Rescuing one animal at a time!!

J Roe Start Date: Feb 29, 2020 - End Date: Jun 28, 2020
  • Costa Rica

My Travel Story

by: J Roe Start Date: Feb 29, 2020 - End Date: Jun 28, 2020
Hi, my name is Joe and I am currently a sophomore in HS. I love to travel, enjoy meeting new people, find joy in volunteering, and relish for caring and playing with animals. I have always wanted to travel abroad and immerse myself in another culture. As an avid lover of animals, when I saw this volunteer opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to care for and rehabilitate animals, I thought this is my opportunity knocking. I plan to continue saving money to pay for this amazing opportunity, but realize that there is a big expense to make this come to fruition.  I am committed to contributing to my cause also.

This opportunity will impact my educational learning experience by not only being immersed in the Spanish language to enhance my conversational Spanish goal, but will also raise my awareness of the Costa Rican and Central American culture. I will also share my American heritage with the locals so our learning can be reciprocal. I believe the more hands-on exposure you have to the world outside of your "box", the more compassion and empathy you develop and while enhancing a deeper understanding and level of respect of people.  

I will make a difference in the Costa Rican community by giving 105% every day to rehabilitate these animals who are in need by taking time to make a connection with them and fill their needs for a successful return to their natural habitat. The more hands-on-deck, the quicker these animals can return to the wild. I will also develop a sense of social responsibility skills and become more aware of what my community needs both in school and in my town. 

I am so passionate about this project for many reasons.  I believe giving back makes you a better person. Giving to these animals who without human intervention would most like suffer and die, is a passion worth fighting for while making a difference, one animal at a time.  Another reason I am so passionate about this project is that I would like to set an example for my peers, community members, and my younger sister that giving is an important part of success for not only you but for those in need.  A final reason I am so passionate about this service is that I want to make a difference and not just do the same thing this summer. Reaching out to others is rewarding and fun!!

I chose Costa Rica because of its animal rescue mission and also because one of my educational goals is to become proficient in Spanish as a second language, therefore, making this experience extremely meaningful.  Living and being present in the Spanish culture would help me appreciate more and value others' way of life and make new friends in the world. A sense of accomplishment is valuable and adds another level of meaning to my identity and who I want to be as a contributing member of society.


  • Costa Rica

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