Throughout my life I have found myself privileged enough to travel many different places and view nature from various aspects. Whether it was here in the United States or in Eastern Europe where I traveled last year. I can definitely say that the nature, climate, and landscapes of Puerto Rico are far from what I have ever visited before.

Every year I visit our family cabin in Northern Michigan which lies on the bank or the AuSable River surrounded by dense forestry. You are woken up every morning by a beautiful view of the river and the wildlife.  I truly did not think there was a view that I could ever find better than this one. This is where Puerto Rico proved me wrong.  The nature and beauty of this island was something I could have never imagined. While I have been in Puerto Rico I have been able to experience almost every aspect of its nature.  I have climbed cliffs and waterfalls of the El Yunque National Rainforest. I have snorkeled in the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea and visited the prettiest beaches I have ever seen in my life.  All of these things are truly what surprised me about Puerto Rico. I knew this was going to be a beautiful place, but quite frankly it has blown my expectations out of the water.  I knew that coming from a Midwestern state, that things would be different but truly not to this extent.  I have not spent long in the state of Illinois but I know from my life in Ohio that much of the extreme and beautiful nature is merely forestry, the occasional cliff, and the gorgeous hundred acre farms where you can look out and see for miles.  This trip has allowed me to leave the norm for what I think nature is and I could not be happier that I have gotten to experience a trip like this.

After roughly two weeks in Puerto Rico I have noticed many things about the people and culture.  Some things being more surprising than others.  The people here are amazing.  The hospitality and generosity of every single person I have encountered has been unreal.  Throughout the trip we have traveled to various locations across the territory and every plantation, business, or university member we have come across has been more than helpful. I knew coming to Puerto Rico that a majority of the citizens spoke English but I have been completely blown away by everyone.  Although I took 4 years of Spanish in high school I was far from a fluent speaker. The natives are very patient with my slow speaking Spanish and are always helpful by communicating in English. It has made the trip so much easier and enjoyable.

The past few days we have spent time at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez and it has been unreal.  Every professor, student, and faculty member has been more than helpful an incredibly interested in our work/trip.  We even got the chance to sit down and speak with the Dean of the Department of Agriculture.  It would be nearly impossible to pick up and have a meeting with a Dean at the University of Illinois.  I am more than grateful for every experience I have had the last two weeks and I cannot wait to get home and share and express what I have experienced.  I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about a project and have such an interest for agriculture. I have experienced so much about the culture, agriculture, and nature of Puerto Rico that I could talk for days.  It is unlike anything I have ever done before and I am excited to share at Engineering Open House.

The whole gang and the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez

A view of from the top of Playa Sucia