1. Why was the Rise summer program that exciting? Each day was a day full of excitement, at the biology
class and at the laboratory. The first days none of us had adapted to the university lifestyle, but we had
to learn quickly or we wouldn't be able to succeed. Also the trips helped us visualize new biomes and
how the animals adapted to those given conditions to survive.
The Biology class covered most of the introductory themes to Biology. This course was enriching for my
knowledge and gave me a clear view of the basics of our life, such as the cell division, DNA replication,
protein synthesis, inheritance. The laboratory class helped me visualize all the concepts learned in the
biology class. We made some impressive experiments with gels to see and compare DNA. Some of the
laboratory tests were the harder ones I ever took in my life, but I figured out that this was for my
improvement and to help me succeed.
The fieldtrips were full of amaze and we saw so many things that by our own we wouldn't see. The trip
to El Yunque was my favorite one, because of the climate and vegetation. The trip to the Guanica Dry
Forest also was good but the climate was not favorable. By comparing these two we can see the
difference of biomes we can find in an island that is very small and has that diversity of climate!
The proposal experience was very difficult for me because I never had to make a research proposal in
my life, but the Rise program gave me the tools necessary to accomplish that goal. I made mine about
stem cells transplant because since I read about the stem cells and their advantages I found it very
interesting. I even made a monograph about stem cells and their advantages, but there is also some
ethical debate because of embryo stem cells. But the healing ability of these cells is impressive.