Pre trip blog

1 What is your personal connection to Puerto Rico and how does their struggle relate to you personally and connect to your service?

I have visited Puerto Rico with my family a few years ago on vacation. I was stunned by the island’s immeasurable natural beauty. I mostly stayed in San Juan with my family and we did most of the touristic activities. As much as I enjoyed that trip, I understand that it was only a small glimpse into Puerto Rico’s beauty and an even tinier glimpse into the culture. I am privileged to be able to return to Puerto Rico once more and partake in a more authentic experience. I’m looking forward to not just observing, but involving myself and thinking critically. Personally, I’m interested in learning more about Puerto Rico’s rebuilding. My home country, Nepal, suffered an earthquake in 2014 and is still far from stable. All the prior issues (political, environmental, social, and more) were exacerbated by the natural disaster. There is still much left unresolved. I’m looking forward to also connecting what I learn from Puerto Rico to Nepal. 

2 Based on your reading of the Battle For Paradise, what were 1 or 2 key issues or policies that resonate with you and why?

Im still currently reading Battle for Paradise, but already I’m seeing the connections between what the book says and our experiences in Puerto Rico so far. Something that resonated with my strongly, not necessarily and issue but a perspective, is that some Puerto Rican’s consider Hurricane Maria a good thing. That the disaster catalyzed progressive environmental and political changes, especially in regards to the use of renewable energy sources rather than depending on external corporations. It’s also raised the question about the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States and to what extent Puerto Rico will be supported. I’m looking forward to reading about this further in the book and learning more about it through service. Another issue is the lack of inclusion of grassroots movements in government decisions. For a government can’t be effective or productive without the input of the individuals it’s meant to benefit. 

3 This trip to Puerto Rico has been inspired to help the island recover after the disaster of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico is an American Territory making its residents American Citizens like us, but they do not have the same rights and privileges. What do you hope to learn from this trip?

I hope to explore the colonial relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. I find it absolutely wrong and exploitative that Puerto Ricans are not allowed to vote or engage democratically within the United States, but they are burdened with worse responsibilities as United States citizens. I want to research and learn more about how this colonial relationship started, as well as the systems and structures in the US that propagate the maltreatment and lack of representation of Puerto Ricans.