We started our day by travelling to the Supreme Court in Old San Juan. We got a tour of the library that is used by judges and citizens of Puerto Rico. Looking at all of the books, some from the 1920’s, was astounding. Thinking about the laws that make up the judicial power here made me realize that Puerto Rican laws are very similar to our own laws. After all they do have Spanish and US influence. As we talked about how Puerto Rico has evolved from Spanish rule, they have adopted some of the core values from the Spaniards into their civil laws.
After the tour we got to sit in the courtroom that is used by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. A few of the young lawyers talked to us about their roles and responsibilities. They made me think about what it would be like to work for a Supreme Court judge and how I would handle the responsibility that comes with the job. When we were introduced to Anabelle Rodríguez Rodríguez, one out of the current 9 Supreme Court judges, I was even more intrigued by the job and what she does on a daily basis. Rodríguez is one of the most powerful and inspiring women I have ever met. She talked to us about how she became a judge and how she worked her way up in a male dominated field to stand where she is now. It touched me on a deeper level to know that she is one of the most influential women in Puerto Rican history. She broke down walls that had been in place since the beginning of time. She showed me that if I want to do something, the world is my oyster. She also said something that made me think of the actions I make every day. She said, “I, as a person, may think one way about a case but I, as a judge, regardless if I like it or not, have to follow the constitution.” We are learning that diversity is in every aspect of life and how we react to it is our own deal and I think that after what the judge said, I have to think about how I should act and not always how I want to act. Anabelle Rodríguez Rodríguez was funny, vibrant, and very smart and I am happy I got the chance to be in her presence for even a short amount of time.
After the Supreme Court, we headed over to Capitol Hill. We got a tour of the historic building along with an energetic tour guide. We got to sit in both the Senate and House of Representatives meeting rooms. For me this was a nice surprise because I had never before stepped into such a political atmosphere. We then met with a person from each of the parties that are represented here on the island. Manuel Natal Albelo from the Commonwealth party, Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez from the Statehood, and María de Lourdes Santiago from the Independent party. They were all so passionate about their work and why they want what they want for the future of Puerto Rico. One person that really stood out to me was Mr. Rodríguez, he connected on a personal level with me because he went to school in the states and he made some valid points about Puerto Rico’s wellbeing if they were to become the 51st state of the United States.
Overall the day was excited, informative, and last but not least exhausting. I am so glad that I got the opportunity of learn more about Puerto Rico through a political view.