CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Aden Howell
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Meet the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows!
Follow along as CIEE sends 100 student leaders on a fully-funded semester abroad through the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship. In this series, we spotlight Fellows as they immerse themselves in Latin American culture, grow as leaders, and prepare to make an impact worldwide.
Name: Aden Howell
School: University of Colorado-Boulder
LATAM Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Q1: What does receiving this scholarship do for me personally?
Receiving this scholarship personally provides me with so much relief. I have wanted to study abroad since I was a freshman in high school (I’m now a junior in college) and this year I was finally able to achieve one of my goals. My family and I were worried that since my GPA was no longer a 3.0 that I wouldn't be able to afford it or continue going to my school, but when this scholarship was awarded it was a huge sign to me that I’m on the right track and that all good things come to those who wait. It released a lot of stress and worry, and I can honestly say that I am so much more focused on my studies and enjoying my time here in Costa Rica than I would’ve been without this scholarship, I would’ve been feeling a lot of guilt for relying on my parents' limited ability to aid me.
See more: Aden shares her stunning view while she studies from a hammock
Q2: What do you hope to learn (academically, culturally and/or personally) during your semester abroad?
What I hope to learn is everything! I want to absorb as much information academically, culturally, and personally. Academically I want to learn new solutions and ideas that I can apply to my engineering degree. Culturally I’m hoping to start my journey in being fluent in Spanish and expose myself to the full spectrum of Costa Rica culture. I am also hoping to do a lot of personal growth and reflection while I am here, trying to practice/implement mindfulness and appreciating where I am and where I’m going.
Q3: How does cultural immersion abroad help you become a more conscious global citizen?
Cultural immersion abroad helps me be a better and more conscious global citizen because it “forces” me to always be outside of my comfort zone. I grew up being ok with being in a new place and experiencing new things, but doing it solo in a completely new environment is so rewarding and confidence building. When you build that confidence, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities and open-mindedness. When that’s achieved, it is easier to see others' perspectives and be conscious of your own and starts to form that connection between you and the world around you.
Watch here: Aden takes us on her first nature hike
Q4: How do you plan to use what you learn abroad to make a difference in your community back home?
I plan to use what I learn here in Costa Rica to help me think more sustainably back home. I am learning so many efficient techniques for green energy and sustainable living that I think can be implemented back in America. I want to really bring that “Pura Vida” mindset to not only my personal and social life, but to my academics to help show my peers that engineering studies aren’t just all math and physics, that we’ll be interacting with the environment (even if indirectly) and we need to be aware of our impact. As well as that engineering doesn’t need to be as unhealthily stressful as everyone makes it to be.
Q5: Which local food/foods are you most excited to try?
Though the nation mostly eats rice with beans and various sides (plantains, avocado, and fruit) I really want to try new fruits, costa rican tres leches, torta chilena, traditional/homemade dulce de leche, and of course the coffee! I also saw a bakery on our tour of town so I really want to try the donuts I saw in their window because they looked phenomenal.
Become a Latin America Student Fellow
Your turn to make an impact in Latin America starts here – apply for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship today!