My name is Cassandra Dawn. I am 25 years old from Tucson, Arizona. I arrived to the project in Camaronal approximately two weeks ago. When I came here I brought along many expectations of what the people, the area and the experience would be like. All of those expectations went out the window very quickly but in such a positive, life changing way. I had no idea coming here that would I make so many new friends, people that I could easily call family and that I would have the opportunity to teach English to children and various people in the region.

I have never met such warm people who are beyond eager to learn English. I grew very close to  all of the students and very attached to having the honor of teaching them every day. I wasn’t simply their teacher, I was and always will be a friend and I can only hope that they will welcome me back in a few months to teach and spend more and more time with them. Every day I created lessons which incorporated a vast amount of vocabulary and verb usage. Aside from teaching the students, I spent my time assisting in improving the area so that Domenica and Julian (Directors of the Camaronal Project) will have a successful project that will continue to flourish. Furthermore, I assisted in cooking, cleaning, and helping with a large group of students that came to the project during my stay.

What I have learned through this experience is priceless. It has made me a better person, though it may sound cliché, it’s true. I have felt the sheer happiness that spawns from selflessness. I completely submerged  myself into the costarican culture, and I now have a new found respect for the people and the country, a place that is held together with peace, tranquility, and love. Here at Camaronal, that is all that there is.

On another note, my Spanish flourished quite rapidly. I learned of new foods and common cultural practices and most importantly, the mission of this project. Which is to educate the community protect the turtles, maintain their population and protect the environment. Domenica and Julian are two of the most inspiring people I have ever met, along with Jacqueline (the cooker) and many others. Upon returning home I will continue to help support this project and provide donation.

Thank you for everything, for touching my life, for helping me see the world in a different light. I love you guys.

Pura Vida.

Cassandra Dawn. Arizona, USA.