Cesar

Academic Student Coordinator

Cesar

Political Science and
Social Policy & Public Service Double Major
From Norwalk, CA

Spring Break of 2014 was a monumental moment in my life. Last year, I had the pleasure of being a part of the 2014 Costa Rica Program as a participant. This year, I am excited to be returning to the program as the Academic Student Coordinator for the 2015 Costa Rica Program. I am really thrilled to be able to see the participants experience the wonders of Costa Rica. I cannot wait to see their reactions and feel their emotions as they take on a new challenge. One of the reasons I wanted to be a part of the Costa Rica program is because, as a child, I grew up with an interest in sustainability and realized that the program would help cultivate my interests. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience a city very different than the one I grew up in. It wasn’t until last year, when I was a part of the Costa Rica program, that learning about environmental sustainability grabbed my attention. I was able to grasp the ideas of what sustainability meant and understand how it could be implemented into my potential career path, studies, and everyday life.

This year, as the Academic Student Coordinator, I will be focusing on creating and executing a curriculum that will enhance the participants’ understanding of sustainability, culture, and leadership in preparation for what they will experience in Costa Rica. I will primarily be working with the students to help them construct a research project on a topic of their choice and assist them with class logistics. As a returning member of the Costa Rica Program, I hope to gain the skills that come with seeing the program from behind the scenes and understanding the importance of experiential learning, as well as serve as a guide and resource to current participants. My goal as a Student Coordinator is to set up the foundation and structure for understanding the sustainability resources and involvement opportunities within the students’ college careers. With that said, I am really looking forward to returning to a country that shaped my ideals, life goals, and living standards. I am excited to see how much changed in Mastatal and be able to participate on this amazing journey for current participants who have never experienced this great Costa Rica immersion program. And not to forget, most importantly, getting to eat some amazing organic food while having the most beautiful scenery in front of me.