Support Brinsley's Summer Learning in Costa Rica

My name is Brinsley Leadbetter and I am a Junior at Appalachian State University studying Sustainable Development. I am very interested in a Tropical Forest Ecology and Development in Costa Rica summer study abroad program. It is a month-long program that visits 3 main regions of Costa Rica with distinct forest and social dynamics. The first stop is Monteverde where we will look at the cloud forests and participate in hands-on forest monitoring and meeting with local community organizations to focus on reforestation and community development. Then we will go to Palo Verde, home to the region’s largest wetland. Here we will focus on mitigating various threats to the forests and wetlands. Lastly, we will study in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui which is the rainforest of the Atlantic lowlands. We will meet with farmers and local organizations to develop more sustainable forest-based land use strategies and investigate the ongoing effects of timber extraction, cattle grazing, and commodity agriculture. This program is in collaboration with three partner organizations that specialize in tropical ecology, conservation, and community engagement. They are the Monteverde Institute, the Organization for Tropical Studies, and FUNDECOR. The total cost for the program which includes flights, housing, food, and all planned activities is $6,791. Being able to go on this trip would mean so much to me. However, I am having a difficult time securing the funds to cover the cost that will make this trip a reality. I have applied for a few scholarships and have only received one. Below are reasons why this study abroad opportunity is so important to me.

As soon as I heard about the Forest Ecology trip to Costa Rica I knew it would be very beneficial in advancing my personal, academic, and professional goals. I honestly didn’t think I would have the opportunity to study abroad because I am a transfer student and was trying to graduate within 4 years. Thankfully, Appalachian State has been very accommodating and this program fits in perfectly with my sustainable development major, my specialization with forest ecology, and my 5 years of learning Spanish. When I picture Costa Rica I think of biodiversity. I picture varieties of frogs, birds, monkeys and insects as well as stunning landscapes with views of waterfalls and lush jungles. However, we won’t have these diverse multispecies assemblages for long if we don’t do the conservation work now to protect them. I have always felt empowered to “save the rainforest” but have never had the opportunity to work at the grassroots level of such efforts. I think the most important thing we can do when it comes to conservation work is listen to the people it’s directly impacting and work with them to find solutions. I am looking forward to the opportunity to hear from community partners and organizations and work hand in hand with them on issues that I am so passionate about such as forest restoration, conservation education, and human impact. We will get to study in 3 very diverse landscapes with people who know the land best and I believe this program will provide me with an invaluable experience to learn about conservation in relation to myself, my peers, society and the global community as a whole. When choosing a destination, I like to look at what skills can I further develop, how can my worldview be altered in a positive way, and what previous knowledge can I build upon to expand my learning and appreciation for the global community.

The first thing that stood out to me when choosing this program was that it was an opportunity to practice my Spanish for a whole month. I took 3 years of Spanish in high school and then 4 semesters of Spanish at Virginia Tech. During my two gap years because of the pandemic, I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to jump back into Spanish. However, during one of those years, I worked in Colorado and lived with 3 other girls from South America. I was immersed within different dialects and cultures and to this day it is one of the best decisions I have made. I have now come back to school with a new passion for learning and motivation to travel and learn about new cultures and beliefs. This experience will not only allow me to practice my Spanish but also engage with a diverse group of people with different cultural backgrounds. I can use this experience to make connections with conservation organizations in South America with the hopes of pursuing a professional career with them. Using my Spanish language skills as well as my desire to help underrepresented communities with advocating for environmental justice is something I strive to do in my professional career. This program will help jumpstart that goal and encourage valuable connections.

The Forest Ecology study abroad will also give me a new perspective on conservation efforts because I won’t be learning from inside a classroom. I will be studying hands-on at the grassroots level with community partners and non profits that know the land best. I spent 2 years at Virginia Tech working with Dr. Hey, an Indigenous professor from the Anishinaabe tribe. We spent time in the Indigenous Community Garden learning about sustainable agricultural practices as well as how to share our “medicine” with the world. The time I spent with her encouraged me to think outside traditional western values and beliefs. I was introduced to different ways of slowing down and being in the world as well as how to practice being a good steward of the land that has been gifted to us. I believe this development program will get me to think outside traditional value systems. We will be looking at conservation work in regards to restoration with community members and focusing on why it’s important to protect these biodiverse landscapes without a profit driven motive. After graduation, I see myself working with nonprofits and community partners that aren’t focused on profit in regards to conservation.

Lastly, I have chosen to pursue this program because a forest ecology class that I took 3 years ago sparked my interest in maintaining biodiversity among diverse landscapes. I have

since taken many sustainable development and environmental policy and planning classes that I have thoroughly enjoyed. This study abroad program encompasses all of them by allowing me to look at the social and economic contributions to tropical forest loss, the effectiveness of community based reforestation efforts, alternative policies for promoting restoration, and balancing the ecological livelihood of the various landscapes. One of the best parts is that this is all taught within the landscapes themselves, not while sitting at a desk. I believe traveling is the best form of learning. It gives one invaluable experiences and connections. This program has a focus on learning about diverse people, cultures, and environments and this will encourage me to have a greater respect, understanding, and appreciation for people who may hold different beliefs than me. I will be immersed in varied climates as well as varied ways of thinking and being. This will encourage me to keep a positive and curious mindset all while focusing on sustainability; my biggest passion. The Costa Rica study abroad program will not simply give me credits towards my academic goals. It will be an opportunity to further my Spanish language skills, form crucial connections with community partners that know the diverse landscapes best, educate me on new ways of thinking and interacting with the world, teach me about new species and methods of conservation and restoration, as well as jumpstart my professional career goals. I look forward to using my skills and knowledge from my past to further my education and goals for the future as I navigate being an informed, eager, and motivated global citizen.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help contribute to this educational opportunity!

Best,

Brinsley Leadbetter