Abriendo los Ojos por Fin

  Tomorrow is the day!! 3 and a half months later, my wonderful journey is finally coming to an end! This week has blown by, with finals, presentations, and of course packing. I really have not had time to even sit down and think about the huge change that will be occurring tomorrow.

   Thinking about it, I don't even know how I feel about leaving! Yes, I am ecstatic about coming home to my cozy bed, family, and all the amazingness that is Christmas and New Years. But, I am not excited about leaving this warm, beautiful country. I love bazillion different types of fruits I each each morning, the music, my wonderful family, and exploring.

  I'm going to miss the delicious breads, and making a daily visit to the bakery for coffee and empanadas everyday after class. And the traveling- don't get me started on the traveling. At our farewell lunch today, we went around and told about some of our most memorable moments, and every single one occurred at some point while we were traveling. We had everyone almost in tears from laughing so hard!

   These last few weeks have been pretty busy, so reflection time has been limited. I was really concentrated and studying and writing, and on top of that I had to do some Christmas/ souvenir shopping, and now the last few days I have been packing. I'm also still working on a small handmade card for my family. Busy busy! Taking the time now, I realize how sad I am to leave. As cliche as it sounds this has been if not a life altering, at least an attitude altering experience. I have really learned how to take life in strides now. When you stop worrying about the little things and instead start learning to savor every detail, the way you feel and experience life changes.

   I keep telling friends how proud I am of myself because I rarely cry here! Its very true. Back home I am the emotional friend. I get my feeling out by crying, for everything. Yet, right now I can't remember the last time I cried. My biggest fear is that I'm going to get home and forget all I've learned here, make an about face and return to who I was.

   For now I'll remain optimistic. I don't believe the last few months will just disappear from my mind. There is no way the things I've seen and lived through here will go without a fight, they made to big of an impact on me. I think about every thing differently. Development, human rights, the United States and world relations- so many sides to all of these things that I would've never learned from a book. Being exposed poverty, real extreme poverty especially in Nicaragua- I still get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.

  All these things have helped me realize certain huge things concerning my future. I want to pursue international relations more then ever now, and while there are so many sides to it I think I truly belong on the diplomatic side. I decided I am definitely going to pursue my dream of studying law, except I hope to be able to focus on international and human rights law. But before all of this, I want to apply for Teach for America.

  Ok, random much? Yes, its strange considering I love being abroad and I like to look at things internationally way more then dealing with the complexities and frustrations that is the US government. If I learned anything here though, it was that the importance of education is unmatchable. With everything we studied- development, economics, politics, participation, human rights- it all came back to one thing. Education. It truly is what fuels change, and if I can make a difference in any child's education I will be beyond happy.

  Good bye Costa Rica, it has been real!! One last HOORAH tonight before we all fly our separate ways.

  Hmmmmmmmm, where to next??