A Stony Brook University student traveled to Puerto Rico with a group of other SUNY students to help rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which left much of the island in the dark and under water.

Rebecca Mueller, 22, of Coram, spent two weeks in Puerto Rico this summer helping to rebuild storm-ravaged homes. She traveled there with 29 other SUNY students.

Mueller says she couldn't believe her eyes when she realized that much of the island was still devastated nearly a full year after the Category 5 storm struck. Streetlights remained out, homes had major water damage and some didn't even have roofs, she says.

The group worked on three homes while they were there, and the homeowners were appreciative for their efforts.

"I wanted to stay," Mueller says. "I didn't want to come home, I wanted to help more. I wanted to experience more of the island, but then again i was so grateful to have the opportunity."

The group is among at least 500 other college students who have spent their summer helping to rebuild Puerto Rico as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's NY Stands with Puerto Rico initiative.