Blog #12

 Weekly Reflection #2


       We just made it to San Jose today and are flying out tomorrow morning on a flight that leaves at 7:00 am. After so much time spent waiting to do this trip, I cannot believe we are at the end of it. These last two weeks have been such a great time as well as provided me with some very valuable learning experiences. 

        This project turned out to be very beneficial in preparing me for having success in the future. It helped to reinforce proper time management skills and frequent goal setting. The responsibility of booking travel and hotels, cooking meals, getting assigned tasks at work completed, writing blogs, and writing my Academic Concentration research paper was all put on me a no one else. I would be lying if I didn't say that it was quite a lot, but it was a challenge that I was prepared to tackle. 

        It is also amazing to see how little had changed in Monteverde since two years ago. Everyone was just as friendly and just as welcoming as they had been before. The trip reminded me of how much better you get to know a country when studying or working there rather than just visiting as a tourist. When living in a country, you are able to form close friendships and connections as well as get a greater sense of the culture of a comminity. There are some things I have seen here in the community of Monteverde that I wish more Americans would embrace. Here, values such as selflessness and duty are held to the highest standard. Everyone does their part to support the community and everyone is expected to put in the same effort. This has resulted in a town where not only the quality of life is very good, but also where the individuals in the community are truly happy. 

        I feel very fortunate to have gotten to spend time in this community and as well as gain valuable life lessons on independence. I am really looking forward to hopefully visiting here again soon!

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