Costa Rica Biodigester Field Trip

Opportunities like the Costa Rica Sustainability and Conservation summer course through the University of Texas at Dallas don’t come along often.  In fact, I am thirty years old and have never had the chance to study abroad or even travel outside mainland United States.  Luckily, I was one of fifteen applicants chosen to participate in this course.  I have always had an intense desire to travel and be exposed to places different than what I am accustomed to.  I love meeting new people and hearing new ideas and different perspectives.  Learning about the Costa Rican culture by total immersion rather than just reading about it would be a most welcome privilege. 
  Currently, I am in my senior year of working toward a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies.  What I have enjoyed most over the years were classes such as Global Health, Anthropology, Field Ecology, and Environmental Geology.  This summer course will incorporate components from all of those previous classes because Costa Rica is a haven for a wide variety of plants and wildlife, conservation initiatives and eco-tourism. When I found out that this trip would also involve building two bio-digesters I knew that I just had to be a part of it!         I was introduced to the bio-digester process in a previous class and was amazed at the juxtaposition between the low cost and simplicity of the process and the overwhelming benefits that are to be gained by the local people.  Impoverished areas can utilize the bio-digester to effectively turn animal and human waste into usable methane gas and produce approximately 94% pure drinking water without the use of harmful chemicals. Getting to be part of a project like that would surely be at the top of my list of astounding achievements.  
  This course would expand my understanding of the problems faced and solutions sought by environmentalists in sustainability, recycling, renewable energy, and the healthiest planet-human relationship obtainable.
  It would be a dream come true to encounter the different species of plants and animals native to Costa Rica.  I adore the outdoors, animals, extreme sports, and helping others.  I cannot imagine an opportunity more cohesive to my interests than this course.   I truly believe the Costa Rica Field Trip: Environmental Sustainability and Conservation course would be a life altering experience, never to be forgotten.
   Please help me get to Costa Rica this summer by donating to my fund.  Any amount is greatly appreciated and thank you so much for taking the time to consider supporting me!