GLOBAL UNIVERSITY 2019: DAY TWO TRAVELOGUE (LA FORTUNA)
Day Two Travelogue: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park
Essay Written By: Allie Bogard, Coordinator for Intramurals and Club Sports,
Montana State University (Global University 2019 participant)
This Maya Angelou quote captures the impact of our first Global University session perfectly. I’m reminded that we are allowed to shatter and heal at our own pace; that with persistence, determination, and support we can push life’s boundaries, step outside of our comfort zones, and grow with an adaptive mindset. I love how we all have our own identities, backgrounds, and experiences here within this year’s cohort, but we are able to meet up and connect deeply because we all represent what it means to be “women.”
Being a part of this opportunity encourages me to further develop my leadership practice. It is giving me time to reflect on where I am now and consider the best path forward that will help me perfect my craft on this lifelong journey. Sharing with and learning from others with similar experiences and challenges has already started contributing to my healing and growth. And through this process, I’m reminded that it’s about supporting other women and coming together to truly make a difference, whether that be investing in our own wellbeing and/or thinking about how we can positively impact others in our respective roles and spaces.
Throughout the rest of this experience I want to learn from everything and everyone around me, connect with all creatures I come across, and spend as much time in nature as possible. Having collectively set an intention of creating a safe space together, I know I am wrapped in endless, boundless grace and am able to be truly vulnerable with these brave women, which will allow me to unearth my hidden potential.
This journey with Global University marks my first time back to Costa Rica in six years and my deep love for the place and its 
people has not wavered one bit. There is truly is something to be said about the abundance of joy and happiness that this country’s people embody and radiate to everyone who visits. During my visit to the island in 2013, I found the Pura Vida lifestyle fascinating; and as a committed lifelong learner, I just had to know the secret to the country’s happiness. I was pleasantly surprised when I figured out through this personal experience that happiness actually began with embracing my own identities and feeling comfortable in my own skin. Needless to say, this first trip to Costa Rica was the start of my ‘coming out’ journey.
I experienced the breathtaking beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall again today after all these years have passed and I wept, reflecting on how the beginning of my journey of self-discovery and acceptance was inspired by this place. Embracing my sexual identity has allowed me to lead with authenticity ever since. Now coming full circle, I feel incredibly fortunate to be back in Costa Rica surrounded with empowering, intelligent women who are equally passionate about who they are and what they do. I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside them this week.
AORE will provide full coverage of Global University 2019 during the Costa Rica trip (May 21 - 29). Daily recaps, reflections, fun travel facts, photos, and videos will be available in the AORE newsroom and on social media. Don't forget to follow along with participants as they learn and grow through each new adventure they encounter! Global University is made possible thanks to the generous support of G Adventures, our loyal AORE365 Partner. G Adventures organizes small group tours to exciting destinations all over the world. Visit the G Adventures website when you plan your next global travel adventure and get the support you need to curate a stress-free, enriching experience that brings you closer to the people, places, and cultures you want to visit. Learn more about Global University 2019.