Why did you decide to volunteer with ISV in Costa Rica?
Katherine: I decided to volunteer with ISV because I loved the idea that not only would I be able to volunteer, I would be able to enjoy awesome activities that the country had to offer! I chose Costa Rica as my first choice with ISV because they offered a amazing volunteer project, a rich culture to learn from, and beautiful scenery.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Katherine: As a volunteer, I woke up usually around 6am for breakfast served by my lovely host family, Doña Suzy, Don Jorge, and Magalee. I would pack my lunch during this time as well. Depending on the assigned day, I would either venture into the rain forest to find poison dart frogs or I would head out into Gulfo Dulce to research dolphins. When going into the rain forest we would look for as many poison dart frogs as possible while recording their location, environment, and species. This work usually lasted a majority of the morning and afternoon. While on the boat we would record the behavior and locations of any dolphins spotted. Usually I would be out an entire day on the boat. When everyone arrived back from their assigned work, we would all enjoy dinner at the house around 6 or 7pm.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Katherine: This experience has impacted me in such a huge way! Personally, I learned that there is more to the world than just the United States and that not everyone is the same. I got to see first hand what it's like to live off the land and not material things. The culture taught me to let go, live free, and to not worry as much. With my volunteer work, I learned that sustainability and hard work are needed to keep the environment rich and alive. Professionally, this experience taught me to be more confident. When I arrived home from my trip, I was a newly energized, better individual!