Leaving My Fears in the States, Costa Rica Is Going to be Great!!!

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LaVannah Watt

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A brief introduction about myself and my reasoning for studying abroad.

I am seven hours away from departure. I am excited, but nervous at the same time. I know that this experience is going to be  life-changing, but the unknown can create unnecessary fear.  My dad told me that I get my anxiety from him.  My mom told me that he was right due to the fact that he can have advance notices about upcoming events, and he worries until the events are over. The anxiety he gets does not produce a negative outcome, however it does create a stressful environment.  Being that I am taking steps to a new life experience that will benefit myself as well as other people, I am overjoyed and thrilled about this opportunity.  I’m ready to be in a new environment where I will create new memories with new friends!

Disclaimer: I am not the orignator of these images.  Images were obtained through Google Images: https://www.google.com/search q=fear and excitement same time&biw=1280&bih=785&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=iAJgVfXTOMrTsAWdn4AQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#imgrc=_

LaVannah Watt

Hello, my name is LaVannah Watt. I am studying Nursing (RN) and Spanish at the University of Texas, Arlington. I am a member of the Arlington Nursing Students’ Association (ASNA), Black Student Nurse Nursing Association (BSNA), and Hispanic Student Nursing Association (HSNA). As a member, I volunteer in the Dallas-Fort Worth community and offer support to incoming and fellow nursing students. I am a 25-year-old single parent who strives daily to be a positive example for my son and family. I demonstrate patience, passion, and purpose as I continue through college in contrast to the “stereotypical norms” placed on single parents by today’s society. I have endured and conquered many obstacles that most people would perceive as deterrents to achieving their dreams. Because of my life experiences, I am determined to work hard and go beyond the “expected limitations”. I am taking the initiative to learn, grow, and network to broaden my horizon to life outside of the United States. I have always desired to become a competent Spanish speaker, so I want to fully emerge in the culture. That is why I decided to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer. With this opportunity, I will be studying Medical Spanish and Conflict Resolution in Healthcare. I will learn effective communication and leadership skills that I can integrate into practice upon returning to Texas. I will be able to connect with my patients and fellow colleagues who are fluent speakers. Also, while in Costa Rica, I will be participating in a service-learning program and volunteering at a medical institution to further develop my professional skills as a student nurse. I look forward to learning more about the Spanish language, becoming culturally competent, and immersing myself in the Tico culture. “Pura Vida!”