Journey of self-discovery

One month ago I was in Costa Rica. It seems almost dream-like now, as I get back into my usual routine as a student at the University of Missouri. Trekking through the jungle of Costa Rica may very well be one of the highlights of my college career. It was a journey so vastly different than many of my peers would ever experience.  Covering nature and society in the developing world was invigorating and eye opening.

From hiking through cloud forests looking at plant life, to learning about the growth and cultivation of coffee, Costa Rica offered a unique viewpoint into the developing world. The country is filled with incredibly diverse landscapes and species, the likes of which could fill countless stacks of books on the topic.

The people we interacted with were extremely friendly and helpful. The lifestyle and weather seemed fantastic. The food was outstanding. Leaving that behind to return to the chilly Midwest was difficult, to say the least. However, the nature I encountered was more intense and challenging than I ever could have imagined.

Costa Rica: An Eco and Leisure Tourism Hotspot

MU student Sally French soars across a cloud forest canopy on a zip line at Selvatura Park, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. The park draws tourists looking for adventure, leisure and ecotourism.
(Missouri School of Journalism/Aaron Braverman)

By Aaron Braverman

MONTEVERDE, Costa Rica – With a slight push off a platform high within a tree-covered cloud forest, a long flight through the air begins.

For fleeting moments, people are able to perform acts usually only available to birds as they zip line through 15 cables in Selvatura Park.

Monteverde Friends School focuses on Integrity, Simplicity

Head of School Francisco Burgos stands outside the Monteverde Friends School, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Burgos has served as the school director since June 2012. (Missouri School of Journalism/Aaron Braverman)

By Aaron Braverman

MONTEVERDE, Costa Rica – Tucked away from the road in a picturesque cloud forest town, the Monteverde Friends School has provided an educational experience focused on nature, community and integrity for more than 60 years.

The vibrant school was founded in January 1951 when Quakers first arrived in Costa Rica as a place to educate their children. While preparing for their move to Monteverde, classes were held in a coffeehouse in nearby Heredia. The school moved to Monteverde in August 1951 and has been on its current grounds since around 1957.

“History tells a lot about the way we do business,” School Director Francisco Burgos said. “The school was created to figure out how to educate and not lose connections to the English-speaking world, but still allow for Costa Rican culture.”

Making Green Energy: A Costa Rican Wind Farm

By Aaron Braverman and Marie French

Wind turbines soar above the Costa Rican landscape on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The turbines are part of a government-operated wind farm and have been in use since 2003.
(Missouri School of Journalism/Aaron Braverman)

LIBERIA, Costa Rica — Located on the Costa Rican volcanic backbone stands La Tejona Wind Turbine Farm, the largest in Central America, according to a Costa Rica guidebook.

Reshaping a Global Perspective

Aaron Braverman

By Aaron Braverman

COLUMBIA, Missouri — The Costa Rican environment has become a haven for environmental tourists from across the globe. For me, our adventure to Costa Rica is one of excitement, but also anxiety.

Traveling to a new city, region or country always has unique components to it. However, this excursion is different – it’s not a vacation in a tropical paradise, it’s hard work.