Hedy Elliott researches study opportunities in South America. She is planning a two-week trip this summer to South America. \

One week before Christmas, President Barack Obama announced plans to end the U.S. embargo of Cuba. The embargo had imposed hardship on ordinary Cubans without forcing Fidel Castro out of office.

But reaction to lifting the embargo has ranged from jubilation to anger. Will this move help ordinary Cubans or will it help the Castro brothers?

Hedy Elliott, head of the GED program at Peoria Park District, studied at the Universidad de la Havana during the summer of 1999 as part of her graduate program in cross cultural studies at Western Illinois University.

Elliott said recently she wished the embargo had been dropped after the Cuban dictators died so there would be no benefit for them, perceived or actual.

As was customary, Elliott stayed with a Cuban family during her summer in Havana. The family was happy to get the U.S. dollars for her room and board.

Even during a summer study program, Elliott said the deep-rooted racial discrimination in Cuban society was evident.

“Race relations there in 1999 were like in America in the 1950s,” she said.