A New Chapter in My Life

     My name is Michelle Suarez, and as of today I am a rising Junior a little over a month away from what I am sure will be one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I am a student at the Elliott School majoring in International Affairs, planning on double concentrating in Conflict and Security and Latin America. I am also pursuing a minor in Spanish. I have decided to attend the GW Latin America program in San Jose, Costa Rica with the International Center for Development Studies. The focus of this program is Human Rights, Society, and development in Latin America. Since I can remember I have always longed to experience foreign cultures and be immersed in communities very different from my own. This program attracted me primarily because of its intriguing topics and my desire to better the world community by community, starting with those that do not enjoy a full set of human rights we here in the United States do. Secondly, although I am a Cuban-American from Miami, Florida, my spanish is in need of much work, and this program allows me to live with a local family and volunteer with a local organization which I am sure will aid me in my mission to become completely fluent. Next semester will be filled with a full load of classes ranging in topics from human rights and development to Central American Literature. I will also be placed with an organization were I can volunteer and complete research in the field. Plus, I am certain I will be taking advantage of the amazing environment, such as the beautiful rain forests, volcanoes, and beaches. This will be my first time leaving the United States and I am absolutely thrilled and terrified at the same time! My time abroad is sure to be filled with memorable and growing experiences and I can not wait to open to open the book to a new chepter in my life.