This past Summer has sadly come to an end, but the memories made by our students will live on in our hearts. Some students at Granada went on an exhilarating adventure together this summer to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is such a beautiful place in the summertime: the culture, the food, the architecture, and the people all contribute to helping preserve such a stunning country. During this summer students went in a group of about 6 students and 1 to 2 adults to immerse themselves in the culture and learn about some Costa Rican history.
While in Costa Rica the students have not only helped others, which is such an excellent representation of Granada Pride. They also had the chance to learn about other cultures in person and develop a better understanding of not just the world around them but themselves as well.
GHS student Trenton Thomsen a Senior this year had this to say about their experience on the trip, “Getting to experience all the new things around me like the Costa Rican culture with food, dance, and the kind people there was a really cool new experience. Without my family there it really helped open my eyes to the world around me and how I can contribute to it”.
Traveling can be such a benefit for young minds such as students. Getting out there and exploring the world with all it has to offer can be life-changing for some. Students were provided an opportunity to meet new people, meaningful life skills, facilitate cultural appreciation, and learn the ability to adapt to new environments. By traveling somewhere new, they were able to experience different cultures and appreciate and understand different values and people.
Traveling as a young almost adult is very different from a family vacation to Disney or New York. You don’t have your parents to hold your hand and you are able to make your own decisions. Being this independent helps mold your street smarts as well as your organization skills. Thomsen said, “I learned how much I enjoy traveling the world and exploring new things. Also, how valuable traveling can be for you and the knowledge you can gain from it.”
Costa Rica, often celebrated for its ecological wonders, is also home to a vibrant cultural heritage that’s woven into the fabric of daily life. Students integrated into the local communities contributed not only to their own education but also to the enrichment of the Costa Rican communities they became a part of. Their enthusiasm to learn the language, respect traditions, and engage wholeheartedly in activities was incredible to hear about!
Furthermore, the students’ journeys left a lasting mark on their environmental consciousness. Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation and sustainable practices is legendary, and witnessing this ethos firsthand can spark a sense of responsibility in the students toward protecting our planet. Lessons in preserving biodiversity, respecting nature, and embracing sustainable living practices are invaluable takeaways that transcend borders.
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, an experience like this is a stepping stone towards creating global citizens who are empathetic, open-minded, and culturally aware. As those six students ventured forth to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Costa Rican culture, they are not just benefiting from the experience – they are contributing to the enrichment of a nation and the weaving of stronger threads between cultures. This summer, they weren’t just travelers; they were ambassadors of understanding and friendship, creating a brighter, more connected world one experience at a time.
