#batesbonners

Honestly, words can’t even describe how much of a sweet and sour experience it was leaving the airport from Havana, Cuba to the US. When I was in the taxi on my way there I was reminiscing the memories that I have made in those places that I was passing on my way to the airport. I felt like I was leaving a part of myself and a family that I had made in Cuba which is very interesting because I remember the moment a step foot into Cuba on August 28th and didn’t know a soul in that country. The relationships that I created with my host family, friends in the IFSA program and Cuban friends are forever unforgettable bonds that will stay with me forever. Along with unforgettable memories that will always hold a special place in my heart for a lifetime.

In coming home I look forward to seeing my mom and my sister that are the most important people in my life. An aspect that I really learned in Cuba was to appreciate the things that I have in the United States such as being fortunate enough to having unlimited connection for me to be able to connect with anyone from wherever they are. Where as in Cuba due the restricted internet access and cellular connection one has to adjust to those difficulties. Honestly, it was a tough adjustment at first in not being able to easily to talk to my family at any time of the day and for as long as I wanted. However, as a privilege as well I know in having data in Cuba is a luxury because of how expensive it is to have data and one had to learn the many different ways as well to conserve it as long as we could. The way people communicated with one another was different than in the US due to the adjustments that the people have made in the society. In the US we take this for granted on a day to day basis where we do not need to think about turning on and off our data or the overly cost of minutes talking over the phone with someone.

I have changed in many more ways than I had even thought of, definitely came back home much more conscious of my surroundings and grateful for having the things that I have. As well with personally have grown to be much more of an independent individual and more adventurous in not being scared of trying new things. I see the world ahead of my with another lense and perspective that I gained from my experience in Cuba. Since I remember when I was going off to Cuba my mother was a bit nervous and just questioning why I chose Cuba to be the country I wanted to study abroad in when there were no other students interested in my college in coming with me or even recent students that have gone for me to get more information about studying abroad in Cuba. I took the risk to study abroad in Cuba not knowing much about it and ended up creating such a strong bond with the culture, place and people that is unexplainable.