to motivate each other during the painting and wetlands service.
Whether it was taking water quality samples or participating in community service activities, having the necessary skills and knowledge was important. Trust is the foundation of our successful group. We consistently talked to Marianna and the people at Caras con Causa about our commitments and we built trust within our team and with Caras con Causa. It was hard to hear some of the struggles that Caras con Causa and Michael face today with the municipality and the community. Marianna was such a great person at making sure we were all okay the entire week and did such a great job at encouraging all of us. Our dedication to expanding the Lab Com in Puerto Rico inspires me to keep up to date on Caras con Causa in the years to come.
This experience is one that I will never forget and will remember forever. The principles of effective project team management provided a good foundation for our scope of work and our experiences in Puerto Rico. The connections we made with Mariana and the interactions with the kids is something that I will never forget and inspired me to continue to make a positive impact in the communities we served, and gain valuable insights that will help the next group for their scope of work. I enjoyed every moment of the experience of this trip and Caras con Causa will always hold a special place in my heart.