My trip to Cartago, Costa Rica, was my first international trip, and it was completely amazing. Life in Cartago was so much different than what I have known in the United States. They lived a simpler lifestyle, never seemed to be in a hurry, and had wonderful bakeries on almost every street corner!

Volunteering at two orphanages was very eye-opening. It was heartbreaking to see that so many kids had been abandoned or abused by their families, but it was a great experience interacting with the children and conducting engineering-related activities with them.

On this adventure in Cartago, I further witnessed the connection between teamwork and engineering projects. Building a stage and a fence was done more effectively by everyone pitching in and sharing their ideas.

 

The trip was a great mix of engineering-related activities and free time. Two of my favorite activities in our free time were shopping in the city center and hiking through the rainforest.

My alternative spring break in Costa Rica has been one of my most cherished memories made in college so far. All of the experiences in Cartago that I shared with other engineering students from the University of Tennessee are completely unforgettable. I definitely plan to keep traveling and exploring different parts of the world every opportunity that I get.