In 2011, I lived and studied aboard a ship called the MV Explorer with Semester at Sea, exploring Central America and the Caribbean – an experience that shaped my worldview and taught me that people everywhere share far more in common than we think. This region’s blend of cultures has created an inspiring, dynamic society near the equator. Spanish-style plazas and siesta hours coexist with the vibrant pulse of African culture and East Indian influence along the coast. Years later, in 2017, I traveled to Cuba, a nation that, despite decades of setbacks, remains bold with beauty and pride.