Costa Rica Bound

After a night of doubt, the results are in... I'M GOING TO COSTA RICA!!

Last summer I started to research the Costa Rica study abroad program offered through my school. The more I learned about it the more I had to go on this trip! I spent the next several months writing and perfecting my essay and application requirements. I also spent months preparing myself for the interview. During random parts of my day, every day, up until the interview, I would ask myself questions I thought would be asked during the interview. I even started running several days a week to start preparing myself physically if I were to be chosen.

The night before the interview I stayed up late writing out bullet points and answers to memorize. I had to make sure that in the case of blanking out because of anxiety, that I wouldn't! I sat and rehearsed my answers for hours. I put every piece of myself into this. I haven't wanted something so bad since Tom Hiddleston.

Ok, ok... I haven't wanted something this bad since Emerson College.

After my interview I felt good about everything. I felt confident about the quality of my interview and I knew I had a very strong essay. Though I wasn't being over confident, I still knew I gave it my all.

I was told come January 11th decisions for study abroad would be made. The anticipation was gruesome.

January 10th rolled around and suddenly several friends of mine received phone calls informing them of their acceptance into the study abroad program. I kept waiting for my phone to ring too... it never did. Once 5:00 pm rolled around, the time at which the International Center closes, I started to lose hope. I would get texts and read posts on Facebook about everyone's acceptance.

Even though I knew I gave a good interview, I started to think maybe my luck wasn't changing after all. I am use to a life where a lot is taken and not much good is given. A life where I am given more hurdles than breaks. I am so use to putting myself out there and receiving nothing in return... In fact, more would be taken from me.

I started to question my possibility of getting into the program. I gave it my best and what if my best wasn't enough? What if I am not meant to have nice things? What if I will never be chosen for anything I set out to be a part of?

I know that might seem like a lot of emotions for "just a study abroad trip"... but this trip represents so much for me. Since attending Bunker Hill I am actually making REAL progress in my life. Being chosen to go to Costa Rica would show that my hard work really does pay off. It would show that maybe I really am good enough to accomplish what I set out to do. It would also give me the opportunity to experience something life changing. Studying in Costa Rica has become a dream of mine; just like interning at the BBC has been a dream of mine.

With that said, I was bummed out the whole night of the 10th. My boyfriend kept trying to be optimistic but I'd rather be hurt that night and pleasantly surprised the next day than get my hopes up just to be let down. The whole night I had dream after dream about going to the International Center and asking about my acceptance. Every dream ended with me being chosen. When I would wake up, I would feel all sad again because it was all just a dream.

I knew that I had to put myself out of my misery by calling them. I needed to get an answer, whether it was a "yes" or a "no", I just needed to know. That way I could deal with it and move on. The office opens at 9:00 am but I didn't want to be that eager and call right away... So I waited for 9:40. haha

My heart raced as I called the office.

Office: "Hello"
Me: "Hi, I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Office: "Ok, hold one moment please."

Heather: "Hello, this is Heather speaking..."
Me: "Hello Heather, my name is Sarah LaFlamme. I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Heather: "Have you received a phone call yet?"
Me: "No, I was told today was the day to find out so I wanted to call."
Heather: "Ok, let me access the files. Please give me a moment."
Me: "Ok."

Heather: "So, you're going to Costa Rica?"
Me: "I hope so. That is what I applied for."
Heather: "You have been awarded the scholarship to study in Costa Rica."
Me: "Oh my gosh, really?! Thank you so much!"
Heather: "You actually did really well!" (talking about the point system/my grade)
Me: "I am so happy to hear that. Thank you!"

I was then told that I will be receiving a call in the near future with more information, as well as receive an acceptance package in the mail.

I am so happy and excited. I am also very proud of the hard work I put into this opportunity.

Maybe my luck is starting to change?