So far this trip, learning about the people in Puerto Rico and the policies that cause a lot of the issues that the island currently faces, showed me how much I was oblivious to. I never even considered how much control the government puts on Puerto Rico that blocks them from doing so many things that could make the island more prosperous. I know there must be reasoning behind the Jones Act, which requires items to come from the continental U.S. land, but it seems unnecessary to me that Puerto Rico has to spend extra money to receive their supplies. What really upset me is that after Hurricane Maria, this act was only lifted for 15 days for relief efforts compared to Texas receiving a 90 day extension. Relief efforts were hurt so much because of this, and this created a ripple effect that has left Puerto Rico in its current state, still in large need of repair without enough resources.
Hearing directly from the people at the organizations we have been working with however, shows me the light and hope that they have for their home. Many of them have been told "no" many times, lost everything they have, or worked directly in advocacy efforts for the island against the government. Being able to listen to their stories, and the powerful things they are doing for the island inspired me to want to know more and to make a lasting change. This trip is showing me about how it really does "take an army" to make a difference, and every person that can join that army creates a ripple effect in making a difference. To be able to hear their stories, I feel an obligation to bring these stories back to the states to spread awareness about the work they are doing. While I cant make structural and power changes on the island, I can tell people about it, and hope that it will get into the ears of someone that can, to repay these people that are dedicating their lives to change.
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