Conservation Work in Puerto Rico
Last summer, I worked as part of a volunteer group helping farmers and other local conservation efforts. An inspiring experience that highlighted the importance of community-driven environmental initiatives.
Six months ago I decided to sign up for a volunteering program in Puerto Rico. I originally imagined myself sunbathing on white sand beach, jumping off green cliffs into foaming water, surfing, snorkeling and surfing. In reality while we did get to do many of those things, it turned out to be much more.
The moment I took a step onto the first farm we worked with I stepped into another world. We were helping families, local businesses, and hardworking people trying to make something out of themselves, and during that process I’d help myself.
Through the experience in Puerto Rico I discovered a part of me I didn’t even know I had. I left my home searching for sand and sun, instead I came back with memories, new connections, and a sense of what could be described as a feeling of responsibility. I felt a sense of guilt at thinking joy could only come from beaches and sunsets. That now felt superficial, to be stuck in my own world unaware of what was going on outside of it. I knew that, like it or not, I had to think about how other people live, not in an abstract way, but through real connections to those people.