Matadors in Costa Rica Blog - Entry #1

On Thursday, May 23, 11 CSUN student-athletes and two CSUN professors arrived in Costa Rica for a 10-day service trip. A diverse group of student-athletes representing different teams and class years spent 10 days volunteering, learning about Costa Rica's economy, culture and environment and growing their camaraderie as Matadors.

During its journey, the group visited a cloud forest, volunteered with a community water association, spent time at a tropical research station, learned about reforestation and much more. Several student-athletes blogged about the trip for GoMatadors.com.

The first blog post shares perspectives from softball student-athlete Cheyenne Noli.

Today was a travel day, between boating through a canal from Tortuguero and busing about 4 hours through the Central Valley to Savegre. We traveled through some of the most mountainous parts of Costa Rica and were filled with facts by our guide, Eduardo. As we made it through the Central Valley to Savegre, there was a big change in elevation, the air was very thin and the temperature was significantly cooler in the mountains, which we didn't expect to experience here in Costa Rica. Eduardo explained to us that most of the coffee is grown at an elevation around 5000-6000 feet and Costa Rica is known to grow some of the world's best coffee, and I think most of us agree! 16637

Interestingly enough, in one day we went from the Rainforest at sea level to thousands of feet above sea level to the Cloud Forest and the amount of greenery never changed, though the types of plants did. What's really amazing is that there are countless types of trees found all over the country. In one small area you can literally see thousands of different types of plants, shrubs, and trees coexisting. Needless to say, this is quite a change for me, being from Arizona, and my Southern California friends.

Something that has been great about this experience is that I have learned so much about the different animals, plants, and Costa Rican culture. They live very sustainably compared to the U.S. It made me realize that in the states we take advantage of all the resources we have provided for us and spend too much time on our phones or on social media instead of going out of our comfort zone and learning about how to improve our own environment or getting to know other cultures.

The best part about being in Costa Rica is experiencing this with the other student-athletes, getting to know each other and learning some Spanish to communicate with the Costa Rican people.

Although it has been raining on and off throughout our travel we have all found a way to make the best of it and have the time of our lives. Between visiting the children at the school, painting at the elderly home, beach cleaning, and learning to salsa, we have made so many unforgettable memories with each other. I can't wait to keep learning more about this beautiful country!

#GoMatadors

California State University Northridge Athletics

Matadors in Costa Rica Blog - Entry #1

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