Hi everyone,

My name is Laura Lopez-Santos and I’m currently studying at Queen’s University, working toward my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education. My dream is to become a teacher who not only educates in the classroom but also inspires a love of learning, community, and our planet!

From June 4–15 2026, I’ll be traveling to Puerto Viejo, Gandoca, and Pacuare in Costa Rica with GIVE Volunteers, an organization dedicated to sustainable, community driven development.

This isn’t just a trip. I’ve always had a deep love for nature, wildlife, and exploring the outdoors through hiking. Pairing that with my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher makes this opportunity feel like the perfect fit. I’m not only excited to give back, but also to grow into the kind of teacher who leads with empathy, resilience, and global awareness.

What I’ll Be Doing:

- Supporting sustainable farming and reforestation efforts

- Protecting Costa Rica’s beautiful wildlife and environment through conservation and beach cleanups

- Learning directly from local communities, building connections across cultures

To make this journey possible, I need to raise enough to cover flights, insurance, gear, accommodations, meals, and my contribution to project costs that fund local initiatives. Your support isn’t just helping me travel. It’s helping me grow as a future educator and giving me tools and experiences that I can bring back to my students one day!

How You Can Help:

Donate : Any amount makes a difference! Anyone who donates will get a personalized post card from my trip highlighting my experience there.

Share : Spreading this GoFundMe is just as powerful as donating! Sharing my trip might also encourage others to do the same kind of volunteer work, which is just as meaningful.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and belief in me. Every step of this journey will be fuelled by your support. I can’t wait to share updates, photos, postcards, and stories with all of you along the way!

Thanks a million,

Laura