Working in Silencio over the past days, our group has encountered new challenges, experiences, and opportunities to grow. We asked ourselves in what ways are we proud to have stepped out of our comfort zones.

Mely: When I communicate with Ticos in Spanish. It was uncomfortable at first but I have slowly gotten used to it, and now I try to speak to them in Spanish first.

Shreya: Communicating with the Costa Rican kids in Spanish and getting over my fear of messing up.

Henry: I am deathly afraid of insects, primarily cockroaches. There was one in our room and I closed my sleeping bag around me and couldn’t really breathe. But when I decided to man up and sleep normally, it was fine.

Sophie: I don’t speak Spanish so when I am outside speaking with Louis (our maestro de obras) on our construction site, it was kind of awkward, but I’ve gotten used to it. We have come to understand each other better.

Betsy: I just started speaking Spanish a few days ago. A young girl asked me where one of the leaders was, and I was able to answer her in Spanish.

Harper: I’ve been taking Spanish for some time, but I have difficulties speaking in class. However, I have been able to use it and practice it more in the community. I understand what they want and I am able to give a basic response.

Paul: Stepping out of my comfort zone was actually making jokes with the Ticos. We had lots of fun talking and joking, which was a step further than just basic conversation.

Vivien: I’m kind of a shy person. When we had the welcome party, I felt overwhelmed when I had to introduce myself. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone then.

Eloise: I stepped out of my comfort zone when I talked to total strangers during the welcome party.

Charlie: When I milked the cow and stuck my finger in the cow’s mouth. That stuff kind of creeps me out but I did it anyways.

Zoe: At the party, dancing and talking to the Ticos and Ticas and just trying my best to get to know them.

Pierce: Everything has been a lot of fun, but I would say that the dance classes have been somewhat of a challenge.

Thinking about all these experiences, we then asked ourselves: Why is stepping out of our comfort zone important? As a group, we agreed that we would regret not doing these things if we didn’t. Challenges prepare us for the future and for daily occurrences that might ask more of us. Stepping out of our comfort zone helps us be more free and reminds us that we can do anything and that we are strong and brave.

As we reflected on our time in Silencio, we all agreed that life would get pretty repetitive if we always did what was comfortable. Instead, we took the chance to try something new, and we have grown in infinite ways because of it.