Vote for your two favorite photos at dcfenlon@mtu.edu. I'd like your opinion, because I'm going to enter two in a photo contest. You can click on each photo to view a larger image.

My Last Article

¡Hola a todos!

The new semester is right around the corner, and I’m finding myself excitedly anticipating its beginning. The titles of the courses I have chosen intrigue me; Tropical Ecology, Latin American Cultures, and Latin American Social Revolutions—I can hardly wait to start! Above it all though, I’m sorely missing the beautiful weather and scenery that abound in Costa Rica, especially in the summertime.

Last week I visited a couple former teachers of mine to speak with their classes about studying abroad and how great of an experience it has been for me. Thursday I went to my former grade school, Central Grade, to present to Mrs. Spencer's sixth grade class. I must say they were my favorite group, since they were so interested and listened intently to every word I had to say. They asked many great questions, and I was more than happy to answer them all. The following day, I went to my old high school, Traverse City West, and spoke with classes all day. I spent most of my time in Sr. Metz's Spanish class, although I did slip out to visit Mrs. Dipisa's A.P. biology class. I was able to go a little more in depth with the older kids, of course, and I related as much as I could about living and studying in Costa Rica while also telling a couple interesting stories, such as my Santa Rosa experience. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those teachers that I've already mentioned for allowing me to share my experiences with them and their students.

Wednesday (Jan. 11) is my last day in Traverse City to say good-bye to everyone, as I’m jumping on a plane at 8:35 Thursday morning. Although I do know some of the students from last semester that are also staying for the whole year, I’m going to be meeting a ton of new people from all over the country. I’m sure I’ll make lots of new friends within a couple days of my arrival. I picked up some things for my host family here that are hard to find or very expensive down there, such as One-a-Day supplemental tablets, ranch dressing, and, of course, a bottle of Michigan pure maple syrup. My mom also bought some Traverse City placemats for my host mother that have images of cherries on them. I’m sure she’ll love them.

As you may or may not have noticed, I don’t have any new pictures this week. Since this is my last article for A Student Abroad, I figured it would be fitting to choose my favorite pictures from all the ones I took throughout the previous semester. Each one has its own little story attached to that I recall each time I glance at them, and I shall treasure them forever. I’m entering a couple of them into Tech’s photo contest held by the International Programs and Services office. Can you guess which ones? Actually, I’m kind of undecided at this point…I’m stuck between several of them. If anyone has an opinion as to which ones are the best, feel free to email me. I’m dying for a second opinion. I really like the red sunset viewed from the beach in front of my house, but that still leaves one to pick from the multitude of other pictures.

Well, that’s all for me. I hope you enjoyed the articles I’ve written about my experiences in Costa Rica. I put a lot of effort into every last one. I’m thankful for the opportunity Tech has given me to spread the word about studying abroad and its benefits. If you would like to continue reading about my experiences abroad, I now have my own blog set up through Tech at this address: http://director.hu.mtu.edu/mtublogs/dave. I’m passing the torch off to Lynn, who is spending a semester in Italy. To conclude everything I’ve written throughout this past semester, I would just like to say that if you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, take it! It will change your life forever, guaranteed.

Until next week's blog, ¡chao!