Costa Rica: Abby Retzlaff
Program: UW Team Building in Costa Rica, Summer
Abby’s Major: Kinesiology
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
This experience will benefit me in the future because I learned how to communicate and be friends with people from different backgrounds who all had different perspectives on life. In my future career, this will affect me because I will be able to understand my clients and communicate with a large variety of people.
What is a custom, food, or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
I love the phrase “pura vida” which is extremely popular in Costa Rica. Also, some of the food like all the fruit drinks and plantains I plan to try and include in some meals.
This experience will benefit me in the future because I learned how to communicate and be friends with people from different backgrounds who all had different perspectives on life.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience was when our group went to a yoga study and hiked to this beautiful waterfall you could swim in.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the connections I made. Specifically, I was super proud of our whole group when we all came together and supported each other during our flight delay.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that I am so much more powerful when I have the right people around me to support me. This trip made me realize that who you surround yourself with has a huge impact on your energy, success, and happiness.