A few days ago we went zip-lining, I was very excited during the bus ride on the way. I climbed the ladder and told myself to be brave and go without hesitation. When I went it was amazing, there were waterfalls, trees, and rivers all below us. It was amazing until I got stuck three quarters of the way there. Before we went they showed us a video where they showed us the signs the instructor would make to tell us what to do. When I was on the zip-line, the guy didn't show me any signs which was kind of confusing. When I got stuck, I was right above the deepest part that was lined with rocks at the bottom. I was insanely scared when I looked down and saw how far above I was. As the instructor pulled himself to me, my hand slipped off the rail. Luckily I was wearing a harness so I didn't fall. I was still really scared though. The instructor finally came to me and pulled me back.
​The rest of the zip-lines I did perfectly and didn't get stuck, but I will definitely look back on this moment and think about what could have happened.
Mom and dad, thanks for sending me on this great adventure. 
From,
Graham

During this trip I had a better understanding of my leadership type. It was cheerful to learn while having fun. As an "Analyze Architect", I am always worrying about the surroundings. For example, I am afraid to talk to strange foreigners with my second language because I could feel embarrassed. After this trip, I totally changed my mind due to my teammates. They were very kind people and they were showing respect to me all the time. They trust me and followed my lead during the day when I was the leader of the team. I was so surprised that I have built good relationships with the students in our school who I never met before. I really appreciate their help and friendly attitudes during this journey, and I will keep the wonderful memories forever.  

How many animals do you have? Oh, I have a dog and a cat, you? 
About 300 guinea pigs, 30 chickens, 7 dogs, 8 pigs, two goats, a bunny, a cat, 6 cows, and 5 quail. 
This is Alejandro. He is the son of my host family. He is an aspiring Spanish teacher learning English. He is 21 and loves quirkiness. Most people around him have cows, pigs, and big dogs. Because of this, he decided to get a lot of guinea pigs instead, 7 chihuahuas and 2 goats. 
Alejandro does not conform to the people around him. Most people are sporty or active, he would rather read, or learn a new language instead. 
Even though he is different, he is still successful. He is a great person, he has taught me and my room mate a lot about Costa Rica. I am glad to have him around. 
It's sort of a cliche "message" for you as the reader to take away, but regardless, a valuable one. 
Shout outs:
Mommy and Daddy, I think this trip is a great one to add to my passport. Behind the new Costa Rican stamp (the first one in my new passport) is an unforgettable trip that I have learned so much from.
Phoenix, you were my roommate, but now you are also my new friend. We did not know each other too well before, but now, we are much closer and I am glad that we are. You are a great person and I am glad you were my roommate. 
Mrs. Hagee and Ms. Begley, thank you for both putting this together, chaperoning, supporting us, and most importantly teaching us on this trip. None of us could have done this trip without you both. Thank you.
Walker

My time on this trip can only be described as eye opening. This trip has not only given first hand experience with a third world country, but a new found appreciation for everything I have. I don't only mean material wise, I also want to stress how lucky I was to be born in America. Not everyone gets the option of a hot shower, new foods or to explore outside of where they live. I am truly blessed with the ability to see new places. This place has shown me that to truly appreciate what you have, you must see what life is like without it.
​I would like to shout out to my parents for allowing me to part-take in this journey. They have guided me to this point in my life wonderfully and I would be nowhere without them.
Love you guys,
Cooper