Salem College Professors Lead Students on Educational Adventure in Puerto Rico
Over the past decade, the island has been in the global spotlight—first due to natural disasters, including Hurricane Maria in 2017 and earthquakes in 2020, followed by ongoing political and economic challenges, and more recently, a surge in cultural visibility. Artists like Bad Bunny have elevated Puerto Rico’s name and culture onto the global stage, making this experience not only international but deeply relevant. -Dr. Otero
During spring break, Assistant Professor of Studio Art and Pre-Art Therapy Maria Robinson, MAT, MFA, EdD, and Professor of Design and Division Chair of Arts and Humanities Rosa Otero, PhD, MS, MArch, led a group of Salem College students on an educational adventure in Puerto Rico. The trip was a component of a special topics course, ARTS 220: Isla Vital: Art, Health, and Ethics in Puerto Rico. ARTS 220 is described as a “special topic course that explores the intersection of art, design, health, and ethics through an immersive study experience in Puerto Rico. Students investigate how creative practice can foster wellbeing, cultural understanding, and ethical responsibility in diverse communities.”
Dr. Robinson, Dr. Otero, and the students visited museums, participated in guided tours of historical and cultural sites, and explored the El Yunque rainforest to deepen their understanding of Puerto Rico’s history and culture. Throughout the week, the group also enjoyed Puerto Rican food and coffee, including meals prepared by Dr. Otero and Dr. Robinson using locally sourced ingredients; the tostones and sweet bread French toast they made were highlights of the trip!
“My most meaningful memories from the trip to Puerto Rico are rooted in the relationships we built along the way. Whether it was late-night swims in the warm pool, gathering on the couch to watch videos together, or engaging in honest conversations about life and our evolving sense of purpose, these shared moments fostered a sense of connection that will endure well beyond the trip itself.” -Dr. Robinson
The trip was especially meaningful to Dr. Otero, who said, “I am an architect originally from Puerto Rico. I grew up in San Juan, where my family still lives. Having the opportunity to share the resources and richness of Puerto Rico was both an honor and a significant responsibility.”
Dr. Otero’s mother directs the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at the University of PR School of Medicine, and her brother, Dr. Antonio Otero, directs the Orthopedic Department in the same institution. The Salem group gathered at Dr. Otero’s parents’ home to meet with a three-generation panel–her mother, her brother, and a current medical student–for a special afternoon of learning about and discussing Puerto Rico’s healthcare system, an enriching experience for all involved.
The experience left a lasting impression on the students, deepening their appreciation for Puerto Rico’s resilience, creativity, and cultural richness. Senior student Melissa Giles said of her experience, “Some trips you take, but this one changed your mindset. Studying in Puerto Rico, where food and health inequities are challenges, we found a culture that still finds ways to be resilient and nourish the soul, where the ethical values of Salem College came to life.” Senior student Alan Shelton added, “Spending five days traveling with classmates, learning together in a place where we are surrounded by so many unfamiliar things, is a fantastic way to learn more about our world, our classmates, and ourselves. It’s also great for forging lifelong friendships.”
By engaging directly with the island’s art, history, and healthcare systems, students gained a deeper understanding of the connections between creative practice, community wellbeing, and ethical responsibility. The trip not only enhanced their academic learning but also encouraged personal growth, global awareness, and a commitment to thoughtful, culturally informed engagement—hallmarks of Salem College’s mission to prepare students for meaningful lives and leadership in an interconnected world.