The following was written by San José Study Center student Malachia Jones-Bone.
The Spring 2014 Costa Rica cohort in the Magistrates’ Chamber
I’m two weeks shy of being in Costa Rica for 4 months. This trip to Costa Rica has been the greatest experience I’ve ever experienced. The beautiful scenery, the friendly people, the warmth in each community, are all aspects I’ve appreciated. I came to Costa Rica looking to find myself. This is a broad statement, but to be more specific I wanted come out of my comfort zone and find my place in the world. The only places I was accustomed to were the Chicago and Valparaiso areas. Of course I’ve visited a few other states, but nothing like Costa Rica or Nicaragua. My experiences of the United States had me initially with high expectations of Central America. Of course the pre departure meetings helped but I was not prepared mentally nonetheless. Walking through the gate to my host family home I was nervous, anxious and somehow ready to start fresh somewhere. The first months here in Costa Rica were exciting. I met new people I’ve never seen at Valpo prior to this trip. I was forced to work with a group of students I had no similarities with, and oddly enough those students became some of my closest friends. Aside from attending Spanish classes we were able to explore Costa Rica. Every week was a different adventure. One adventure that sticks out to me was traveling to Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific Ocean. We planned and executed the trip with little to no outside help. We walked the streets because apparently J-walking is not illegal here. The streets twisted and turned. The weather was exceptionally hot. You could practically fry an egg on the side walk. Every corner had a small business or local restaurant. As we walked we could hear the music coming from various restaurants, cars, and residential homes. There were chickens walking around in the alley as well as roosters who literally became my alarm clock for the next few days. For the first time in my life I felt completely independent and on my own. It was a breath of fresh air but scary at the same time. At that moment I realized new adventures might be scary but they are worth it in the end because I grew as a person! It is worth it to try something new and relinquish my comfort zone because in return I have an opportunity to experience life in a whole new way.
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