2 weeks until Ailing goes to Costa Rica!
It’s nearing the end of June, which means Wonderfolk is two weeks away from the trip of a lifetime. Will they pack the right socks? Will they survive the long flight over? Who will be their host family? Will they like the food?
This week, our student rep, Ling, shares more about how she’s preparing for the trip and how Wonderfolk has prepared her to do so.
Check out how Ailing is preparing for her first time traveling without her family.
Wonderfolk: With Costa Rica being just one month away, what are you most excited about? What are you most nervous about?
Ailing [A]: Now that Costa Rica is just one month away, I am most excited about being able to immerse myself in a completely new culture and experience everything first-hand. I am eager to meet new people, try local cuisine, and make a positive impact on the communities there. What makes me most nervous is the fear of being homesick and feeling regretful. Being away from the familiar comforts of home for such a long duration is new to me, and I worry fear might hold me back from trying things that I’ll end up feeling regretful for.
Wonderfolk: Have you gone out of the country before? If so, have you been away from your family and friends for this long before?
A: Yes, I have traveled abroad before, but, I have never done so alone. My solo domestic trips have never lasted more than a week, so this will be my first time traveling internationally without my family for an extended period. However, I feel reassured knowing that I will have a lot of support from my peers and the staff.
Wonderfolk: How has Wonderfolk prepared you for this trip of a lifetime?
A: Wonderfolk has done a lot to prepare me (and others) for this trip! During our bimonthly meetings, we have valuable discussions that unravel the most important aspects of the trip. Personally, these discussions have allowed me to build greater relationships with my peers, has allowed me to show vulnerability, and has allowed me to be my true authentic self. We have also done a lot local projects that give us hand-on experience, which is like a sneak peek to some of the things we will be facilitating in Costa Rica. In simple terms, Wonderfolk has provided a lot of resources that make me feel prepared!
Wonderfolk: What do you hope to gain from this trip?
A: I hope to gain deeper insight into giving back to other communities. This would allow me to apply those same concepts to my community back in Southeast Portland. I also hope to broaden my awareness of the challenges that certain communities face and be a contributing factor to helping those communities thrive. Nonetheless, I will be grateful for any and all lessons/unique experiences that Costa Rica gives me; I am super excited!
