Why Costa Rica?

Kalen and I have been asked this question a number of times. "Why Costa Rica?" or "Why are you leaving Denver?" The reasons are varied, but I think what it comes down to for me is I never want to have regrets that I didn't do something that I wanted to do. The timing was also right in many ways. The housing market sucked for us, but other than that, timing was perfect. I had paid off my student loans in February of this year, and many of my coworkers and friends were leaving my school to go to work other places. I also have always wanted to live abroad somewhere to get that experience. I have always wanted the opportunity to push myself and immerse myself in another country and culture.

we have started to take daily walks on the beach

So what is life like lately? Since I graduated from TEFL just over two weeks ago, Kalen and I have moved into a new place in Samara since we decided we weren't ready to leave quite yet. I have been working from home as an English language tutor, and although it doesn't make me a lot of money right now, I am far less stressed out and I really enjoy teaching people 1:1 online. I have always been fascinated by how people learn and have loved finding ways to challenge them just the right amount. I also love meeting new people in 1:1 settings. I also found out during TEFL that teaching online was kind of my jam.

One thing that has been interesting to me is that I still don't know if I want to give up on school psychology forever or not. Right now, I am calling this my career pause. I want to use this time to think things over and really give this new opportunity a chance. I am lucky that I have Kalen to help support us while I make this transition. I still feel like a school psychologist and a lot of my heart still leans in that direction, but man, I will not miss the crazy amount of stress I often felt in that job, most often due to my work with adults....

I plan to keep my school psychology license current by taking professional development while I work everything out. Man, I love school psychology, but the politics involved in working in a school system that in many ways is broken would almost crush me at times.

I will be thinking of my former colleagues and my former students this year a lot. <3

Another thing I have started to do here is volunteer with Pata which is an amazing non-profit animal rescue here in Samara. I have started volunteering to help walk the dogs to the beach once a week. Please consider donating to this amazing organization!

some of the dogs at Pata

Anyway, that is life as of right now. Who knows where it will lead next?