“It Was Very Formative for Me”: Sam’s Costa Rica Expedition

Originally from the UK, Sam joined Raleigh in her mid-twenties when she found herself at a crossroads. Little did she know, her Expedition to Nicaragua and Costa Rica would change the rest of her life.

After finishing her Expedition, Sam discovered a deep appreciation for Costa Rica and decided to emigrate. Now, 21 years later, she still lives in Costa Rica with her husband and son and owns and operates her own small business.

Here’s how Raleigh impacted her life!

What Inspired You to Join a Raleigh Expedition?

I wanted something with some purpose. I found out about Raleigh through a friend and I thought that would serve me more than just going to Thailand and partying.

I selected Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I really wanted to go to South America, and it was between that and Chile. When I did my application weekend it was in December and we had to swim in this frozen lake and I was just like there is no way I’m going to a cold country after that experience!

How Did You Fundraise for Your Expedition?

(Fundraising) was really challenging. I tried lots of different things. I got in touch with the local BBC radio station and they helped me a bit. In fact, they followed me when I was on Expedition. I did little radio reports to them, which they published.

I did lots of different things. I grew plants and did sponsored walks. I think I went around and asked all my neighbours for their junk and did boot sales. I used to work in a restaurant and I got the girls to dress up with me and go around the bars and just ask for money.

What Projects Did You Work on?

Our first project was to tap a water source. We found the source in the mountain. It was blistering heat, like 50-degree heat, smashing up the ground, smashing up rocks, trying to dig the holes to lay the pipework in.

We were able to provide water to this village of probably about 20 families, and the only other source had been the river there. So, that was really cool because it actually did something. It was successful.

My second project was in Costa Rica. I think it was in conjunction with the UN. They built a ranger station to study the mushrooms growing there and our part of the project was to build the paths so people could walk around and see them.

What Was the Most Memorable Moment During Your Time on Expedition?

I injured myself just before we left for Expedition and I was having quite a lot of problems carrying my backpack. So I was allowed to do a second environmental project and it was by far my most favorite one. It was in a private wildlife refuge in a place called Curu in the Nicoya Peninsula.

It was amazing. We lived on the beach, worked on the beach and spent all our day in the ocean.

I just remember laughing. I was up in my attic looking at some photos the other day and right at the very end, the last day, me and one of the guys had gone for a little walk along the beach and we’d seen this monkey. We sat down on a log and he came up and it sat right next to us. There’s a picture of it holding my hand with its head on our lap.

How Much Did Your Expedition Change Your Life?

I have a husband, I have a son, I have a business, I’m a Costa Rican citizen now, it’s my life.

If I hadn’t done that Expedition I wouldn’t have my boy, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It was very formative for me.

What Skills Did You Learn That Changed You as a Person?

I wanted to do something with structure, something that wasn’t about me, that was about giving out.

There are moments when you wonder ‘why am I doing this?’, but, I knew that the challenge of it would provide the growth and the movement forward in my life that I needed.

I think Raleigh shows you that you can do anything you put your mind to, irrespective of what that is. I’ve had lots of different little businesses over the years. I’ve tried my hands at lots of different things, but I think because it gives you the confidence to say “yes, I can do that” or “I can try that”, to just to give things a go that maybe you wouldn’t do ordinarily.

What Do You Think is One of the Best Aspects of Raleigh?

That you get access to people, cultures and their lives in a way that you wouldn’t very easily otherwise. Which is a gift in and of itself.

It makes you appreciate so much. Like opening a tap and water coming out of it or having a fridge full of food or things that are so easy to take for granted in our privileged Western lifestyles.

It really brings it home that you do live in privilege and that most of the world does not. It’s very humbling. It gives you a deeper appreciation for everything that you have.

And I love the fact that you mix people from such broad backgrounds. That is part of the beauty of it.

Do You Have Advice for Young People Considering a Raleigh Expedition?

Do it. Whatever your doubts or qualms or concerns are, it’s good to know them, but just throw that out and just do it. Just put yourself in that position. I can’t imagine why anyone would ever regret doing Raleigh.

There were moments where you ask yourself ”what am I doing?”, But it’s all part of it. It’s all part of the challenge, the experience and the growth.