During January I spent my January break in Costa Rica doing a community service trip with Endicott College! The experience is something I will never forget and I am so lucky my college allowed me to take part in!

Spending two and a half weeks in Santa Ana, Costa Rica living with host families was something I was first completely nervous about. Living with strangers who speak an entirely different language than you I think is something anyone would freak out about. Luckily, I had an amazing host mom who was a teacher in Santa Ana and always tried to help me when I was having problems, even when she couldn't understand what I was saying.

While in Costa Rica, our main purpose was to run a summer camp for children who were on their summer vacation at the time. It was stressful at times, but seeing the kids learning English during our classes, playing soccer, making masks out of paper plates, and just running around having fun with their friends made it all worth it. The kids also helped us learn Spanish and games common to Costa Rica.

While in Costa Rica, I was able to do and see things I have never imagined. I was able to walk through the ruins of the county's original capital, Cartago, see animals like monkeys and sloths up close and personal, go zip lining and horseback riding up the mountains of La Fortuna, and go swimming in the amazing beaches in Manuel Antonio.

This trip allowed me to travel and experience a culture I would never have been able to in any other way. The few weeks I was able to spend there changed my outlooks on both traveling and how far I can make a difference in this world.