One time it rained hard when we were in the middle of the forest, and I didn't have a rain poncho. All of my stuff got soaking wet. I definitely learned from that lesson and always have extra rain gear now. You never know when it's going to pour in Costa Rica!
We get to see a bunch of animals, like sloths, amphibians, monkeys and snakes -- you just have to pay close attention to spot them. My professor explains why the animal is special and the role it plays in its environment.
After night walks, biology students are known to stay up late. We play music, dance and play card games. Then we wake up at 5:00 AM to watch the birds! Different types of animals are awake at different times, and it feels like biology students are up around the clock to watch them. Going to bed late and waking up early is the biologist's lifestyle.
Going to school in Costa Rica is different than in Kansas. I have never gone on a field trip to the forest with my classes before. In Kansas, there are mostly corn fields, and sometimes people go looking for lizards, but not like in Costa Rica. Students here are used to exploring their beautiful country. Since there are scientists studying all around the country, biology students in Costa Rica have the opportunity to go to some really diverse places.
It is super fun to sleep in bunk beds and see different animals, but it is a big job too. Biology students in Costa Rica have the responsibility of taking care of their environment for the next generation. They also have to teach other people how to take care of the forests, too!
I’m so glad that I get to see Costa Rica not only as a tourist but also a biologist. There is so much to learn from my Costa Rican professors.
