University of Wisconsin–Madison

Costa Rica: Riley Smith (Places: Routine and Favorite )

A red roof and pillars lead into leaves, bushes, and trees of all different shades of green.
The beautiful view from the dorm porch, taken on my last day in Costa Rica.

One place that is part of my daily routine is the dining hall. Just a two-minute walk from the dorm, this is probably the place where I spend the most time besides the dorm. We eat three meals a day in the dining hall, at the same time every day. Upon arrival at the dining hall, everyone has to wash their hands. Living with a lot of people means doing your part to keep everyone healthy. One of the kitchen staff rings the bell, and then it’s time to eat. All meals are served buffet style, which I really enjoy. It allows me to choose foods that are safe for me, but also provides the opportunity to try unfamiliar foods. Every meal is also served with fresh juice, and I have never had one that I didn’t like. Besides the delicious food, I love the dining hall because it provides a social space. Different people sit together every day, and I have been able to form some really great connections with friends over a wonderful meal. As the last part of the routine, everyone washes their own dishes after every meal. The food I’ve eaten and the conversations I’ve had in the dining hall have been some of my favorite parts of the entire program.

My favorite place on campus is definitely the dorm porch because that’s where the hammocks are. The hammocks overlook the campus, providing an incredible view of open sky and lush trees and plants. It’s my favorite place to relax, read, nap, and give myself a chance to slow down and appreciate where I am.

 

Riley smiles in front of a wooden fence, behind which is a field of tall grass.

Riley Smith

Hometown: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Major: Biochemistry

Program: SFS Ecological Resilience Studies

My personal goal for this program is to become more independent. I will be away from my family and friends, which will be difficult, but will allow me room to grow. I also know that I will meet new friends on whom I can rely while I am on the program.

I most look forward to learning about the food in Atenas. Food is a very important part of culture that can be shared easily among people and bring people together. I have never had Costa Rican food before, and I love to try foods from different cultures and areas of the world.