My Introduction Video:

I am not in Kansas any more

Ok i am not going to lie-  Costa Rica is beautiful.  It is almost completely opposite from Alaska climet wise. My family is not as privileged as I am.  And I feel as though I am very spoiled.  People here do not have much, but the love towards there family and the trust they have demonstrated in me- a complete stranger- is amazing.  I have been learning Spanish for quite some time but when it comes to speaking with people i have the vocabulary of a 4 year old. When you get into the real Costa Rica, you find that close to no one speaks English, including my host parents.  I am not proud to say that I am calling my host mother "mami" and father "papi".  I was so exited to see my house that i was going to stay in for the next year.  I imagend some house like i have at home some where hidden in the jungle.  Hahah no such luck! it is the opposite.  mostly every house is covered in bars so that burglars can not get into the house. Only the people who are very rich own land other then the jungle in there back yard.  It reminds me of something you would see on T.V about "real" Mexico.  the walls are made of concrete and mostly painted a pastel color that looks like dried clay.  It definitely has a very pronounced latin american feel.  I am the tallest in my family besides my papi who is about my height. 

Listening to the locals (ticos y ticas) you really have a different perspective of Costa Rica.  When you here something on the news, it involves the community in ways that you will not find in America.  When I was talking to my host uncle he said that people in Costa Rica choose not to mine for gold or minerals and would resent any thing that hurts the jungle in a heart beat. He told me of many protests to protect the jungle and the environment. Just another good reason why they want and usually have a lot of tourism,, because there economy earns money and it does not affect the environment very much.

 The fresh fruit and all the food is amazing here!!  in my host house the kitchen is very small, we usually don´t have much food, and they don´t have any junk food -- zip --zero - nada. And i am enjoying it very much!  Every thing is so different,, but i have to say that the two weirdest things is that since they really don't have a bathroom,, they keep all there stuff in the kitchen,,and there tooth brushes in the fridge.  You have to brush your teeth three times a day --- very important. Take a cold shower every morning since they don't have heated water, and the toilet does not have a seat so you have to hover! :)

oh my gosh - I am really leaving...

Hola Amigos!

I am up posting my first blog because I can not sleep.  Ironic, I know...    

 I leave in less than 24 hours!! I have been counting the days for about two months, and now I am sitting on the computer at 10:46pm trying not to explode. So far this one of the biggest things I have ever done in my whole life, (but before I eject too much drama into this blog) I am only 15 years of age.

I will be living in a little town named Santiago de Puriscal.  A wonderful little farming community that is labeled “real” Costa Rica. I have two sisters, one is 21 and the other is 17 ( both extremely gorgeous, but looking at the parents it does not surprise me ;) ) .  The oldest Saray is studding to become a doctor and Rebe (17) is still in Colegio or High School.  I will post more when I get there if I find internet so stay tuned!!

Pura Vida!

 

Fund Raising on a Budget And About me

    

Breanne

Phone: (907) 433-9578

Email: costarica.bre2011@gmail.com

Work Experience

2008-Present       General Labor – Pro Scaffold                                                   , AK

(Summers)          Construction working, learning basic scaffold, answering phones,

                           filing, billing, management of yard while left un-attended, dealing

                           with customers and general yard and scaffold cleaning.

2008-Present       Childcare Provider – Self Employed                                         , AK

                           Provide childcare to families after school and on week ends.

2006-Present       Lawn Maintenance/ Landscaper – Self Employed                     , AK

                           Raked and mowed lawns, snow removal, and maintaining

                           flower beds.

Education

 High School                                                                                           , AK                 

3.6 GPA

   Honor Role 2007 – Present

Spanish Immersion Program                                                                              , AK

   Formal education in Spanish. Excellent in reading, writing and speaking.

Keyboarding I

   Completed UAA course in computer keyboarding.  Proficient in Microsoft,

    Internet and typing.

CPR and First Aid Certification – American Red Cross                                        , AK

   Certified in CPR and First Aid.

Babysitting Certification – American Red Cross                                      , AK

   Basic childcare certification and First Aid.

              

Hunter Certification – Alaska Department of Fish and Game                                , AK

Basic hunter safety and certification.

Volunteer Work

Alaska Boys and Girls Club

   Assisted with art projects, Torch Club, Homework help and general Supervising.

Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue

   Fostered various dogs and puppies, while trying to find loving homes for them at

   Pet Co. every Saturday.

Assistant Coaching Volleyball – CYSA

   Helping teach young girls how to play and enjoy Volleyball.

Various Dinner Benefits – Stride, 4-H

   Dinner and silent auction at Chugiak Legion for Stride, 4-H and Cherrie Ruecsh. 

   watering, bussing and food preparation.            

Pillow Patrol – 4-H

Sowing pillow cases for homeless children to bring comfort to those in need.

City Wide Clean-up

Collected bags of trash around neighborhoods and schools.

Personal Skills and Attributes

Bilingual               Responsible                  Friendly           

Honest                 Reliable                        Customer Service Oriented

Training and Recreational Activities

2011                    Honor Role – Chugiak High School

2011                    AFS Exchange Program (American Field Services)

2010- Present      Representative of Seminar Classes

2010                    Art Club

2009- Present      4-H (Vice President)

2010                    UAA Health Career Program

2009-10                National Junior Honor Society (Secretary)

2008                    Rose Urban Rural Exchange Program to Point Hope, AK

2006- Present      Volleyball (CYSA, ICE, NBC, Northern Lights, AVA, Chugiak High)          

2005-08                Boys and Girls Club (Vice President) (Torch Club)

1999-07                Girl Scouts

References

George Cowie                                         Tracey Hupe

                                                                            

When being integrated into another culture I would be faced with many challenges such as; language barriers, differing spiritual and cultural beliefs, proper etiquette and personal interactions.  With my formal education in Latin American culture and open minded personality I believe I am adequately positioned to face these challenges.  I am bilingual in English and Spanish which gives me the ability to process different forms of communication and dialects.  With ten years of formal education in Spanish and Latin American culture I will be able to expand my horizons in many different ways.  Latin American culture tends to place a high value on family and community and have a friendlier more compassionate and peaceful nature.  I admire these qualities in a way that it appeals to me because it differs from my own country in how Americans tend to be more materialistic.  I am a very considerate person with an unlimited desire to gain knowledge.  I would be able to learn and respect an individual’s spirituality and culture with out conflict.  Naturally I am a very friendly and mature person and excel at modifying my behavior to ensure respectful interactions with everyone.  I believe this experience will further broaden my perception of life and assist me to see beyond the story line text book I am accustomed to.

What interests me the most about AFS is the opportunity to study in a local school and provide volunteer support to community services in Costa Rica.  My motivation for wanting to attend a local school is to put into practice everything I have learned about the language and culture of Latin America through text books.  Text books have provided me the knowledge however; AFS can provide me the opportunity to fully embrace Latin America.  Attending a local school will expose me to different teaching styles and curriculum.  I will learn valuable skills in striving to accomplish greater challenges in a local school.  Being apart of the community and school, I will have the benefit to share my knowledge of my community and culture. Every community needs helping hands to make their home a better place.  I have always had a strong desire to help people.  My favorite thing about helping people is positive out come and sense of self accomplishment.  Being able to over-come the challenges of helping a different community will give me a more reassuring sense of self accomplishment and a more elevated influence on the people and communities that I reach out to.

Fund Raising on a Budget

Hey there!

             I remember when I first told my dad about my dream of traveling to a different country for a whole year. What he told me still that I wouldn’t get any where unless I completely dedicated myself and here I am completely dedicated and of course that he was going to miss me.                                                                              

            I have learned many important details about raising money.  When I first stepped up to the challenge of raising all the money myself, I have found it extremely difficult to ask others to donate there hard earned money to my cause because I have truly learned the value of the dollar.  Especially in these hard economic times. But another important thing I have learned is that, no mater how small the donation, it can add up fairly fast and people are more willing to donate if they can be benefited.

             As I get closer to my departure date this summer, the more my dreams become a reality and so dose the remaining balance of my tuition. In a attempt to raise money I decided to use the 25,000 Alaska airline miles my dad gave me as a reward of my good grades last year, and instead of using them to see my family I made the toughest decision to raffle off the Airline miles to raise money.

             I created custom tickets that cost $12 each and $20 for two tickets. The raffle will be held May 15, 2011.  Each person who buys a ticket must leave me with there name, number and email.  My plan is for everyone who purchases a ticket will be emailed my blog address where I will post my progress on integrating myself into there culture every month to two months while abroad.

            If you know anyone who would be interested in buying a raffle ticket for 25,000 Alaska Airline miles please recommend them to me.  

Thank you, and have a nice day!!

Sincerely,

Breanne Bash

Fund Raising on a Budget

Hey there!

             I remember when I first told my dad about my dream of traveling to a different country for a whole year. What he told me still that I wouldn’t get any where unless I completely dedicated myself and here I am completely dedicated and of course that he was going to miss me.                                                                              

            I have learned many important details about raising money.  When I first stepped up to the challenge of raising all the money myself, I have found it extremely difficult to ask others to donate there hard earned money to my cause because I have truly learned the value of the dollar.  Especially in these hard economic times. But another important thing I have learned is that, no mater how small the donation, it can add up fairly fast and people are more willing to donate if they can be benefited.

             As I get closer to my departure date this summer, the more my dreams become a reality and so dose the remaining balance of my tuition. In a attempt to raise money I decided to use the 25,000 Alaska airline miles my dad gave me as a reward of my good grades last year, and instead of using them to see my family I made the toughest decision to raffle off the Airline miles to raise money.

             I created custom tickets that cost $10 each. The raffle will be held May 15, 2011.  Each person who buys a ticket must leave me with there name, number and email.  My plan is for everyone who purchases a ticket will be emailed my blog address where I will post my progress on integrating myself into there culture every month to two months while abroad.

            If you know anyone who would be interested in buying a $10 raffle ticket for 25,000 Alaska Airline miles please recommend them to me.  

Thank you, and have a nice day!!

Sincerely,

Breanne Bash

AFS Exchange to Costa Rica 2011 :D

“Independent” said my mother, answering the question AFS had provided to be in this intro about myself.   I can describe myself in many ways, but if any one would know me better than I, it is my wonderful mother and father.  Ask my friends and teachers and they would tell you that I have a drive to succeed.     I was born in Anchorage, Alaska and have been raised here ever since.  I absolutely love my home state; it is indeed one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I live in a fairly medium size community and really enjoy it.  One of my most favorite things to do is explore new areas. I adore traveling and exploring, and what better way to do that then to immerse myself in the culture and people for one whole year!I take pride in my work and try my hardest, while I do take work and school vary seriously I have a easy going personality that makes me able to make good relations with people . I have studied Spanish since kindergarten and enjoy taking challenging classes. My relationship with my family is quite unique.  My parents separated when I was eight.  I consider my parents significant others, Gorge and Jenn, also to be my parents because they have helped and watched me grow.  My interaction between me and my family is filled with love and respect.  As the eldest child, I have taken a natural role of responsibility and leadership.  I am vice president of my local 4-H club. I enjoy 4-H because it a community club that teaches many valuable skills for modern day kids/teens, including myself, while being involved in many volunteer opportunities.  I am very devoted to helping my community, and have been involved in many volunteer projects, like a co-coaching a volleyball team, volunteering at my local boys and girls club, pillow patrol (making pillow cases for homeless children) and many more.    When I was in middle school, I was in NJHS (National Junior Honor Society)   and was elected secretary and enjoyed my time spent helping my community and school.  I am also the representative of my 9th grade seminar classes.My goals for perusing this exchange program are to educate my community about cultural differences while exploring, learning and meeting life long friends.  This exchange will give me the opportunity of challenging my ability’s. Having to over come cross cultural challenges will give me an opportunity to strive in my future by developing abilities and tools that will be of assistance to my generation by creating bonds with people and culture of Costa Rica.I hope to influence my new host community with my different culture and history while learning there’s.  I look forward joining in on lending a hand to my new host county by community service.  In my daily life I try not to find fault, but rater take things as they come and prioritize.  One of my biggest flaws is that I tend to procrastinate.  I ask my parents for advice because of their experiences.  I also ask my friends and teachers for inputs because I believe that to learn and understand something you must first listen.As I progress in my education, I plan to get a scholarship from my volleyball and academics to Harvard.  Later graduating with a major in philosophy or medical science, then becoming a doctor and traveling around the world helping people in rural villages. An obstacle in my life that has taught me a lot is the separation between my family.  From this experience I have learned to be more responsible and resourceful.  Transitioning from place to place has taught me to be more organized and adapt to different environments quickly.  I try to take advantage of all my opportunities to make myself better. And eventually I hope to elevate my influence on people and the communities I reach out to. Yours truly, Breanne Bash

11/9/10

by Breanne

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