Costa Rica: Abundance and Diversity in Biological Corridors
The time I spent living in Costa Rica was the most beneficial quarter of my life both as a person and as a student. For a biology major there is no better place to study the abundance and diversity of life. Costa Rica is a country that encourages its people to appreciate and take pride in its natural treasures. To experience a culture that promotes environmental education is something that gives me hope in a world where it seems we are squandering our resources and not thinking of future generations. Everyone always speaks of making education fun and this program did that and made it a challenge. We lived in rustic ranger stations, camped on a secluded island, and had workdays involving research that lasted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There was nearly never a moment where I wasn’t busy and although it was frustrating, I cherish that experience. The teachers and students left a lasting impression. I’d never before been surrounded by so many intelligent, charismatic, and hungry-to-learn people. This inspired me to work as hard as I ever did. Perhaps the part of the program that enlivened me the most was the independent research project. My research explored the species diversity and abundance of small mammals within biological corridors (windbreaks) located within differing Costa Rican farmland environments. The purpose of the study was to see which integral aspects of windbreaks allowed them to serve as sources of biodiversity within human development areas. After its completion we had to participate in a symposium and present our research findings to the community in Spanish and English. The community of San Luis, where I lived, was very close and friendly. The family I lived with spoke no English and had no phone. The father would be up at 5 to milk cows. Living in this rural environment taught me so much. I felt very happy to be doing what I was doing and knew that there was always someone to help if needed. The people of the community invited me to their dances. One of my professors even taught me how to salsa dance. Without all these experiences, I know that my outlook on life would be different than what it is now. I am a better person since this, and my Spanish is better too. I grew intellectually, culturally, and spiritually. Since my return to Santa Cruz, I tell every biology major I know to take part in this program. They haven’t really studied biology until they have gone to Costa Rica and learned from the great professors and the communities there. —David Tentser, UC Santa Cruz
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