Semester Abroad in Costa Rica
Donation protected
Studying abroad has been the plan ever since I was in middle school. My two best friends, Shayla and Chenaia, and I were inspired by the movie “Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” and decided we were all going to travel to separate parts of the world and mail a magical piece of clothing to each other during our time apart. Our dreams are unbelievably coming true as we each will be in a different place around the world this fall--Shayla is in Hawaii, I'll be studying abroad in Costa Rica, and Chenaia will be at home working away (just as Libby was in the movie).
My name is Gabrielle Morris, and I am an Environmental Science major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I plan on attending school there to finish my Bachelor’s degree and hopefully begin pursuing graduate school to receive a Master of Business Administration in Environmental Management. The health of our future and for people all around the world depends on many companies, factories, and homes taking greener steps towards better air quality, cleaner water, and sustainable agriculture. Learning the recent knowledge of the environmental sciences will allow me to one day enter the business world that contributes to “going green” so my future can make an impact on not only a national, but a worldwide level. I was very set on going to Spain to study because I thought learning Spanish could help me get closer to this goal, but after I met with my study abroad advisor, she introduced me to the environmental education phenomenon growing in Costa Rica. After long-debate and prayer, I had an overwhelming feeling I needed to choose Costa Rica forcing myself to disregard the favored (seemingly more fun) trip to Spain.
Through CIS Abroad, I have been accepted at Universidad Veritas where I'll be studying for three months in English-taught classes such as Tropical Ecology, Environmental Awareness and Impact, and a basic Spanish course. These classes offer a hands-on learning strategy where us students will be able to explore multiple ecosystems such as the rainforest, beaches, different forests and more, learn about the ongoing environmental issues in Costa Rica, get involved in some volunteer opportunities, while all being immersed in a Spanish-speaking culture. I'll also get to experience living in a homestay with a Costa Rican family for the duration of my trip. Once again, God has shown me the importance of doing His will even though it may not seem like the most favorable option in the time. I will be leaving the United States on September 24th and will be returning sometime around the end of December.
So far, I have paid off the entire program costs ($8,990) all on my own. I was accepted into a academic scholarship program at my university worth $2,100 where I have had to work on campus for 125 hours this summer. I won an essay contest from Regions Bank worth $3,500 and another from Quikship Toner worth $1,500. Lastly, I will also be receiving $2,000 for academic achievement from the Hope Scholarship. I am very thankful for these opportunities because without them, I wouldn't be able to afford to go without going into debt. Although I have raised $9,100 towards my program--travel fares, books, spending money, lunches, and pesky ATM fees are not included in that amount. I am currently serving at Foodworks 20 to 30 hours per week to save up money for the remaining amount needed, but I fear possibly having to resort to student loans. I hope that my story brings your support whether in the form of money, prayers, or encouraging words. I appreciate any contribution and will in turn be upkeeping an online blog of photos and journal entries so my friends and family will be able to read and see some of what I'll be doing and thinking while away.
Link: AlongCameGabby.wordpress.com
Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” During my trip to Costa Rica, I hope to broaden my worldview while furthering my education. It is easy to get stuck in our customs and the way of life here in America. I want to experience a new way of life, new traditions, and new terrains. This may be my only chance to see the world in such a real and new perspective. Thanks again to all of my friends and family who have believed in me and encouraged me through this long, hard, and tedious process. You all have helped me get here through the chaos, especially my little sister—shout out to Madi for helping me with my laundry this past month.
My name is Gabrielle Morris, and I am an Environmental Science major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I plan on attending school there to finish my Bachelor’s degree and hopefully begin pursuing graduate school to receive a Master of Business Administration in Environmental Management. The health of our future and for people all around the world depends on many companies, factories, and homes taking greener steps towards better air quality, cleaner water, and sustainable agriculture. Learning the recent knowledge of the environmental sciences will allow me to one day enter the business world that contributes to “going green” so my future can make an impact on not only a national, but a worldwide level. I was very set on going to Spain to study because I thought learning Spanish could help me get closer to this goal, but after I met with my study abroad advisor, she introduced me to the environmental education phenomenon growing in Costa Rica. After long-debate and prayer, I had an overwhelming feeling I needed to choose Costa Rica forcing myself to disregard the favored (seemingly more fun) trip to Spain.
Through CIS Abroad, I have been accepted at Universidad Veritas where I'll be studying for three months in English-taught classes such as Tropical Ecology, Environmental Awareness and Impact, and a basic Spanish course. These classes offer a hands-on learning strategy where us students will be able to explore multiple ecosystems such as the rainforest, beaches, different forests and more, learn about the ongoing environmental issues in Costa Rica, get involved in some volunteer opportunities, while all being immersed in a Spanish-speaking culture. I'll also get to experience living in a homestay with a Costa Rican family for the duration of my trip. Once again, God has shown me the importance of doing His will even though it may not seem like the most favorable option in the time. I will be leaving the United States on September 24th and will be returning sometime around the end of December.
So far, I have paid off the entire program costs ($8,990) all on my own. I was accepted into a academic scholarship program at my university worth $2,100 where I have had to work on campus for 125 hours this summer. I won an essay contest from Regions Bank worth $3,500 and another from Quikship Toner worth $1,500. Lastly, I will also be receiving $2,000 for academic achievement from the Hope Scholarship. I am very thankful for these opportunities because without them, I wouldn't be able to afford to go without going into debt. Although I have raised $9,100 towards my program--travel fares, books, spending money, lunches, and pesky ATM fees are not included in that amount. I am currently serving at Foodworks 20 to 30 hours per week to save up money for the remaining amount needed, but I fear possibly having to resort to student loans. I hope that my story brings your support whether in the form of money, prayers, or encouraging words. I appreciate any contribution and will in turn be upkeeping an online blog of photos and journal entries so my friends and family will be able to read and see some of what I'll be doing and thinking while away.
Link: AlongCameGabby.wordpress.com
Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” During my trip to Costa Rica, I hope to broaden my worldview while furthering my education. It is easy to get stuck in our customs and the way of life here in America. I want to experience a new way of life, new traditions, and new terrains. This may be my only chance to see the world in such a real and new perspective. Thanks again to all of my friends and family who have believed in me and encouraged me through this long, hard, and tedious process. You all have helped me get here through the chaos, especially my little sister—shout out to Madi for helping me with my laundry this past month.
Organizer
Gabrielle Morris
Organizer
Soddy-Daisy, TN