2025 Costa Rica: Day 7
Good morning from the San José Airport,
The time has come to say goodbye to Costa Rica. Students are checked in and ready to board their flight.
There were many different emotions at our group debrief with Dr. Moreno and our Global Works leaders last night - sadness at the thought of leaving, joy for the memories made, confidence from stepping outside their comfort zone, and an eagerness at the thought of reuniting with families. Students also shared their highlights with the group - Volcano Arenal, white water rafting on the Balsa River, community service in Santa Ana, time spent at Chrisley Cheese Farm, zip-lining through the La Fortuna rainforest, planting trees on the waterfall hike, and surf lessons at Playa Chaman.
Here are two reflections from our students on the trip as a whole.
London D. reflects on the trip:
"Overall, our Discovery Days trip to Costa Rica was amazing! The most challenging moment in the whole trip was making the sidewalk. It was very hot outside and I had to shovel dirt, grass, and mix the materials to make cement. I was happy when I made the sidewalk because I understood that I helped the community have a safe walkway to travel on. Now, the adults and children will be much safer. The best part of the trip was the rafting because it was an adventurous experience. The rapids were more aggressive than the rapids at Calleva in Maryland. Even though it was a bit scary, it was so much fun! I learned that Volcán Arenal last erupted in 1968, and I also learned a bit of Spanish. I will remember the amazing views, the surfing at the beach, and the salsa dancing. Unfortunately, our trip is over, but it was so much fun!!"
An overall perspective from Miriam R.:
"Overall, our discovery days trip to Costa Rica was thrilling, insightful, and made me feel confident. I think the biggest risk I took was white water rafting with massive rapids because I don't know how to swim. It was very terrifying, but I persevered with the help of my friends and was able to get through it without falling out. The most fulfilling moment of the trip was being able to get closer to friends that I don't spend as much time with during school. I was able to enhance the bonds I have with them, while creating new friendships as well. The best part of the trip was zip-lining, because even though I am very afraid of heights, with encouragement from my friends, I was able to do it. After I got over the shock of the heights, I had so much fun, and the views of Volcano Arenal were amazing. The part of the trip that challenged me the most was surfing. Since there are so many things to think about when in the water, like finding a good wave, staying balanced, and standing up, it was challenging to focus on what steps to take first. Having said that, I felt very accomplished since I only fell or went under the water once. Finally, one new thing I learned about Costa Rican culture was how kind, talkative, and open the local people were. Being in this environment made me feel welcome and comfortable."
I'm sure students will have many thrilling stories to share with you when they return, but here are a few more glimpses of our time in Costa Rica over the past 6 days.
We will see you soon, and one last time - Pura Vida!
Best.
The 8th Grade Team
