From Airplanes to Estuaries: How Reporting in Costa Rica Changed the Way I See Home

As I sat down during my flight to Costa Rica, I felt an overwhelming amount of anxiety.

As a Costa Rican, I have often traveled to the motherland to visit family. However, it was different this time. What should have felt like a familiar journey created knots in my stomach. It was like my body knew that this trip was about to change everything. Now, I am sad to leave the country that I call home, but what I do know is that I will never forget this experience. 

Being part of Gen Z means that I have lived my entire life with a smartphone in my hand. Being outside with no air conditioning is not my style, but on this trip I ventured out into the rural coastal communities of Costa Rica and interviewed fishermen in the middle of estuaries. I mounted into a small, 12-passenger airplane with nothing but my backpack and camera.

I also traveled into the middle of the Pacific Ocean to tag hammerhead sharks with a group of marine biologists. As I left the marina after that experience, the captain told me that I am always welcome back on another adventure.

To say that I pushed myself outside my comfort zone on this trip would be an understatement. I know what I experienced in Costa Rica is unique to only me, thanks to the Pulitzer Center. No one can take this experience away from me. It only makes me want to report more out in the field. I have a feeling that I am only getting started.