We are happy to announce that our staff and students returned safely last night from our trip to Puerto Rico! This journey was truly an eye-opening experience for many of the GCU students. We had the opportunity to connect with students from Sagrado University and made lasting friendships along the way. Although Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., its culture is so distinct that it felt as if we were in a different country. This trip was highly educational for many of us, allowing us to share our diverse cultures. Our service work enabled us to give back to the community and learn valuable skills for helping others. Below are some comments from students about their experiences. ~ Tania
Sophia Heitner: “This trip was truly eye-opening for me. The experience that impacted me the most was the service we provided by cleaning homes for families in need. I had no idea about the flooding that had made some homes uninhabitable, and learning about it was a real shock. Being able to help turn these houses back into homes for families was an incredible and meaningful experience. I’m grateful to have been part of such a powerful gesture!”
Sharon: “This trip was awesome, and I’m so glad I came and experienced it with people I’ve never connected with before. This trip was a stress reliever and a huge accomplishment, knowing we helped out in different ways. I’ve learned a lot about Puerto Rico and its culture, which is very different and cool. The most significant part of this trip was that I got to experience a new connection with people from various ages and grade levels in college.”
Mirella: “Being a part of this trip taught meant a lot to me because it gave me an opportunity to connect with a different culture and to really learn about how Puerto Rico is. Going to Puerto Rico vs. reading about it is very different because when reading about all the interesting facts and the struggles, you don’t really have a good understanding, versus when you go to Puerto Rico in person, and that’s when you really get the first person perspective on how life is over there and what different struggles they face and how they overcome them, or at least are trying to make a difference for their community! This trip taught me about similarities that we have everywhere. It also taught me how gentrification happens everywhere, as well as how a community can fight back against change for the better without violence. Puerto Rico had so many beautiful murals and art to embrace their voice and what their culture means to them, and it’s amazing to witness firsthand!”
Adrianna Padilla: “This trip to me meant a lot because I got to hear about the struggles of people and hear from the Sagrado students, as well as the issues that they have had with LUMA. I have learned a lot about how the water affects people and their houses and how more than 800 schools were shut down. What stood out to me most is how they just have gotten so used to losing electricity that they made art with it to represent what appliances they lose when they lose power on the island. I’ve also learned about the erosion of the ocean park beach. During our stay, we had the chance to learn bomba and how there are so many different variations of it, including the instruments that they use, like the primo. This trip was amazing, and I got to spend time with people and connect with them and made friends out of this experience”
Avery Masters: “On this trip, I learned much about Puerto Rican politics and their views on the mainland United States. The trip itself was a great opportunity to bond with a number of my fellow Georgian Court students and forge deeper connections than I feel I could on campus. What stood out to me the most was the use of art and murals as a way of expressing current issues. I feel that this is a severely untapped art form in the mainland United States, especially since there are a lot of issues today that could use more community outreach. This trip meant a way to help others and give back to a community that’s already had so much taken from it, but also to indulge and experience the culture and community in question.”
Arly: “The trip was filled with new adventures and knowledge about Puerto Rico. We, as a group, learned about the history and current state of Puerto Rico, along with the changes happening. I learned that it’s important to acknowledge one’s culture and respect the community. We had moments of interacting with new people and learning about a new culture different from the United States mainland.”
Nancy: “This trip pulled me out of my comfort zone in many ways. For
one, I genuinely didn’t think I’d ever get on a plane. It made me realize how
similar and different we all are, and it opened my eyes to the desire to start
seeing the world more—learning about what other people live through, both the
good and the bad. I loved making new friends and hearing their life stories. I
learned so much about PR and took into consideration how I am seen as a tourist
on their island. You can tell the Puerto Rican community is incredibly strong.
Despite fighting challenges every day, they make the most of it and keep their
spirits high. The dancing, the people, the culture—it was all so alive,
vibrant, and full of energy. They find joy in the small moments and use their
art, music, and activism to teach others about what truly happens behind the
beautiful beaches and scenic views.”
Linda: “The trip to me meant an opportunity to expand my perspectives on the different cultures, systems, and norms of Puerto Rico. I learned so much about the natural beauties of Puerto Rico and its government system. What stood out to me the most is how the local people expressed their concerns and frustration towards the corrupted government system. It was devastating to hear about the gentrification and the power dynamics. However, you can tell the Puerto Rico community is strong and they take the initiative to challenge the issues through street art and organizations.”
