MEC Student Returns to Puerto Rico

When Medgar Evers College student Aryls Tineo returned from volunteering in Puerto Rico over the summer, she knew she wanted to go back.

“I have felt as if my work isn’t done,” said Tineo.

She will now get her opportunity to return.

Tineo was selected to be a part of a new student leader cohort that will go back to the island over winter break. The trip is a part of a continued effort of the NY Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative, which was launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo. In September, Cuomo announced he would expand the initiative and send roughly 500 State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) student volunteers back to the island in January. The students will work with non-profit rebuilding partners to clean, repair, and restore damaged homes.

“I’m very excited to go back, especially being on the first student leader cohort representing CUNY, and the only Medgar Evers College student going on the trip.”

Tineo added, “I have also seen a lot of progress being made by the non-profit organizations there so I’m excited to see the work they’ve done and offer my services again to help in any way possible.”

Tineo was one of seven students from MEC, out of 200 CUNY students, who volunteered with the NY Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative over the summer. Tineo volunteered with the non-profit NECHAMA. The volunteer organization provides natural disaster response and preparedness training services nationwide. She worked alongside other volunteers to repair or replace roofs damaged by Hurricane Maria.