Alejandro (Durham, NC, originally from Puerto Rico)

Puerto Rico isn’t just home–it’s freedom. I love studying in North Carolina, but every time I return to the island, I feel the weight of American politics lift. I don’t want Puerto Rico to become a state. I worry that too much politics will make it less vibrant, less ours. I want to preserve the salsa music that fills the streets, the joy of family gatherings, the food stalls selling alcapurrias and mofongo. To me, Puerto Rico is a haven, and I hope it stays that way.