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All my classmates fit into the environmental movement in their own way and bring unique perspectives to what we have seen and learned.

 
Today marks three weeks since I arrived in Atenas, Costa Rica, for my SFS program. I have learned so much about environmentalism, sustainable agriculture, identity, and community in such a short period of time. I have been amazed by all of my experiences in Costa Rica so far, but I think the main reason my time with SFS has meant so much to me is that I have been able to share it with an inspiring group of people. Going on coffee plantation tours and hiking up Monteverde are incredible experiences to begin with but being able to share them with others has made them that much more inspiring to me.
 

 
The friends I have made at SFS seem like such different people upon first glance. We all come from different states, universities, and upbringings. However, we are all connected by a thread of compassion and love for the environment that has brought us all together. All my classmates fit into the environmental movement in their own way and bring unique perspectives to what we have seen and learned. Being with them has deepened my understanding of what sustainability means and enhanced my learning experience.
 

 
Not only have my classmates inspired me, but they are also so fun to be around. When I think of some of the most memorable parts of my study abroad experience, I think about laughing in the pouring rain as my friends and I collect data on coffee plants. I think about being knocked over by the waves of Jaco beach and belly laughing at our own clumsiness. I think about (terribly) singing karaoke at open mic night.

I am so grateful that I have been able to be part of such a wonderful community this summer and can’t wait to see how the friends I have made here go off to change the world.
 

 

 
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Curious to learn a bit more about the SFS Costa Rica Center? Click here to read about why we’re based there, our environmental research focus, how we connect and support the local community, and even take a tour of the Center.