Coming Home from Costa Rica
After two months abroad in Costa Rica, I am finally back home in the states. When I saw my family for the first time in the airport, I was definitely happy to see them, but it was also bittersweet. The trip had never felt officially over until that moment, and I already missed it. The experience that I had on my study abroad trip was incredible and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will never forget the things that I learned and the...
Second Chance in Mexico
When I arrived to Mexico, I immediately became overwhelmed with good emotions. I shed a few tears and expressed boundless gratitude for where I am because it is not often that you get to return to places where you once failed, only to be set on a path to succeed. I felt at home, at peace, and a belonging that has been waiting for my arrival. I spent the first two weeks attending Spanish class to better prepare me for my internship in...
Looking Forward to Costa Rica
In just a few days, I will be departing to Costa Rica to spend two months taking classes there. I’ve traveled some before, but I have never been anywhere like Costa Rica. It will be my first time to truly experience another culture, too. I suppose I chose to go there because of the opportunities I will have there. My trip is faculty led, so I will get to take 13 major-related hours while also getting great opportunities to do some...
When the tide is high
During my final day in Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to do something on my bucket list I had yet to cross off. Surfing. I’ve always been a land person—running, hiking, backpacking and camping. I was raised in Louisville, Kentucky—famed for land sports like horseback riding and rock climbing. To be fair I had spent some time in the water throughout my childhood boating on the lake with my family. Here, I learned how to slalom ski,...
A New Mode of Transportation
As I sat in a rocking chair on the porch of my little Costa Rican cottage, I watched an assortment of cars, busses and bicycles zoom by. With no plans for the afternoon, I hoped to make my way into town via one of Costa Rica’s friendly taxi drivers. Before I made the call, however, an alternative form of transportation caught my eye. Within just a few hours, I found myself zig-zagging through town and through the countryside on a...
(Water)Falling Into Costa Rica
As a writer for VIDA Magazine at UA, I somehow found myself flying solo to Costa Rica less than 48 hours ago. Upon landing among the surrounding Costa Rican mountains and volcanoes, I hopped aboard a bus with a local bus driver, and we began our trek through the busy streets to Arenal, where the rest of the VIDA team awaited my arrival. Considering my driver was native to the country, I quickly discovered he only spoke Spanish. Thus,...