 She would describe her time at Princeton as a life @-@ changing experience . Initially , she felt like " a visitor landing in an alien country " as her exposure had been limited to the Bronx and Puerto Rico . Princeton had few women students and fewer Latinos ( about 20 ) . She was too intimidated to ask questions during her freshman year ; her writing and vocabulary skills were weak , and she lacked knowledge in the classics . She put in long hours in the library and over summers , worked with a professor outside of class , and gained skills , knowledge , and confidence . She became a moderate student activist and co @-@ chair of the Acción Puertorriqueña organization , which served as a social and political hub and sought more opportunities for Puerto Rican students . She worked in the admissions office , traveling to high schools and lobbying on behalf of her best prospects . 
