Upon first glance, most people would be surprised to know that I am Puerto Rican. I do not have the stereotypical tan skin, dark features, Latina accent, etc. I am a light skinned, light featured, curly haired, young woman, but I have always been proud of my roots. My lineage is mine and it is something I have always cherished; it is something I will always cherish.
That being said, when my mother surprised my siblings and I with a family trip for Puerto Rico this past summer, I was ecstatic. I had not visited my country for nearly ten years, let alone with my entire extended family.
This vacation was one I will never forget. If I had not already felt one with the country, this trip certainly made it even more so. Traveling with my grandparents from coast to coast across their native land and seeing the towns in which they grew up gave me a feeling I could not quite describe. The look on my grandparents’ faces when they visited loved ones truly left an impact on me. I found myself instantly caring about these individuals–they were not simply “people” from stories I had heard anymore; they were family.
The same could be said for the country as a whole. It became a home away from home. I could not see myself going back home the same after the trip. I became a better person because of it. Little did I know that this trip would be the last time I saw Puerto Rico in its original glory.
One can imagine my astonishment when I heard the news of Hurricane Maria. It has been difficult to fully comprehend how a country so beautiful and so united could come crumbling down so quickly. As images flooded social media and news reports spoke of a country in ruins, I did not know where to turn. My eyes could not escape the images of people’s houses flooded with water, El Yunque rainforest ridden with fallen trees, my grandparents’ hometowns completely destroyed, and so much more.
As the days dragged on, the somberness of this event began to take its toll on many. I was lucky enough to hear from my family a few days after the loss of electricity. Others are still holding onto the hopes of an “I’m okay” — a message that refuses to come.
I figured some faith could come from the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philly. This year, I was excited to be part of it because it meant I could stand as a voice for my people. I wanted to raise awareness and remain strong for those who are having trouble coping. However, this year’s festivities proved to destroy my child-like daze.
I could not help but notice the lack of parade goers this year. A past time that was once so cherished and rejoiced was quieter and emptier as I reached the end of the parade line. Although I refuse to let my hope dissipate, I could not help but remember being a little girl begging my family to take me to the magic that was the Puerto Rican Day Parade. It was the one day a year where I felt like everyone could get together and truly celebrate the Latinx spirit. Now, it was a reminder of the work we have to put forth to rise up.
While I cannot blame others for not partaking in the parade, I did feel a sense of hopelessness within my community. I could tell that one parade was not going to bring our beloved country back to its former state. I never thought it would, but I saw it as a good starting point to show others that we would continue to move forward.
Thus, I became even more invested in the case the following weeks. As more images and videos began to surface of the beautiful island in ruins, and President Trump disregarded Puerto Rico’s hardships, I could not help but become more determined. Although I may be one person with one voice, I refuse to be ignored.
I hear the song of national pride ringing in my ears, “En Mi Viejo San Juan.” Although times may change, a person’s heart cannot help but stay with its home — it is something that can never be taken away.
Through all the darkness and sadness, I continue to see a beam of light. I encourage others to do the same because it is the only thing we can do. Succumbing to darkness will get us nowhere. As a nation, we have to stand strong despite the hardships; Puerto Rico will rise and come back better than before. It takes a village to raise a child, but now it will take a village to help Puerto Rico rise.
And trust me, we will rise.