Maggie

Maggie

Public Health Policy Major/ Civic and Community Engagement Minor,
From San Gabriel, CA

I chose to participate in this program because I simply believe that in order to create change for humanity, we must first open up our eyes to the world around us and become more aware. Thus, participating in this program will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the world and spur my passion for helping people. Being accustomed to the American lifestyle for 18 years of my life, I am most excited about living in a village. Immersing myself in a completely new living situation along with acquiring a new language will give me an opportunity to gain a new perspective about the idea of “culture.” I am most definitely interested in learning about the climate, education system, and policies that govern Costa Rica and how they affect the people living in the area. Lastly, I’m excited to learn more about the people participating in this program. The group that is attending Costa Rica is extremely diverse, so I’m looking forward to seeing what connections I can make.

I plan on sharing my research experience through multiple blogs, sharing photos, presentations, and hopefully through word of mouth. I think writing is the first step in which I express my experience. As a passionate blogger (on days where I can actually sit down and think) I think technology opens up a new way to communicate, and I will definitely utilize that. I’m a huge fan of public speaking, so I hope to create informational presentations or simply to attend classes to speak to them about this program. And finally, the best way in which I communicate my experiences is through personal interactions. If I can sit down and have lunch with someone, then I believe that is a way in which I will share my experience.