Submitted by Natale DePase on the 2017 winter session program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
There’s exactly 4 hours and 11 minutes until I say farewell to home and head to the airport. I feel a mix of emotions right now. I am incredibly thankful to go on this trip and couldn’t be more excited. I’ve always wanted to study abroad and my dream will soon come true.
Flying, however, is something that I have only done once so my nerves are off the charts. And as I look around the room, I realize I’m going to miss watching my Mom struggle with her crossword puzzles, or hear my brother and sister scream for their favorite football team, or smell the aroma of my Dad’s baking creations, and even my puppy’s slobbery kisses. Yes, I will miss them, but it’s time for me to do my thing. I’m ready to try new things. I’m ready to learn about the Costa Rican culture. I’m ready to meet my host family. I’m ready. So as I embark on this new journey, I vow to live in the moment and to take it all in.
Costa Rica – Here I come!