My First Global Experience

Fourteen years ago marked the onset of my first global adventure, a blend of terror and thrill combined within me. It was the moment I left behind the familiar landscapes of Florida for the captivating shores of Puerto Rico, a place where my roots awaited exploration. In 2010, the transition unfolded. The anticipation of reuniting with family and delving into my heritage ignited within me, despite the bittersweet farewell to childhood friends.

Upon arrival, I found comfort within the doors of my grandmother's home, a sanctuary where homemade meals and familial warmth enveloped my sister and me. Weekends became vibrant reunions with cousins, the shared laughter echoing through our shared space.

Spending quality time with my cousins ( I am the little girl with the hat)

As the months unfolded, August approached the month I mostly feared: school season. Nerves prickled my skin as doubts about my Spanish proficiency scrambled within my head.

The first day of school had arrived, unveiling a daunting reality that I was no longer another student, I was the new student known as "La Gringa" (the white girl). Although I keep getting called that by my family at the time it would make little old me a little more sensitive. The longing for the familiarity of Orlando intensified, and the desire to return home grew stronger with each passing moment

However, as I became increasingly immersed in school life and navigated the intricacies of island living, a newfound appreciation for my culture blossomed within me. I honed my Spanish skills, forged connections with teachers and classmates alike, and befriended neighbors. Before I knew it, I had found my place and felt at home once more.

The differences between schools on the island and the mainland soon became apparent. With smaller student bodies of 200 students and graduating classes of 30-40 students (sometimes smaller), island schools fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Forced participation in school events became a blessing in disguise, serving as a venue for forging friendships and strengthening bonds within the student body.

Here is a photo of me wearing my typical Puerto Rican dress, taken during a performance my class and I participated in for a Christmas show. We danced to our traditional music, adorned in our customary attire. I embody the spirit of a "jibara," a term used to describe a young girl donning traditional clothing in Puerto Rico.

As the years passed, I unwittingly transformed into a global citizen without even realizing it. Despite the challenges that came my way, I adapted and thrived in this new environment. I conquered the first day of school, achieved proficiency in Spanish, and delved into my culture in ways I had never imagined. Puerto Rico captured my heart, instilling within me a profound appreciation for my beautiful island home—a sentiment that will endure for a lifetime.

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Reflection

Moving to Puerto Rico turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It granted me the chance to reside close to my family while immersing myself in my cultural heritage. Undergoing this journey during my formative years instilled within me a spirit of adventure. It fostered a curiosity to explore diverse cultures and backgrounds, igniting a fervent desire for learning. Moreover, it forged a resilient character within me, one that embraced the unfamiliar rather than shying away from it. The experience of relocating to such a distinct locale at a young age cultivated an open-minded perspective within me.

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