Reflection

          As I think back on the work I have done to this point, I have come to realize that although people may initially seem unremarkable, they can also shine brightly in unexpected ways. My mother often says that the journey, not the final destination, is what matters and that it will take you to your intended destination. This feeling has persisted as I have learned about other people's experiences and the historical background of Operation Peter Pan.

 

          The main lesson I learned from my experience this summer is that everyone has a unique route to success and freedom. The individuals I interviewed for my project showed me that people grow stronger as a result of challenging moments and roadblocks.

 

          I am surrounded by Hispanic culture as a student at Ransom Everglades and a native of Miami. I was aware of my grandfather's story and often wondered about those who endured similar adversity. I was interested in discovering more about my identity through my family history, and I wanted to know what it was like for others who went through what my grandfather did. My Bowden Fellowship in the Humanities gave me the opportunity to formally examine the history and culture of Cuban Jews. I designed my study to demonstrate the important relationship between religion and the quality of being human.

 

          The project has impacted me on numerous levels. I gained the organizational skills necessary for a research project, learned how to select potential interviewees, and developed interview techniques. And of course, I acquired a deeper understanding of how historical events affect the lives of ordinary people.

 

          The oral history portion of my research was the most fascinating. It was a wonderful chance to learn about people's memories of historical events. Their accounts provided an authentic portrait of the Jewish community in Cuba and its rebirth in Miami. It is essential to be exposed to different perspectives. These narratives have made it clear that everyone has a unique life path and special purpose; each story is different.

 

          While people celebrate the accomplishments of others, it is crucial to keep in mind the journey those people took to get there. In addition to helping me preserve the history of the Cuban Jews, my project helped to preserve Paul Ransom's philosophy that people should contribute more to the world than they take from it. My Dan Leslie Bowden Fellowship has helped me discover one of the true meanings of humanity.