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I was a junior in college when I realized I needed to get involved more in different organizations and I wanted to travel. I knew the Civic Engagement and Leadership center had a Volunteer opportunity in Puerto Rico helping communities devastated by hurricane Maria. I was very excited to go on this trip with others and help People as well as learn about the island and there people. What promoted me to go on this trip was I knew going overseas and learning a new culture was going to be very exiting experience which it was. Being my first time on a plane and in another culture coming down into Puerto Rico from the air felt like a joy ride and the clouds were beautiful that day. Before I even landed I could already feel the warm air and smell the ocean breeze. The island was so beautiful I almost wanted to hop out of the plane. The type of work we did involved mangrove restoration which involved cutting down weeds and grass around the mangroves for the community garden with very sharp machetes, and remodeling the school buildings for the kids. What we learned is that mangroves are very good for the environment and helps make the water in Puerto Rico clear and clean. When I went to San Juan we went to different attractions where I learned about Puerto Rico's Rich history. One place I remember mostly is San Juan Cathedral which was the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist and the oldest building in San Juan It felt like going back in history. In our spare time as a group we had Immersed group discussions, Enjoyed the beautiful beach, And my favorite part was taking the long hike up El Yunque Mountain. What I enjoyed most about this trip was the opportunity to really get immersed in a totally different culture for the first time and see and hear the cultural, Political, and social things happening in Puerto Rico. Which helped me think of things I could be doing for others. When I came back home I was surprised when I was asked by the head of the technology department to have my story published on the school news website which made me very grateful to be heard and understood as well as get to make my own story of this trip. I love Learning new things and have always been a great writer and like to write interesting story's. but seeing my thoughts published about my experience was honestly a dream come true. It was one of the best of many experiences I will have in my life.