Jacquelyn Pohl (Portfolio Copy)

A waterfall in the middle of the rainforest

 Costa Rica was a cultural and educational experience. I went for my spring break of my junior year in high school with other students. I had completed my spanish curriculum at this time and I wanted to increase my spanish fluency. I fell in love with the country the minute I landed. The atmosphere isn't industrialized. The views are gorgeous and the language is phenominal.

I refused to speak english during my time there. I wanted to learn and understand. The hotels that we stayed at were all hispanically run and either in the city or in the rainforests. I met alot of people and networked very well in the hispanic realm. I now have two Costa Rican contacts in which are more than willing to house me if I have any business down there.

I learned the culture and the different dialect. I continue to talk to people down in Costa Rica and am now more efficient in spanish due to this educational experience.

A seminar given by "James Madison" - very educational

 I was nominated to attend a leadership conference in Philadelphia my senior year of high school. We learned diplomatic ways to handle situations.

We were led around Philadelphia seeing where our country was founded. I met many people and learned many things. I gained leadership qualities from this conference.

I was nominated for the "outstanding member" award at this conference. I participated in everything and learned quite alot. I made friends from Utah, Nevada, Texas, Philadelphia, and Florida. There were so many cultural differences from all different states however I made friends with them all. I keep in contact with five people who attended with me.

I appreciated the opportunity given to me and learned quite a bit.