Studying in Paradise

I was growing restless in my hometown, which is also where I decided to attend college. The familiarity was suffocating me; I felt trapped in my bubble of comfort, eager to see more of the world and connect with a different culture first-hand. Moving to a Central American country definitely satisfied my need of a new environment, but the experience also stirred a profound and otherwise eternally hidden appreciation for the home I so desperately wanted to escape.

During my first Spanish class this semester, I tasted my first inklings of the vastly different cultural values between Costa Rica and the United States. Our professor Marlene was introducing phrases and she began explaining, 'qué rica.'

"Comó se dice 'rica' en Ingles?" our professor asked. "Rich," our class answered in unison.

"And are you rich?" We thoughtfully tasted the question - some people arrogantly confirming their wealth, while others honestly shared no. Our professor centered our attention once more by reminding us that we were all rich regardless of the cars we owned or the houses we live in. Our richness is first determined by having hands and legs to serve our lives, eyes to see collections of eccentrically painted houses, ears to hear charming music of the mariachi, noses to smell the scent of fresh hibiscus on the way to school, and tongues to taste the cuisine of the world.

This question penetrated my belief that life's value was determined by achievement. And I began contemplating all that I have already been blessed with during my life.

Living and breathing the Tico culture furthered the questioning of my values and embracing the 'pura vida' lifestyle that permeates the entire country only made the introspection deeper. I began taking it easier among the easy-going locals, and have begun accepting the idea that the objectively best does not ensure happiness - happiness is an inner state of mind nurtured through gratitude.

While living in Costa Rica, I was exposed to novel experiences while battling to adapt to life without the luxuries of home. Creating relationships was absolutely stellar, but the new faces abroad echoed the familiar faces of home. The saying, "You never know what you've got until it's gone" serves as a testament to being without the people I consider my best friends and my closest family. The distance and time we've spent apart has reminded me that I have a collection of the most beautiful, loving, and supportive friends in the world. While at home, the lack of distance bred complacency, an attitude flavored by ungratefulness.

I'm returning to the United States with Marlene's question as my most valuable souvenir from the rich coast. I may not be living in Costa Rica any longer, but my time here will live with me forever,

If you're considering a semester abroad, by all means do what is necessary to make your dream a reality. It is a chapter of your life that will sculpt you in ways unimaginable until you step out of your comfort zone, and give you perspective on just how rich you truly are.