Maddison Hajek

Service Learning Organization: Costa Ricas National Childrens Hospital

Final Project

There are few words that can accurately describe the wonderful impact of my experience

of volunteering for two weeks at the National Childrens Hospital in Costa Rice on myself and

the individuals I encountered. I have tremendously grown in confidence of traveling abroad,

interacting with people that speak a different language and are from a different culture, and

stepping outside of my comfort zone to help others in an unfamiliar setting. Before this journey, I

did not realize how secluded I was to the real world by living in small town South Dakota. As

sad as it sounds, I had never made friends with anyone of a different culture, but this all changed

through traveling to Costa Rica. I made connections with many small children at the hospital,

one mother of a very sick child, and a lasting friendship with my host parents. It is intriguing for

me to recognize that the distinctions in cultures that seem to drive this world apart can be solved

if people see the underlying foundation that we are all human beings with basic needs and wants

with an overarching diversity that makes life beautiful. I believe if cultural and language

differences did not exist, the world would be dull and we would not have the opportunity to learn

and experience the things we get to today.

Many things about the Spanish culture in Costa Rica are different from my American

culture. One of the biggest differences is the language. Although I have a background of some

Spanish, I struggle with comprehension of the language and this proved to be quite a barrier for

me when working at the hospital and trying to communicate with my family. I can now grasp the

importance of learning a second language when abroad for it truly enhances the experience. As

studied in my introduction communication class, nonverbal communication is a key

characteristic of a language, and I noticed the importance of greeting one another with a kiss on
the cheek and its deeper meaning of friendship and respect. I took communication with children

and parents back in the United States for granted, and I am now motivated to increase my

Spanish language abilities to become a better global citizen and take part in a huge component of

culture.

The history of this country is also unique in that its indigenous people had very little

influence due to fatal disease, but rather was controlled by Spain and developed many of its

customs from this region of the world. Because of its distance from popular trade routes, Costa

Rica developed in relative isolation. It is generally known as a more peaceful and politically

stable country compared to its fellow Latin American nations, with the distinctive characteristic

of having no military. Through my time within San Jose, the capital of the country, I learned that

the police are heavily relied upon, but there are few acts of violence other than the common

crime of robbery. The industry of ecotourism is taking over this country and resulting in the

coasts of the country losing their culture. What stands out to me the most about Costa Rica is

their ability to enjoy life shown through their smiles and constant expressing of pura vida, that

translates to this is living.

The most memorable part of my experience was being in the environment of the hospital

and surrounded by the most loving, happiest children. I was astonished by how positive and

joyful these children appeared to be despite going through such difficult trials and in my mind,

an unfortunate setting. The arrangement of the rooms, overwhelming number of people, and little

care provided to these children seemed so harsh, but it reminded me that they more than likely do

not know any different and are thankful to be receiving any kind of medical treatment. I believe

the United States is spoiled but extremely blessed to have the luxuries within the framework of

the hospitals and the medical practices we can successfully complete. The sick children in the
hospital in Costa Rica showed that happiness stems from inside oneself, not the things one

possesses or the events going on in life. These children inspired me by their courage and

strength, and I am grateful to have been a small part of their life by holding, feeding, and playing

with their adorable little selves.

I have always been interested in the medical field due to many hospitalizations over the

years because of my gastrointestinal disease of Celiac Disease. Going through a long-term illness

is absolutely horrible, but I never realized how lucky I was to receive such great care and reach

the point of thriving in life because of the intelligence, technology, and treatments practiced

within the United States. Comparing my experience to what I observed in Costa Rica, it seems

that the basic methods of using intravenous medicines, performing screening tests such as X-

Rays and blood work, and using nutrition and love to improve the health of an individual are

common similarities within both countries. I am discovering that it is not always the treatment

plan or advancement of medicine that determines the outcome of the patient, but the positivity

within the patient and his or her willingness to trust the medical team and a greater divine

presence.

Because I had to engage with other individuals such as student volunteers, parents, and

nurses during this experience and often gave tours and explanations of the hospital to the new

volunteers, I had to practice my leadership skills in a place I was familiar with for only a very

short period of time. I also had to be very independent and responsible with making decisions

and interacting with the children and their guardians, for I was not an official employee of the

hospital and had very little instruction on its guidelines and rules. To become an influential

volunteer and make a difference at short my time in this hospital, I implemented my strengths of

learner and belief to be successful. I often observed the work of other volunteers or asked
questions to the nurses to ensure I was providing top care and safety to these children. My belief

in God and a deeper purpose in life gave meaning to my actions and the ability to spread my

positivity and enthusiasm to both the new volunteers and the children. I believe I was born with

the skill of leadership, which made this experience a bit easier on my part for I could focus on

utilizing my strengths and putting full effort into caring for these children.

As I continue to move forward with my education and advance through the Honors

competencies that have shown to guide much of my personal growth, I plan to become an active

global citizen both on and off campus. I want to learn more about other cultures through events

on campus such as cultural nights, interact with diverse students and individuals through being

an English tutor at the Lincoln Community Center, and continue traveling abroad, especially to

other Spanish countries such as Mexico and Spain. Because I enjoyed my experience in Costa

Rica and truly appreciate the people I encountered, I plan to stay in touch with my host mom and

return back to the family and the hospital after I earn my undergraduate career. Going after I

graduate from college may give me the opportunity to treat the children and make an even bigger

difference in their lives. All of these activities are vital to becoming a global citizen and

appreciating the diversity of human beings. Learning is a gift that never ends and gives purpose

to the craziness of life. I am excited to continue on this journey of expanding my mind and

reaching all my capabilities through experiences of life.