I have learned that your clothes, car and possessions mean nothing really. What matters are your relationship and how you impact others. It is so evident in the culture here and I feel blessed to be taking that back with me. 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer in a Community Education Project in Costa Rica
My volunteer story is a successful one. I was honestly terrified and had no idea of what to expect. I had never travelled out of the US and never travelled alone period, so of course it made perfect sense to up and jump on a plane headed for Costa Rica.
First a little background about me. I’m Jody and I was born and raised in central North Carolina. I am 21 years young and have no idea anymore of what I want from life. I’m a psychology major with hopes of a PhD one day. I have studied Spanish since high school and I wanted to use it somehow. I really thought I had my life figured out until a few months ago. 
I volunteer in an afterschool program in Bajo Tejares. It is run by a church organization that gives these great kids and their families a safe haven. The workers help with homework and reading with kids of all ages.
For me, I knew I needed to get a better perspective on life as a whole and live my life for a while. I kept hearing myself say, “I wish I could get on a plane and go somewhere,” over and over again, until finally one day I answered myself, “why not?” So I began researching volunteer organizations and trips. I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica and uVolunteer offered that. I wanted to work with kids and uVolunteer offered that too. So on this crazy last minute whim, this untraveled country bumpkin booked her trip to another country without knowing anyone or what awaited her. That staff has been wonderful and the trip life-impacting.
I volunteer in an afterschool program in Bajo Tejares. It is run by a church organization that gives these great kids and their families a safe haven. The workers help with homework and reading with kids of all ages. Then of course they have plenty of time to run around and play. I personally have helped kids with history homework, math homework and listened to them read aloud. I have read books to little kids and helped with English assignments. But honestly I don’t feel like I have helped these kids as much as they have helped me. One in particular, her name is Heidy, and she is 7. She is so patient with me and helps me with my Spanish and acts things out when I don’t understand. It is the best feeling in the world to see her eyes light up when she sees me and comes running in my direction. She makes everything worthwhile and it’s bittersweet because saying goodbye to her is the most difficult thing about this experience.
I’ve learned in this trip the true meaning of “Pura Vida” or “Pura Life.” It is being thankful for all you have and happy in your life no matter what. Some people here have nothing material yet they have Pura Vida and that to me makes them richer than anyone I have ever met. It is truly a beautiful thing that words could never describe. I have learned that your clothes, car and possessions mean nothing really. What matters are your relationship and how you impact others. It is so evident in the culture here and I feel blessed to be taking that back with me. I could never forget this experience and it will definitely shape the rest of my life. Pura Vida!
Jody Long
