¡Hola amigos de la familia, 

            I have been blessed with the opportunity to study Medical Spanish in Costa Rica for 3 months (Jan 04 - March 29th). Through a company called CEA I will be attending Veritas University and also taking classes at Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia (ULACIT). I currently am a senior at Western Kentucky University, where I am 14 credits away from receiving a Bachelor's degree in Biology, minor in Chemistry and a concentration in pre medicine studies. From a young age I dreamed of becoming a doctor. One of my desires has been to travel the world helping others with the gifts God has instilled in me. Being able to fulfill God's plan for my life while also doing what I love is a blessing. 
This trip to Costa Rica will provide field training and also training in Medical Spanish. With these skills and countless other opportunities I will be further prepared for medical school once I return home from my trip.

            During the three months I will be studying in Costa Rica, I will be attending classes like: Conflict Resolution and Health Care, Tropical Marine Biology, Tropical Ecology, and Spanish for Health Professionals. Some of the objectives of my mission are: acquiring Spanish language skills and an understanding of the cultural elements that influence interactions with Hispanic patients and also gaining insight into Costa Rica’s socialized Health Care System, it’s strengths and weakness as well as the medical challenges presented by the country’s tropical environment. I will receive course instruction in both English and Spanish and have a tutor who assists with conversional aid in Spanish.

           When I am not in class and studying, I will have the opportunity to donate my time and give back to the community where I will be living. Some of these opportunities include building homes for the homeless and volunteering at a local orphanage. I am looking forward to all the people I will meet and the knowledge I will gain.

           Traveling abroad for an extended period of time is expensive and I am currently raising money to help aid my travels. While some of my costs are covered (boarding and classes) I do need help paying for things like my plan ticket, food expenses, and traveling documentation. These additional expenses amount to around 1,500 dollars. I appreciate any amount of financial support, encouragement and prayers from everyone as I prepare to embark on this chapter in my life. God bless!

Dios los bendiga, gracias