We’re always proud to hear about our Outward Bound Costa Rica alumni and their amazing accomplishments. Participants of our Alumni Ambassador program help spread the word about their life-changing experiences on course. If you would like to join the team and be a featured alumnus on our blog, start by filling out our Alumni Ambassador form.
Name: Becca Phillips
Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts
Year in school: Gap Year
Courses Attended with OBCR: Coast to Coast Expedition Semester (2014)
Favorite memory from course
Running into the Pacific Ocean after hiking across the entire country of Costa Rica!
Biggest surprise from course
When our instructors told us we had summitted Cerro de la Muerte, the second tallest mountain in Costa Rica.
Favorite wildlife interaction on course
During the night scuba dive [in Panama], we swam through Bioluminescence, [living organisms that emit light at night].
Most valuable lesson learned on course
Live in the moment and don’t take anything for granted.
Most inspiring moment from course
The most inspiring part of course was seeing the way the families in Piedras Blancas, [a rural pueblo in the Central Valley], live such sustainable lives. Hearing the story of how Hernan [one of the members of the pubelo], was the first person to ever build a house there was eye-opening.
Describe Outward Bound Costa Rica in one word
Intense (or, in tents)
How has your experience with Outward Bound Costa Rica had an impact on your future?
I want to live more simply and waste less as well as make family an even more important part of my life.
What advice do you have for future participants of this course?
Outward Bound is not a vacation. It is intense, both physically and mentally. You will grow a lot as a person but only if you put the work in. This course will push you and you will experience some truly remarkable moments that very few people will ever have the privilage of experiencing.
Want to have your own Gap Year adventure in Costa Rica just like Becca?
Applications are now open for our Spring 2015 and Fall 2015 Gap Year & Semester programs. Or, join us on a 2-5 week Summer Expedition!