As I reflect on my entire experience in Cuba, I find it incredibly difficult to choose one anecdote or one theme to elaborate on that could serve as an explanation of my time here. Unfortunately, readers, I don’t think it’s that easy. I don’t think I am able to sum it up in 300 words, which is terrifying because in a matter of days, when people ask me what I’ve been up to for the past three months, what am I going to say? “It was awesome. Really changed my life.” What? Maybe I don’t have a grasp on what to say because I haven’t made any drastic conclusions about Cuba. I experienced a ton, met a large group of incredible humans, practiced some Spanish, took the bus, complained about the food, but I feel as though I only dipped my big toe in. At this point, I am positive I will be back, which is how I cope with not really having complete answers to the question of Cuba. If not to hug my friends or drink one last planchao on the Malecon, to simply spend more time there trying to figure it all out. From the posters, collected rocks, flowers, and domino set I decided to be my keepsakes, I hope to remember where I was at when I went to Cuba. I am in a place of patience, open-mindedness, intellectual stimulation, and I only crave more. I can’t wait to get back into an academic sphere to apply these sharpened qualities to life in the United States. I want to give an enormous thank you to all that supported this program and made it happen. Elliot Young, Julie Portella, LC Overseas – thank you for providing me this incredible opportunity to explore a world I would not have been able to otherwise. Although it is difficult to find the words, the experience left me thinking, and wanting to learn more.
For more information on Lewis & Clark Overseas & Off-Campus Programs, visit our website.