Mid-Service Reflection Blog Post: Puerto Rico Winter 2019

What have you learned  about the people and policies during your service in Puerto Rico?

While serving in Puerto Rico, I think I learned a lot about its history (though, I recognize there is so much more to learn). From what I can remember learning in US History, Puerto Rico was not really included or given a lot of attention. This is telling of the complex history between Puerto Rico and the US stemming from many of the latter’s  incredibly offensive and repugnant actions, but which remain concealed to sustain systems such as capitalism and other forms of discrimination. Lack of education manifests into the barriers of misunderstandings and preconceived notions that continue to divide people. For these reasons, I think it is important to serve and to be exposed to the very people we learn about—or do not. To serve, I mean to immerse yourself into the culture, being present through eating the food, interacting with the locals, creating a space to listen, to sincerely listen. 

Through my interactions with people with the people of Puerto Rico, I have experienced the spirit of resilience found in both the young and older generations to rebuild Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, relating to the central question  in The Battle For Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes On Disaster Capitalists. I have witnessed the importance of art in all cultures, particularly Puerto Rico’s. Art can be and often is political expression and a form

of resistance. Although we have worked with formal non-profit organizations, I think it is important to recognize those who go unrecognized as they pursue through those grassroots movements for  political, environmental, and overall social justice for Puerto Rico. Even though we do not see them, I think there is a spirit of resilience and hope remains that can be felt in Puerto Rico. There is so much to learn and to experience about Puerto Rico, and I admit, I am still confused and unknowing about various aspects relating to (my) service and activism on both a micro and macro-level. On page 76, Klein states that “Unlike capital, movements tend to move slowly.” I know that Puerto Rico is crying “Power” and I choose to be a part of that as it encompasses my voice, one that is struggling and cautious, moving slowly, yet seeking justice in every sense of the word. I am continuing to work in order that my actions embody that.