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Everglades National Park
@evergladesnps

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"Growing up in Miami, FL as a Cuban American, it was not uncommon to hear stories of asylum seekers risking their lives in homemade rafts with sails or makeshift motors crossing open oceans, trying to find freedom in America. Constantly hearing these anecdotes about how brutal yet beautiful the ocean can be ignited a wildfire in my soul and my heart to explore the open ocean. My mind was enveloped with ideas of getting on the water, from snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and even birdwatching. At 20 years old, I explored the remote island of Boca Chita @BiscayneNPS. Looking out to the horizon, a boat in the distance caught my eye. As it approached, I noticed three women onboard the vessel with “NATIONAL PARK SERVICE” written in big bold letters. To my surprise, I heard one of them speak Spanish and instantly felt connected. I learned their mission that day was to capture the stories of Hispanics and their connections to the parks. We talked, and my picture was taken at the top of the Boca Chita Key Lighthouse. A few weeks later, I found myself volunteering at Biscayne NP, which eventually turned into an internship doing outreach, often on that very same key, Boca Chita. During that time, I witnessed a Cuban raft that had made its way to the park. My emotions overwhelmed me; to this day, it was one of the most surreal moments in my life. I could see my dad (Pupy) and his journey as a Cuban refugee crossing the open ocean to a new life, the one I now experience daily. Almost 10 years later, I proudly hold a Facility Management System Specialist position at Everglades National Park. My experiences with the South Florida National Parks have connected me to myself as a Hispanic individual and to the mission of the National Park Service, which preserves and protects these stories so intricately tied to my Caribbean culture." - Janelle De La Torre, #MyParkStory Photos courtesy of Janelle De La Torre Alt text photo 1: A woman takes a selfie in front of Everglades National Park entrance sign. Alt text photo 2: A woman wearing a life vest stands on a boat holding a fishing pole with water behind. #HispanicHeritageMonth #Everglades #EvergladesNationalPark #NPS