2012-09-17
Driving through coastal Ecuador en route to Puerto Lopez, we saw hills covered with brown scrub brush and nearly leafless trees. Three rainy days later as we drove that same route, the hills had transformed into a vibrant yellow as the trees burst into flower. I later learned the tree, known in Ecuador as Guayacan,...
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2012-09-17
Like most developing countries, Brazil has prioritized rapid development and economic growth over sustainable practices and clean waste management. This isn’t a criticism of the country, but rather a sad reality that comes with aspiring to be an economic superpower. This fact was evident to me during my time in Salvador da Bahía, the third...
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2012-09-17
Dearest Quito, You are a noisy city. Even in the second before I drift off into sleep or the second after I awake, even with my eyes closed and lights off and consciousness wavering, I could never pretend to be anywhere else. You are too full and thick. Your smells (both the yummy food ones...
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2012-09-17
Initially there were eight of us without visas—The Brazil L8—we called ourselves with internal smirks. We spent three days in Tahoe. Floated the Truckee river, swam in the ice melt lake, and stayed in a cozy cabin a five minute walk from a private beach. Even with the outstanding scenery I couldn’t always stay focused...
Read More2012-09-13
Being pressured into doing something can sometimes come as a relief when you don’t know what you want. But having a choice is always the better alternative. Lucky for me, I realized this last year during the college application frenzy of senior year. Though I felt ready for college, and definetly ready to do something...
Read More2012-09-13
I’m no stranger to sweat; I practically grew up dosed in it. From doing triathlons in the scorching summer sun to muck stalls and lifting bails of hay in the horribly humid air, I’m used to having every part of me drenched with beads of salty water. That being said, I think I have sweat more in the past...
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2012-09-13
The last couple of weeks have been nothing short of thrilling, thought provoking, anxiety producing, and most of all: life changing. Stanford University is the perfect setting to foster global change with a group of extraordinary individuals. From conversations on women’s empowerment and foreign aid to reflective yoga and late night singing and dancing there...
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