Dear Professional Communication Faculty,
Our journey began early on January 4, 2012. Students from Alverno College and UWM were privileged to travel, and learn together for ten wonderful days in Costa Rica. We were sufficiently prepared for the international learning experience, and prepared to consider and respect the opinions and experiences of all traveling. One student and I prepared early on in class to room together when possible, since we were the more "mature" of the group traveling from Alverno.
Arriving in San Jose was a joyous moment I suspect for the entire group, after a near full day of travel. The excitement of leaving cold, frigid weather, to instant tropical weather was enough to bring smiles to our tired faces. I was somewhat disappointed in arriving our first night in San Jose to learn we were dining at Subway. This was due to arrving so late - I immediately became aware that I was not in control of the dining plans and that I needed to flow with the group. It was fine. However, I knew my spoiled, only-child, American ways would not go unnoticed long.
Traveling the unpaved, winding roads to Tirimbina was another adventure in itself. While many others were complaining about the motion of the bus and how it was upsetting their stomach and head. I actually found that the bus ride was really, almost enjoyable to me. I must have a stomach and head of steel, not once did I have motion sickness or headache on any of the rides. If anything, this was the time where I had absolutely no complaints. However, I recall making a conscious decision early on to sit as close to the front of the bus at all times. I guess it's my way of having some "control" in being able to see where we were going up close.
Arriving at Tirimbina at last! It was everything I expected, and more. The heat, humidity, and night rain upon arriving was a mix of excitement and frustration as we tredged our luggage through the rainy walkway to our room.
I remember thinking of the diverse culture and how our spoiled American ways could easily offend our hosts if we weren't careful. Not having readily available technology, toiletries, standard hotel ameneties was the first glaring difference. Shockingly to me, I enjoyed "roughing it", at least, in the beginning. Starting with our first nature walk in Tirimbina, I was keenly aware of the spectacular, robust beauty of Costa Rica. The richness of color in foliage was almost overwhelming to me. It was at times as though I was seeing nature for the first time. Findung myself staring at the most beautiful flower for what seemed an hour, as though I had not seen one before. Being a PCM major, I began to see how one could easily communicate this beauty in various ways. I'm so grateful that learned to use my camera for the first time! Jill did an amazing job of teaching me many of the features during this trip, starting in the airport in Miami. A new world of communication is open for me to explore.
Learning to communicate in various ways was essential on this trip, not only with the locals, but within our travel group also. I began to learn small details about my roommate that allowed for us to have a more pleasant time rooming time together. Being an only child, I really needed to draw upon my adult, non-selfish, versatility,courtesy, and respectful behavior- and vice-versa. I honestly believe we all made the most of the situation and did our best to respect each others values. With a mix of 30 people, there were many times of high communication and times of peace and quiet. Again, the many bus trips were treasured times of quiet and calm for me. There were times of conscious restrain in communication when mild confrontational situations presented themselves. The opportunity to extend comfort and mild counsel to another student who felt left out and discouraged presented itself, and I enjoyed the interaction and new relationship it culminated.
Our biologist tour host Melque guided us through thick greenery of the rainforest, to the winding, bumpy roads through the hillside. We all enjoyed his generosity and mild light humor. The people in CR were so kind, accomodating and friendly. I noticed immediately in Tirimbina how closely everyone worked together, they seemed like a genuine team. When Melque was not answering our questions around mealtime, he was eating with the staff most of the time. I was encouraged by the sense of community I saw there, and throughout the other places we visited.
Pictures, pictures and more pictures. I am over-joyed at some of the great shots I captured with my camera! I almost feel that learning my camera was more important than this rich cultural and enviornmental experience. Not so. However, I do understand the connection of visual communication on a greater level with understanding more about photography. I was most impressed with not only Beth and Jill's professional experience in photography, but also many of the students who had experience with photography. I not only learned from Beth and Jill, but also from many of the students on the trip.
I communicated via Facebook throughout the trip on how things were going, sharing photos of beautiful Costa Rica, and new friends I had made. Several unexpected interpersonal connections were made during the trip. I recognized that through this experience of traveling together, I was able to link similar life experiences with several students on the trip. Many of those connections came through a few of the adventurous nature walks.
The chocolate tour was one of the most fascinating experiences of all for me. I so enjoyed hearing the process of making chocolate. I was not a dark chocolate enthusiast prior to this trip, but after learning the health and nutritional properties of dark chocolate over milk chocolate, I have decided to only indulge in bitter-sweet chocolate from now on. I love it! Willie and the other staff who presented to the class on chocolate production were most knowledgable. We often commented on how educated the guides at Tirimbina was, we later found out that most of the them were biologists.
I was still in shock at the beauty of the flowers, the freedom of the animals, the color of the birds, and the availability of fresh fruits one week into the trip. Learning more about the culture, rich healthcare system and beautiful climate I'm not surprised at why Americans retire there more and more. I also noticed the respect and admiration for nature and ecology the locals, and even visitors seemed to have toward this rich country. The preservation of resources, plants and animals was a refreshing example of how we should care for our earth. This experience has heightened my awareness of preservation to a greater level - it became clear it is a responsibility.
My favorite experience of all is the medicinal plant tour. Everything I know about nutritional wellness, natural healing, raw foods became more alive and more at the forefront of advocacy for others who can benefit from the benefit of natural remedies for nutritional health and well-being. I immediately began using my tumeric upon arriving home. I went to the natural food store and looked more into Cat's Claw and now using on a regular basis. In my herbal teas, I will incorporate the use of more cinnamon for its nutritional benefit also.
In writing this reflection, I draw upon my experience as a student at Alverno. One that encourages us to see the world through a clearer, broad lens seeing many perspectives. I miss our travel group, I miss the people of Tirimbina, the flowers and rich rainforest that I only thought existed in books. I'm so grateful for such an incredible learning experience. I feel richer and more able to discuss ecology, bio-ecology, culture, nature and photography.
I'm looking forward to vacationing there very soon.
Sincerest thanks,
Racquel R. Bell
PCM Student
