Graduating high school as a Costa Rica expat
Learning to adapt is a must as a Costa Rica expat teenager. What do you do when your trip stateside gets canceled? This was the exact question Taya Page found herself answering in April 2020 when her trip back from Costa Rica to Colorado was canceled indefinitely. Graduating High School as a Costa Rica Expat did not go as expected, but this amazing young woman pulled it off.
Setting goals to graduate in Costa Rica
Instead of letting that get her down, Taya set a goal to graduate early from high school. She enrolled in both sessions of online summer school. Straight A's was also on the list. If she accomplished these goals she would head from Costa Rica back to the U.S. over the holidays. That is if air travel is allowed.
Staying away from the world
Keeping away from the world so she would not get sick, her days and nights were filled with long hours of studying. Free time was not spent watching TV, instead, she created a brand, read books, and learned how to design products like swimming suits, flip flops, and blankets. These are just a few of the things I was able to watch her create.
Costa Rica 2020 was a great year
Her year in Costa Rica looked nothing like she had thought it would, but one thing is for sure, she did it. Taya Page graduated on December 18, 2020. As for those A's...way to go girl, you did it. All your hard work paid off. I can't wait to see what you decide to do next.
It has been almost a year and a half since she was in her home country, but lookout Colorado, Taya is heading stateside.
Testing & quarantining after international travels
At this time Colorado is not requiring travelers to be tested or even quarantine; however, as a family we decided that she will be spending two weeks in quarantine. During these 14 days, she finished her finals to graduate early on December 18, 2020. Over the years we have learned that graduation day is different since we do school online. There is no walking with your class to receive your diploma or big parties with friends, but no student should have to spend this special day alone. As a mother, it breaks my heart that I was not there to hug her or eat a piece of celebratory cake. But I understand that she had to leave early so that she could be around the family on Christmas.
Stay tuned to hear how Taya's travels from Costa Rica to the US went:
Little secret -some places require social distancing and others don't. Knowing how to book your travel can make a difference in not only your health but your pocketbook.
Note:
The black mask she is wearing in the picture is not allowed on United Airlines due to the filter. She was aware of this before heading to the airport and arrived armed with a brand new one in her bag. The white mask was purchased at the local Farmacia for 1,200 clones (about $2.00 USD).
