Precious Ekeanyanwu

Costa Rica Discovery, Walking Tree Travel

Precious is a rising senior from Aurora, Colorado. She was born in Imo State, Nigeria and moved to the United States with her family when she was a kid. Her favorite place in the world is Estes Park, Colorado. Precious speaks Spanish is also learning how to speak Igbo. She loves playing basketball, learning about social sciences and her favorite book is The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty. In addition to traveling to Costa Rica this summer, Precious dreams of one day visiting Barcelona, Spain. She’d never turn down a plate of Fettuccine Alfredo. When asked what she is most looking forward to about traveling to Costa Rica Precious said,

“Since agriculture is a great factor in the growth and development of Costa Rica, I’m looking forward to doing my in-country project on the influence that the cuisine has on its culture. I’m excited to gather information about various aspects of the daily lives of Costa Rican’s and to observe, among other things, farming techniques, staple foods, local markets, traditional dishes and family dining routines .”

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Vy Nguyen

Senegal Explorer, Walking Tree Travel

Vy is a rising junior from Seattle, Washington. She was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States with her family when she was a kid. Her favorite place in the world is Disneyland! Vy speaks Vietnamese and is also learning French. She loves playing volleyball and frisbee, going on road trips, trying out new food and volunteering. Her favorite foods run the gamut from sushi and pho to frozen yogurt and red velvet cupcakes. Besides going to Senegal this summer Vy hopes to one day visit the Polynesian Islands- specifically Bora Bora. When asked what she is most looking forward to about her trip to Senegal Vy said,

“I’m really looking forward to the discovery of a new culture; trying out new food, meeting new people, and speaking French! As well as seeing Senegal’s beautiful environment. I can’t wait to go to my homestay family and undertake the very different living style and build relationships with them. I never lived in a hut –style house before, so I’m really excited to try out that living arrangement! Overall, I’m eager to do meaningful community service work and make a difference there.”

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Rachel Patterson

Costa Rica Pioneer, Walking Tree Travel

Rachel is a rising senior who was born and raised in San Diego, California. She speaks a little bit of Spanish and sign language, and considers her favorite place in the world to be “anywhere with friends.” Rachel’s favorite book is The Autobiography of Malcolm X, loves science, and can’t think of anything better than laughing on the dance floor.  Her dream is to visit every continent in the world, hopefully trying veggie burritos along the way. When asked what she was look forward to about her trip, Rachel says:

“I am most looking forward to interacting with the people of Costa Rica, and getting  to see the beautiful environment.”