May 2023 ——-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ——-Vol 1 Issue 3

Picture: MBA Costa Rica Study Abroad Students visiting Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane tour in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Reflections from Costa Rica

Sara Schulz, online MBA Student

Now that I have had a chance to sleep in my own bed, my mind is full of the things I learned while I was in Costa Rica. The experience was extraordinary and challenging in so many ways. The food was incredible, the people were inspiring, and waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys is like nothing I could have imagined. 

I also realized that I am no longer 22; so much of the uncertainty of those years is behind me and the time away brought my gratitude for my current stage of life into focus.

Finally, I have been meditating on the concept of pura vida; the indelible attitude that things will work out if you just do the right thing and keep a positive attitude. So many of the businesses that we visited were focused on creating a good life for their employees and creating sustainable, circular business models that protect the environment. What would it look like to focus on physical, mental, emotional, and relational health for my team at work, my family, and my community? Could that shift bring me closer to the Costa Rican vibe of peace and connection? Only the future knows. Pura Vida!

Livin’ La Pura Vida

Colby Guidry, online MBA Student

Costa Rica was an incredible adventure and learning experience! I continue to be inspired daily by the ‘Pura Vida’ mentality and lifestyle. We were able to see everything from mountains to large bodies of water to heavily populated man-made cities.

I knew that I was fully immersed in the culture when we were next to the volcano and suddenly a large colorful bug landed on my arm. I asked our tour guide, Rocio, what this bug was. She explained that it was a beetle and confirmed that it does not bite. I continued to let it crawl around on my arm as I watched it like a mesmerized child. This mindset is one of the biggest things I took home with me. By that, I mean the ability to make decisions without anxiety or fear, but rather a curiosity and a yearn to learn new things. After all, everything in nature serves a purpose. Our instinct might be to step on any ant we see. However, most of the ants we saw were wood-cutter ants that do not bite humans. This idea that everything serves a purpose is easily relatable to the Pura Vida saying, in that most problems are not worth harping on. Pura Vida, or pure life, basically means that to be alive is a beautiful thing and life itself should always be celebrated.

Special thanks to our two Faculty members who accompanied students during Costa Rica Study Abroad.

Pictured left-Dr.Patricia Lanier, Management Department Head, MBA Professor for International Business.

Pictured right- Lisa K. Bowles, Sr. Instructor for Hospitality Management.

To support future students in their study abroad journey, please contact Camille Breaux, Senior Director of Development using the contact information found below! All gifts are greatly appreciated.

Email: camille.breaux@louisiana.edu

Phone: (337) 482-0933

GRADUATION

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