Meghan Treece: Student Report from 2016 Alternative Summer Break in Cuba
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Cuba. Since travel to Cuba was restricted as a result of the embargo, the country seemed mysterious and ‘off limits,’ which made me all the more curious. My interests in Cuba range from the landscape to the people to the politics. This trip allowed me to gain firsthand knowledge about all those interests plus many more exciting insights. I had the opportunity to see Cuba in a way that most people have not and will not be able to. From tours around the city via Classic Cars or Bicitaxi to a trip to Viñales to visit the countryside to walking up and down the Malecón to an evening spent at the FAC (Cuban Factory of Art), each experience was a chance to see and get to know the country and the people that live there.
As the only non-engineering major in the group, I began the trip somewhat nervous about our project. Our project was to help construct a kiosk, which will be used to sell coconut water and other treats, and build a few benches that were placed around said kiosk for both costumers and passersby in the community. The project started off with an overview of the project and what it hoped to accomplish in the area and was then followed by a lovely walk around the site and surrounding area. Working on the project was one of my favorite experiences of the trip. This is because of the direct communication we had with the people in the community. Before and during the work, we were constantly listening to the opinions, wants, and needs of the Cuban people we were assisting. It meant figuring out the best way to create something the community would want, need, and, most importantly, use. We had to listen. I think that is one of the biggest and best lessons I took away from the entire trip. It would have been easy to go in with my Americanized perspective about what Cuba is and what it should be. However, instead of going there with a predetermined idea of what it was going to be like and how we could make it better, we listened. From my time in Cuba, I found that the Cuban people do not want or need handouts. They want to improve their lives and situation themselves. I do not mean to say that the folks I met didn’t want our help, but simply that they wanted us to understand their perspective and appreciate their way of doing things.
I would also like to mention my awesome group members, guides, and hosts. My experience of travelling to Cuba was increased tenfold by the most friendly, adventurous, and intelligent group of people. I was able to make friendships and hopefully lasting connections with everyone in the group. Thanks for a great trip!
