I am a Latina with a disability. I am also a first-generation college student that came from a low-income family. This experience changed my perspective forever.

This experience awakened a deeper love for the Spanish language than I ever thought was possible. Before coming to Puerto Rico, I had never felt so inspired, so driven, to truly pursue it and embrace it. Something about being here stirred something in me. I realized that learning a second language isn’t just a smart step for my career, it’s a path to connection, to culture, to understanding.

Being in Puerto Rico felt like coming home. There was warmth in the air that wrapped around me, a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in years. The smells, the food, the music, the people, it all brought me back to my childhood, to a time when life felt more colorful, more alive. Every moment here reminded me of where I came from, and in doing so, showed me a new piece of who I’m becoming.

While I was in Puerto Rico, I began to understand the economic challenges many Puerto Ricans face. It was eye-opening, and, at times, heartbreaking, to see how the cost of living made daily life so difficult. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt and sadness, knowing how hard they work just to get by. I came into this experience with an open mind, refusing to let stereotypes or social media shape my expectations. I had seen how Puerto Ricans were unfairly portrayed online, as aggressive, loud, or arrogant, but nothing could have been further from the truth. From the moment I arrived, I was met with kindness, warmth, and joy. People greeted me with genuine smiles, eager to share their culture and proud to see someone wanting to learn about their home. That touched me deeply. It filled my heart with joy and reminded me of the beauty of human connection, free from judgment or assumptions.

I highly recommend this study away to any students who want to learn more about Puerto Rico. It was so enjoyable and Informative. The community touched my heart forever and doing community service really opened my eyes to things I never saw before. Words are not enough to explain how this experience had an impact on me.

Name: Alexis Nava
Status: Junior
Major: History
Hometown: Hutto, Texas
Program: Study Away - Community Engagement in Puerto Rico