Catching Up with a GC Alum in PR

After taking advantage of an exploration day on Sunday, we started off Monday morning by meeting a Goshen College alumni, Hermann Bauer. Our group learned that he had lived most of his life in Aibonito, Puerto Rico (which we will visit in the next couple of days). After graduating Goshen College in 1995, he decided to study law in Puerto Rico and became a lawyer. Through our charla (talk), we learned more about the history of Puerto Rico and its economic development. We discussed the 1493 settlement of Puerto Rico, the Jones Act, and the injustices of incorporated and corporated territory. There were many connections made from our required readings of “Mi Maria Surviving the Storm: Voices from Puerto Rico” and Hermann Bauer’s experiences.

Throughout the talk with Hermann, our group asked questions and overall gained more knowledge that we would use for our further reflections and readings. After our time with Hermann, we were able to explore Viejo San Juan some more at our own pace, as well as make a Puerto Rican dish in each apartment. My apartment decided to make tembleque, which is like a coconut pudding. Though before we began, my apartment decided to spend some time at the beach, taking advantage of the sunshine and calmer waves. Afterwards, we walked to the store SuperMax to gather our ingredients. After we completed our dish, we put it in the fridge to chill for a couple of hours, so we would enjoy it the next morning. This May term so far has consisted of creating new dishes, indulging in different experiences and places, meeting new people, and embracing the Puerto Rican culture!

-Amy Baca ’24