Bellavista

Going to Bellavista was such an incredible experience. Although I loved going into the waterfall, my favorite part was the journey of getting to the waterfall. Throughout the hike, I was learning about different species, trees, and plants; but more importantly, teamwork. The terrain was very slippery and steep, but I never felt like I was in danger. Our class has amazing people. There were many times on the way down where we formed a line, holding each other’s hands, making sure no one slipped and hurt themselves. This just goes to show that we have been able to grow close to one another, and it feels like a family. When we were hiking back up, it was very steep. I was walking with some classmates and we made sure to stop for one another to make sure to catch our breath. Being with this group of people is very refreshing. I think teamwork is so important and I think we were able to grow closer together throughout the hike through Bellavista.

In anticipation for Bellavista, I was worried to go. Because I have a heart condition, it is hard for me to walk steep hills. I have to take a lot of breaks and have to make sure not to over-work myself. I was worried that I was going to bring the group down if I was walking too slowly. I also was worried about being able to get up the waterfall. I wouldn’t call myself athletic—and I know a lot of the people in our class are—so, I was hoping that I wouldn’t hold the group back. I doubt myself a lot. Being able to accomplish the hike and go into the waterfall felt so good. It was as if I fulfilled something inside of me. It was a huge challenge for me to hike back up, but knowing that I had people to turn to made me feel good. I achieved something that I didn’t think I could do—and that felt amazing. I would say that this trip helped me to believe in myself more. I shouldn’t doubt myself because this could hold me back. I was able to tell myself that I could do it.

I used to think that as long as I knew the language of a culture, I would be able to communicate with people. I have learned the importance of all aspects of culture. Language isn’t the most important thing. It does help one communicate more efficiently, but it isn’t the only way to communicate. I have learned by listening and using gestures. I have looked to people’s smiles and have discovered the universal facial expressions. I can communicate so much better now that I have been here surrounded by the language and culture. I have taken Spanish classes before, but they haven’t focused on the speaking component. Here, I am forced to talk in their language in order to communicate. I think that my teacher has really helped my learning. Also, being with my host family has helped. I have been understanding more of what my host mom is saying and am able to respond more than I have ever before. I hope to become more confident with speaking Spanish this week. I feel like I have developed my listening skills, but I would like to get better at speaking it. I would also like to expand my vocabulary. I feel like I respond to my host parents with the same answers all the time. I want to be able to tell them more about myself and let them understand more of who I am. I like listening to them, but I would love if I could tell them more about myself and where I come from.