This week I was given an opportunity to speak to a current senior named Delisaned Gonzalez. She was born in Puerto Rico but moved to the States when she was eight years old. Delisaned shared her childhood experiences, some favorite home cooked meals and also sites of Puerto Rico!
Name: Delisaned Gonzalez
Major: Exercise Science Pre Physical Therapy and Spanish English Translation
Nationality: Puerto Rican
Name something you can find in Puerto Rico that you can’t find here?
I would defiantly have to say the people. The people there are so genuine, rich, warm, and friendly. No matter what skin color you are, if you approach them they are always willing to help. I remember when I was younger and my family and I needed a ride, the taxi driver asked where we were going, we told him and he took us there for free, yes for free. He was such a nice guy.
What is the most remarkable thing about your culture?
The food! I have a favorite dish my mom makes, it’s called relleno de papa it’s fried stuffed mashed potatoes with meat inside. It’s so good!
If you could describe Puerto Rico in one word, what would it be?
Breathtaking! Everything about the people, culture, and the buildings.
If someone was to travel to Puerto Rico where is the first place that he/she should visit? And why?
It depends on what you like to do, but as a college student I would defiantly say Old San Juan, there a lot of bars and stores. They have the Coach store, they have Tiffany’s, they have so many different stores. Think of it like downtown with all the bars and restaurants, and the beach is right there so you have a beautiful view. If you want to go surfing the best place to go is North Shore. You get food, shopping, and culture all in one stop.
What is your favorite memory of Puerto Rico?
I was about five years old; my family and I went to the rainforest with my aunt who was in town from New York. So we’re swimming in the little pound, and all we hear is my aunt screaming (I guess her foot slipped into a hole), she thinks she is drowning (remind you she cannot swim) so my step father and mother, the two people who NEVER get in the water were the first people to jump in and save her. It was a scary moment, but at the same time it was so funny. Overall we had a great time it was fun, you get to spend time with your family. We were there all day from 8am to 10pm.
If you could give back to Puerto Rico what would you do?
Education! They do speak English, they are a U.S territory but I just wish they were more fluent in English. If you are going to speak English, learn it full out the proper way. So that when you do travel abroad you are not seen as an immigrant. I want Puerto Ricans to understand the language and speak it fluently so they will be able to hold conversations, and respond with educative answers.
What is your wish for Puerto Rico?
My number one wish would have to be prosperity. It is a very beautiful country, but there is much more that can be done. I want Puerto Rico to grow.