05/13/2026
As I sit on the plane that is taking me to Costa Rica, I can’t help but share a few sentiments. Over the past week, I felt a different mix of emotions. My feelings ranged from sadness and apprehension to excitement. Overall, I am excited to go to Costa Rica. My final days at home were filled with all my favorite things: Shopping, Taco Mama, and watching a movie with my best friend. Ten days. I keep repeating these words to myself- ten days. That’s how long I will be abroad. A week and three days. So short, but also so long. So much can happen in ten days. I procrastinated packing but finally finished packing my bag this morning at 4am. I’ve checked my packing lists forward and backwards, and I am sure I have what I need. I had to be at the airport at 5am. At the airport, I met up with my friend, and we navigated through check in and TSA by ourselves with only a few minor hiccups.
As I’ve had time to sit and dissect my feelings about this trip, I realize why I’ve felt a multitude of feelings. Partially, sadness was inevitable for me because this is the summer before my final year of my undergraduate career. I sit and think about how I’ve experienced so many different things in college. I’ve met new people and tried things I never thought I would. This trip is another example of another opportunity I’ve chosen to immerse myself in. When I think about studying abroad, I am humbled by how big the world is and I realize how small I am. Travelling like this makes me so excited to see not only what this abroad experience has to offer, but what life has to offer.
Nonetheless, I am so excited for Costa Rica. I can’t wait to have informative conversations with the locals and try new food. I can’t wait to see the sunset on the beach in Costa Rica. Maybe, I will see a sloth or a monkey. I look forward for what’s to come.
-Alayna
