La "Pura Vida"
- Community
- Aramco Brats
Author: Lindsey LaRue
Released 31 August 2006
Pacific Ocean at Ocotal
Photograph by Lindsey LaRue
Lindsey on the Carribean beach at Tortuguero
Photograph by Lindsey LaRue
While most college students spend their summer lounging by the pool, hanging out at the beach, working long hours at some boring job, or slaving away at summer classes, I decided on an alternative that allowed me to do all of these things while making a difference.
I joined International Student Volunteers and traveled to Costa Rica for 5 weeks, learning Spanish, working on community development projects in rural areas, exploring the various regions of the beautiful country, and experiencing a different culture first hand.
Living with Spanish-speaking only host families for the first 3 weeks allowed me to learn Spanish and appreciate the culture that no number of hours in the classroom would have taught me. I worked on a job that truly made a difference for a struggling community and in return gave me what no amount of money could: the joy of helping others.
During the last two weeks of my stay in Costa Rica I spent my time traveling around the country. I learned the values of Ecotourism and how it benefits the natural and untouched regions of the world.
Lindsey with Host Family
Photograph by Lindsey LaRue
"Pura Vida" is an expression that Costa Ricans use for "cool" or "great." Literally this saying means "Pure Life" and that defines my experience in Costa Rica.
I touched the lives of people there and they touched mine.
For more information on the International Student Volunteer Program, visit www.isvonline.com.
For information on Ecotourism visit
www.ecotourism.org.
Waterfall at Arenal Mundo
Photograph by Lindsey LaRue
Lindsey’s parents are John David and Debbie LaRue. Lindsey lived with them in Saudi Arabia from 1991-2001 (Dhahran till 1995, Abqaiq from 1995-1997, then back to Dhahran where her parents still reside). Lindsey graduated from Dhahran Jr. High in 2001. She attended boarding school at St. Stephen’s in Austin, Texas and still resides in Austin where she attends the University of Texas. Lindsay is studying journalism.