Living the Good Life
6:00am the alarm goes off. Some moaning and groaning takes place. A couple snoozes on the iPhone and finally I lift myself out of bed. I slip on my running shoes grab my watch and head out the door to meet up with fellow Northeastern students Seaver and Allen for our daily morning runs.
Each morning we start our day running on the open paths of EARTH University’s 8,000 acre campus. Jogging through the banana plantation, racing through the butterfly farm and passing by the river marks the start of our day.
Shortly after our run and after we freshen up for the day’s activities we head to the cafeteria for breakfast. Breakfast usually consists of the following options pinto (rice mixed with black beans), oatmeal, eggs, fruits and let’s not forget the distinct and rich Costa Rican coffee.
8:00am and class is starting. Our days are typically split into two three hour lectures and/or field activities. Lectures are conducted by various EARTH University professors whose expertise is relevant to our curriculum. Field activities may include a three hour field trip off campus or to nearby on campus sustainable systems that require our research and/or observations. In between these two academic pieces we usually take a lunch break around 12;00pm.
Lunch often varies with it’s options. Ranging in entrees such as chicken or pasta but always including the ever so popular rice and beans. After our morning session and a quick lunch class starts up again at 1:30pm sharp. This second class period usually goes on until 4:30pm where we get a quick two hour break before dinner at 6:30pm. During this break I often head to the gym in order to get out my energy from the long six hour class day.
The cafeteria has a strict closing time so it is imperative that we get to dinner before the last meal is given out at 7:00pm. After a delicious meal with friends, a second cup of that Costa Rican coffee and a solid 30 minute “Caf-chill” our group heads back to their dorm to regroup and prepare before the day begins again at 6:00am the next morning.
The University often hosts evening activities for students to participate in. Due to EARTH’s location students have limited options for extra curricular activities off campus. Clubs hosted by the University that take place usually consists of activities such as soccer, yoga basketball, dance, frisbee, or dance. I usually choose to participate in yoga on Monday evenings and co-ed soccer on Thursday evenings.
Yoga is pretty typical and serves as a great way to relax, reflect and rejuvenate. Due to the close knit community at EARTH you’re likely to see your fellow professors or TAs participating in the class with you. Soccer on the other hand is competitive and intense. Better known as futbol, this activity is taken very seriously here at EARTH. If you miss your shot your likely to hear a grown or the classic “Ayyyyeee!!” from one of your teammates. Overall, the activities are fantastic opportunities to stay active and hang out with fellow students.
Around 8:30 or 9:00pm the various activities end and students head back to their dorms to get ready for bed and go to sleep early in preparation of the morning ahead.
Life at EARTH is balanced between sports and activities, social events, academics and time to relax. The easy going lifestyle of students on campus comes as a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of down town Boston. Living at EARTH University Monday through Friday has given me a chance to get back to my roots and live a more balanced and overall happier day to day life. Fortunately but unfortunately I must admit – I am certainly going to miss the lifestyle here in Costa Rica.
