GLA Costa Rica: Ocean & WildlifeConservation Adventure

I feel that this experience as a whole opened my eyes to not only the differing lifestyles of those around the world but also the issues that plague the entire world population. This experience made me more aware to the plastic pollution and the effects they have on our beaches and motivated me to take charge in sustaining our environment. I also fell in love with the ocean through this program and want to continue to visit the ocean more around the world. I also feel that the program helped me develop the leadership skills and social skills necessary to make a change in the world through non profit organizations with the goals of sustaining our planet for the next generation.Some challenges I overcame through this experience was being thrown into a new situation of hard labor and working for a community I was not apart of. I developed new empathy for others around the world through working in hard labor on the beach.

I will 100% talk about these experiences in college essays and application forms. I feel as though I grew and was able to connect with so many friends and locals. I really didn't dislike anything! I came here to be more of a leader and I feel confident about it.

The mentors were outstanding at making everyone feel heard and special. They welcomed us with open arms and helped us integrate into Costa Rican culture. The bus drivers always brought the energy and had fun with us in the busses. The mentor groups and appreciation circles were the most impactful because they both fostered a sense of community and belonging in the group. Because all of us were close and each person felt appreciated by the group, we were able to work better and make more meaningful memories. The yoga was amazing and helped me reconnect with myself. It was a reminder to carve out more time to heal yourself, so that you can then work outward to help heal the world. The zip lining was also a crazy experience like nothing else.