PACU 2018

There's really too many things I could say about why I love this program. We had many diverse experiences through the chaos of central chile, the beauty of Patagonia, and the politics of Cuba.

The structure of the Patagonia section of this trip allowed us to really develop our goals and set out to achieve them. We hiked different peaks each week, eventually leading up to our 5 day trek at the southern tip of Patagonia. Each week we challenged ourselves, gaining mental strength and confidence both individually and as a group. By the time of our final trek, we all felt prepared physically and mentally, and when we reached the final peak (see Torres Del Paine photo) we felt so much pride in all we had accomplished together. It was the perfect way to end our Patagonia section, as we left the region having grown so much.

Because we were in such a beautiful and protected region, I also believe that many of us have developed a newfound appreciation and respect for the natural beauty of the planet. For many of us, we were experiencing the earth in a new way, in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We discussed conservation efforts and spent time in national parks that have been revegetated after years of grazing and invasive species taken over. Through these experiences, I think I've become more appreciative of my surroundings and have been more conscientious about how my actions affect the world around me.

Cuba challenged me a lot to understand the way our world works. I've never particularly intrigued by the political world, but the experiences we had and people we met in Cuba kept me engaged and curious. We learned about differing education systems, health care systems, and careers that forced me to think critically about these same systems at home. Beginning to think more deeply about governments (in general, in Cuba, and in America) while being in a foreign country was truly a unique experience for me.

That being said, I think what made this program so special for me was all the little moments that weren't necessarily on the itinerary. When I look back on this semester I like to remember the nights spent under the southern constellations as we described our day with a single noise, or the ice cream place we found near where we were staying in Cuba that we returned to FOUR times and even walked there in the rain together. It's trying to understand why a souvenir shop in central Patagonia would only be open from 8-12 at night, or having to serve a conference of doctors from several different countries a meal wearing an apron and a hairnet under the towering peaks of cerro Castillo. It's attempting to have a conversation with our local guide about extraterrestrial life in Spanish and somehow understanding each other, or the fact that after a month we were still excited to eat rice and beans and felt disappointed on the rare occasion we didn't have them.

Spending 90 days with such a small group of people is really unique, as we get to know each other on a really personal level. But spending 90 days with a small group of people while simultaneously having one of the most formative experiences of your life is truly incredible and indescribable, as we feel each other's highest of highs, lowest of lows, and everything in between. I'm so grateful for every single second of this Patagonia/Cuba semester and for all it has taught me.