Student Trip Blog Instructions
Student Trip Blog
As per our routine, since we started this educational journey, we were up at 7 am and had breakfast. Today’s breakfast consisted of pancakes, watermelon, papaya, scrambled eggs, and fresh juice. After a brief bus ride to the beginning of the trail, we went through a small patch of forest and farms to see the beautiful Aquiares Falls. This hike took us about 45 minutes. The hike to the falls was mostly downhill but there were a lot of plants and trees to enjoy on the trail. A few students struggled a bit during the hike but everyone pushed through. We arrived at the waterfall, played for about 45 minutes, and we took pictures with each other. The water was so nice, clear, and cool.
When we got back to the base house, we had free time. The group decided that we wanted to eat pizza for lunch. To order the pizza, we collected $2-$4 USD from students to pay for it and had to make sure that everyone’s dietary needs were met. Ordering lunch for everyone was a bit stressful because we had to figure out what we were going to eat. We ordered a selection of mushroom, Hawaiian, vegetarian, margarita, and a combination pizza. We now know what the Global Glimpse Leaders and program coordinators have to do when setting up the food for everyone before the trips.
After lunch, we had a bit more free time coupled with phone calls to speak with our families/ loved ones. From 5-6 pm, we had an introduction for the Community Action Project (CAP) seminar II and watched 4 videos which allowed us to have a better understanding of the topic of Environmental Justice. From the videos, we learned that there is some racial profiling when it comes to deciding where to place factories in the United States. Typically, factories are placed in low-income and marginalized communities. The same thing happens when it comes to setting up hotels for tourism in Costa Rica. Big companies choose places where to build their hotels, then privatize beaches, and take over other parts of these communities from locals. Unfortunately, the profit big companies make doesn’t go back to the local communities and to add insult to injury, they take around 80-90% of the water from the locals without consulting with them first.
After the seminar, we had dinner and our nightly meeting. Throughout the day, we were able to get the whole experience of organizing the trip and making sure everyone had a good time. There were some struggles we had such as last-minute changes to the schedule and preparing for everything the night before. Being a leader today was a bit stressful but nonetheless a very interesting adventure!
Comments (4)
Lambert
We are halfway through your journey and we can’t help but be in awe of the richness and depth of your experiences. It’s such a joy to read your student blog and vicariously join you on your trip. Your day’s adventure, starting with the beautiful hike to the Aquiares Falls, paints an image of perseverance and unity. Even as some of you struggled, you all pushed on together, ultimately reaching your destination and enjoying the cool, clear waters. We’re certain these are moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Your free time and the shared experience of ordering pizza gave you a taste of collective decision-making and appreciation for dietary needs – crucial life skills!
The knowledge you’re gaining about environmental justice from the Community Action Project (CAP) seminar is truly significant. Learning about the socio-economic disparities that influence environmental decisions both in the United States and Costa Rica gives you valuable perspective on global issues. Recognizing the hardships faced by marginalized communities and the environmental challenges they endure is a critical step towards building a more equitable world. Your leadership experience and the complexities you had to navigate – from last-minute schedule changes to pre-trip preparations – are making you stronger and more resilient individuals. The adventure might be stressful, but the lessons and experiences you’re gaining are invaluable. As we approach the second half of your journey, we look forward to hearing more about your adventures and insights. Keep exploring, keep learning, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Vilayphonh Wade
Glad to hear that everyone pushed through on the long hike because the falls and the lush forest look so beautiful. It must have felt very refreshing playing in the water after the hike. Glad you had a fun day! I wonder how the pizzas taste. Are they the same as in the states? So happy to get the phone call and hear your voice especially for your Dad on Father’s Day. We miss you and love you so much. Have a fun time! Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that you will not have again. As a One Direction song goes “Live while we’re young!” This is your time. Love, Mom and Dad.
Rosa
I am so glad you got to enjoy that beautiful waterfall. The phone call was a nice surprise and you got a chance to say happy hello to everyone. Your
Dad was especially happy. We miss you so much, but we are so glad that you are having this opportunity, enjoy. We love you!
Mathai family
It was awesome to talk to you on the phone on Father’s Day! We miss you tons! Hikes always seem better when there’s a waterfall to look forward to and the water looks cool and refreshing.