Chelsea Colon

International Experience Country:
Costa Rica
Cohort Year:
2015
Home Institution:

Arcadia University

Heinz Programming Area:
Environment
International Experience Summary:

Chelsea spent five weeks studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica, where she lived with a host family and attended Universidad Veritas. She acquired knowledge about many of the tropical landscapes, the variety of ecosystems in Costa Rica, as well as the nature of the linguistics in the classroom setting. One of the places she visited was the Manuel Antonio National Park, where a variety of species of flora and fauna exist. The natural habitats of each of the organisms demonstrated how they coevolved to exist harmoniously in these areas with one another. Through one of her courses, Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development, she visited sustainable farms, in which all of the natural materials that were harvested in the region were used for daily purposes. Also, she visited many organic farms that contained freshly grown crops that were not altered in any way. At one of the farms, she visited, the farmer believed people should have access to the fruits and vegetables grown in his farm; therefore, the crops were free. Chelsea was a part of the first cohort to create and work on a permaculture garden alongside her classmates and would be used by future students throughout many semesters. Moreover, Chelsea had the opportunity to practice her Spanish by visiting a “casa de anciano” or nursing home to speak and practice communicating with the elderly. Since her return, Chelsea has been thinking of ways to implement the sustainability practices she has learned in Costa Rica, here in the United States.Chelsea spent five weeks studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica, where she lived with a host family and attended Universidad Veritas. She acquired knowledge about many of the tropical landscapes, the variety of ecosystems in Costa Rica, as well as the nature of the linguistics in the classroom setting. One of the places she visited was the Manuel Antonio National Park, where a variety of species of flora and fauna exist. The natural habitats of each of the organisms demonstrated how they coevolved to exist harmoniously in these areas with one another. Through one of her courses, Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development, she visited sustainable farms, in which all of the natural materials that were harvested in the region were used for daily purposes. Also, she visited many organic farms that contained freshly grown crops that were not altered in any way. At one of the farms, she visited, the farmer believed people should have access to the fruits and vegetables grown in his farm; therefore, the crops were free. Chelsea was a part of the first cohort to create and work on a permaculture garden alongside her classmates and would be used by future students throughout many semesters. Moreover, Chelsea had the opportunity to practice her Spanish by visiting a “casa de anciano” or nursing home to speak and practice communicating with the elderly. Since her return, Chelsea has been thinking of ways to implement the sustainability practices she has learned in Costa Rica, here in the United States.

Community Engagement Experience Summary:

CEE Title: Dare to be a Force of Nature

The CEE, Dare to be a Force of Nature was aimed at students, faculty, staff, and community members who wanted to learn more about climate change and ways to combat global warming by participating in environmentally friendly activities. We discussed our environmental experiences; my partner in China, and myself in Costa Rica, demonstrated sustainability and conservation around campus and the town, and introduced the United States and the origination of pollution. A debate took place in which the participants discussed which groups positively impact the environment most effectively. The groups were Government, STEM researchers, Businesses, and People; each of the groups were asked three questions. We then closed the debate with facts about who contributes to the environment and ultimately needing each group. After the debate, participants were presented with opportunities to participate in activities that would help to reduce their carbon footprint. At the close, guests plante parsley, basil, tomato, and carrot seeds in recycled bottles that served as sustainable containers. Along with each bottle, a small piece of paper contained information on the seeds that were planted including how to maintain and use each one. Participants were given pamphlets including information on other ways to get involved with combatting climate change.  This was done in the hopes of the guests further educating others on climate change and the importance of its effects.