By Alejandra Chamorro Figueroa

What are you going to do after graduation? I lost count on how many times I was asked this question my senior year at Florida International University. At first, my answer was “I don’t know”. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in Miami or move back to Puerto Rico. I also didn’t know if I wanted to pursue a career in journalism, the major I worked so hard for almost 5 years. All these uncertainties caused my stress levels to skyrocket! The unknown was a scary place and
trying to escape it was an uphill battle. Well, if you still haven’t realized from the title, I moved back to Puerto Rico. Some might think I’m crazy to move back to an island that is struggling. Some might think I made the wrong decision to leave a state with so much opportunity. I would be lying if I said those thoughts don’t run through my mind sometimes.

But here’s the thing, I didn’t just come back to Puerto Rico. I came back to a place that will always be in my heart. Palmas del Mar is where I took my first steps, where I graduated from high school, where I had my first job, and where I received the most love after the worst time of my life. By being here, I’m in the process of becoming an independent woman who knows what she wants. I don’t know if it’s the serenity of the waves or the beautiful sunsets, but I’ve been able take the first steps into figuring out what is it that I want to do. Since I’ve been back in Palmas, I’ve started a Youtube channel, published a blog, got a job, bought my first car, and started taking digital marketing courses. Coming back to a place that is so familiar to me has enabled me to get to know myself better. Who knows? Maybe if I had stayed in Miami, I wouldn’t have the time to accomplish all that I’ve had. Palmas del Mar is the place I needed to be after graduating. Although I might not stay here forever because I’m only 23-years-old and there is a whole world out there. I ‘m happy I started my post-graduate life here. I no longer have regrets with my decision. How could I? When I can tan in my backyard whenever I want. “Palmas is a place where I feel safe and welcomed. I can go for a jog at 6:00pm and feel secure. I can go eat by myself at Pura Vida and not feel alone because the staff makes me feel like family. I can even run into old high school friends on a Tuesday night and reminisce about the good old days”