Puerto Rico… ahh, where to begin…
Well, I’m writing part of this on the plane as we leave San Juan after a week in the city and a week living the country like in Orocovis; ready to return but sad to leave. Above all of the experiences, there is a key piece I will bring back with me: take time to enjoy life! I will truly miss the serenity and relaxed appreciation for life and family and friends and strangers everyone had. Too many times I feel that everyone forgets to slow down and take that deep breath we desperately need. In Orocovis, this was occurring every moment. Beginning during the first week, we held class next to the river! Despite the constant rain, we sat outside and had discussions in Spanish about the clinical process of interviewing and intake sessions with Latino clients. We were faced with powerful scenarios and had the support of the group as we took turns role playing therapist and client.
Afterwards, we took time to talk and provide each other with feedback, all while enjoying the sounds and sights our natural surroundings had to offer. All of the experiences were truly amazing, but the thing I most enjoyed was the natural beauty the Island had to offer. We made sure to take time to admire the ocean views, the native flowers, and the sunsets throughout all of our event-filled days and evenings. I am extremely grateful for all of the amazing opportunities we were given, the professionals we were able to meet, and for the amazing group of people with whom I made all of these memories with!