So Much of What You Are is Where You've Been

I owe so much to this experience. Studying abroad is constantly ripping you right out of your comfort zone, but after it’s over, you’re happy that you’re so far from where you started. You  have learned to figure things out for yourself and be independent, be curious and willing to learn, immerse yourself fully in your host country and culture, and do things that are completely different from your normal routine. It brings out your best qualities.

Costa Rica will take your breath away over and over again.

I will never forget the days I spent hiking volcanoes, swimming in waterfalls, exploring the rain forest, lying in the sun, sleeping in rows of hammocks, ziplining, bungee jumping, and taking long bus rides with the best of new friends. So much of what I have gotten out of this experience is owed to the people I have met along the way. Thanks for being able to laugh when our travel plans didn't work out as planned (did they ever?), forcing me to try new things, and being there for the whole wild ride. I look forward to future travels and reunions with my friends from across the globe that I will miss just as much as I will miss Costa Rica. You are all some of the best people I have ever known.

"The Fellowship" takes on volcanoes in Nicaragua.

It really is crazy to think that I have spent 113 days, 17 weekends, and 2 seasons in Costa Rica. Four months sounded like a long time at first, but I should have known it would never be long enough. Everyone warned me that the time would speed by, and I am sad to say they were all right. I feel like I just got off the plane in San José a little unsure of what this experience was going to be like, but ready for all of it. Now, I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t know my friends here, my host family, or Costa Rica.

The waterfalls in Montezuma are some of the most magnificent views I have ever witnessed.

Costa Rica is one of those rare places where the people are kind and inviting. Its landscape is lush, green, and pure. The culture is full of lively traditions, a beautiful language, and warm welcomes to outsiders. I’m so lucky to have gotten to know this incredible country. I know that I will miss it everyday and be waiting for the opportunity to return to the second home that I have found in Costa Rica.

Coming to Costa Rica I was looking for something different, an adventure, and I definitely found it. Thanks for being everything I could have ever wanted, Costa Rica.

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." -Susan Sontag

¡Pura Vida!…siempre.

Peyton Black is the CEA MOJO in San José, Costa Rica. She is currently a Junior at College of Charleston.

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