A highlight of our week in the Communications Office is always hearing from alumni from past years. We recently got back in touch with Sara DiBiase, an alumna from a Custom Course with her high school back in February 2009! We asked if she’d be up for a interview, and it was incredible to hear how her Outward Bound Costa Rica course has helped her well beyond her time in the rainforest. Take a read:
What is your full name and where are you from?
Sara DiBiase. I am from Sanibel Island, Florida.
When did you come on course?
February 2009. A group from my High School signed up together. Most of us had been on previous OB courses. Our course entailed hiking through Piedras Blancas, rapelling an 80 ft. waterfall, cultural immersion, whitewater rafting, and surfing!
Why did you choose a course with Outward Bound Costa Rica?
I had been on several courses prior. My first was Everglades OB and then North Carolina OB. Following my first OB experience I just loved putting myself out of my comfort zone. I loved the challenge, personal growth, and team building incorporated in all OB courses. Ever since then I always crave this “uneasy” feeling, because I know I’m getting somewhere.
Tell us about your experience on course?
Where do I begin!? I would say that our Costa Rica course was a huge eye opener for me culturally. I had never experienced anything like that before where you are fully immersed in the culture. Learning how to extract sugar cane from the stalk, making homemade cheese, homemade empanadas, and waking up to roosters at the break of dawn, were all highlights of that cultural experience. Aside from the cultural experience, it was physically and mentally the most challenging OB course I have ever been on. Day 1 and 2 of our trip, we were challenged to go through the Costa Rican rainforest that recently had been hit with a hurricane.
I’m sure you can imagine the amount of trees, branches, and shrubbery in our way… thank goodness for Luke and his machete. Day 1 and 2 was certainly our most challenging day as we were immediately thrown into a VERY physically challenging experience. It was so challenging that 2 of us had to be put on horseback to finish the remaining miles of our hike to ensure no further injury. I’ll never forget our first homestay at la casa de Lopez. Waking up to roosters and the beautiful scenery behind us. It was all so fascinating how these families are self sustaining—all so different from our way of life back in America.
What did you take away from your experience?
Overall I think I got a great understanding of a different culture and way of life, learned who I am as a person/who I want to be, and what’s truly important in life.
Were there any specific moments, challenges, people, interactions or instructors that stood out to you?
One of the biggest moments/days that will always stand out for me is our longest hiking day. We were leaving Piedras Blancas and making our way to the area where we would raft to Manuel Antonio. I just remember it feeling like it never would end, hill after hill, and turn after turn. That day one of our chaperones, Craig Phimister, hiked with me in the front of the group. It was no surprise that I’d be the slowest one and set the pace as a short 5ft tall girl. Thank goodness for him believing in me and keeping me going step by step. I still think back on that day, when I physically thought I didn’t have anymore in me, and can still hear the encouraging words from my mentor, teacher, and friend.
How did your OBCR experience help you prepare for your future?
I think I have sort of answered this, but I really just feel like OBCR set me up for success in life. It taught me what a “true” challenge is and what I’m capable of achieving. Whenever I’m having a tough time physically or mentally, I always remember and think back on all the challenges I overcame on my course. Getting up that mountain through the thick heat, taking that first step down a slippery waterfall, getting up on that surfboard, hiking through a hurricane affected rainforest, and my solo experience were just a few experiences that I continually remember and reflect back on.
What are you doing now?
Following my OBCR course I pursued a degree in Biological Sciences. I am now pursuing a Masters in Speech Language Pathology at New York University.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love photography! I sent over several of my favorite photos of our trip.
Interested in coming on course?
Submit an inquiry or contact our Enrollment Manager at 800-676-2018 or emailing [email protected].