Costa Rican Journey

My name is Catherine Haley and I am from an island 15 miles off the coast of Maine called Vinalhaven. I am a junior at Vinalhaven School. I became interested in going abroad in February 2008, but finally got everything in order in the summer 2009; I applied to go to Costa Rica in February 2010. I am going through the program AFS (American Field Service), an international student exchange program.  

In Costa Rica, I will be going to a regular high school, and living with a host family and experiencing the life of an average teenager. I have always been really interested in traveling and learning about different culture. I love the spanish language, and Costa Rica seemed to have a great culture, fun people, and be an amazing place to learn spanish. From this experience I want to gain a better knowledge of the world and who I am as a person.  

As a junior, I keep myself very busy by school, working, homework, working, social life, working, and a little sleep crammed in there somewhere. I have participated in the French Club, Rowing Team and Softball Club, Book Club, and Yearbook Committee. I also took part in a local production called Pippin. My family, friends, music, and learning new things are my life. I feel that it's very important for people to fully understand different cultures and for everyone to not be so judgmental.  

I have raised enough money for this great experience of a lifetime! I needed to raise $5500 and I had no idea how to accomplish that, so I had a fundraiser. I had a goal that night to raise $500 dollars, and with all of the donations and community support, I raised will over $1000. So my next plan was to send out letters that I wrote asking for donations, or to just make them aware of what my plan was. I received a huge response and raised all I needed for my tuition, my school uniform, and my study visa, all I have left is money for expenses while I am there. From all of the support of my community and part time residents, I have came up with the funding and I am so incredibly thankful for everything. If I didn't live in such a supportive community, I would not have raised the funds and be able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you everyone so so so much!  

Catherine 

p.s. - I am leaving on February 10 and will return on July 13. I will also let you know when I receive my host family information.