Middle School Students Made It to Puerto Rico

Our middle school students made it safely to Puerto Rico after leaving Thursday and traveling through the night.

After a long journey, Friday became their first opportunity to settle into the rhythm, beauty, and culture of Puerto Rico. Though everyone was tired, the students moved through the day with curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

A special thank you goes to Lillian and Jessi for helping Luisa support everyone throughout the long travel day and arrival.

First day in Old San Juan

The group began their Puerto Rico experience with a guided introduction to Old San Juan led by Ramón. He helped students connect with the history, architecture, and energy of the city as they explored it together.

Their first stop was Raíces, where students enjoyed a well-earned meal after traveling. One of the memorable parts of the day was hearing students respond with surprise as they tried new foods and discovered flavors they enjoyed.

• Walking el Paseo de la Princesa, with ocean views and historic surroundings
• Following the old limestone walls near the forts, spotting lizards and cats along the way
• Watching local families fly kites in the field near San Felipe del Morro
• A short stop for souvenirs and photos at la Plaza de Colón

Learning that can't happen in a classroom

After a full day of travel recovery, walking, food, and exploration, the group ended the evening with showers, dinner, and much-needed rest. The following day would bring another big adventure — swimming through river canyons and time at the beach. As the trip continued, students had more limited access to their phones so they could stay present and fully engaged.

This first update captured the heart of experiential learning. Students were not only studying language, culture, geography, and history — they were living inside all of it at once.