University life in San German

By: Lauren Cave

After a night playing pool and communicating in broken Spanish with the students of the Interamerican University of San German, the concept of Puerto Rico technically being a part of the United States is becoming clear.
The university system is similar to that of the U.S., the most noticeable difference was that their final exams came later than ours. However, there are schools in the U.S. that are still in session, as well.
As my roommates and I distracted the students from their studies, we learned about the biggest track competition, Justas, which was held three weeks ago. Interamerican placed first at the competition that was held in Ponce. Watching video after video of Caesar winning the 40-meter hurdles, I was reminded of the Sooner football team and the sense of pride felt when the team wins a game. Caesar's ear-to-ear grin was not an arrogant one. He clicked video links of every race, each one highlighting his "amigo" crossing the finish line with sweat dripping down his body. This prideful, yet humble demeanor was shared among the other members who competed. They'd come watch the video and bashfully smile when one of them would praise their accomplishment.
The group of 12 boys that crowded the small courtyard all introduced his self to us and didn't hesitate to start conversation. Charlie did not waste anytime to ask for help on his English compositions and homework for his final that was the following day.
As a Spanish tutor, I offered my assistance, unaware of the huge difference in teaching someone my native language compared to a language I am still trying to perfect. Shamefully, trying to remember certain grammar rules was as hard as getting the students I tutor in the states to roll the letter R and pronounce double Ls as a Y.
The studying didn't last long as more boys left their room either from hearing the bustle of the courtyard or merely to take a study break. The music was turned up on the computers, clapping began as Charlie started dancing and Robert started flowing. The noise from clapping, singing and chanting drowned the giggles of my roommates and me. A universal language of college students hanging out and relaxing after a day of studying and attending classes was the only bond we shared. Yet, the bond was strong enough to make the evening the very enjoyable.
Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory I think the dynamic is different than of other places. The feeling of traveling abroad is ever apparent as I walk down the narrow streets, translating the Spanish billboards in my head. But, the mentality of the people is that they are just like you. Visiting other Spanish speaking countries, my fair skin, blue eyes and fragmented Spanish gives me away immediately, yet here no explanation is needed for the geographic location of Oklahoma or Texas.