Esperanza
Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope. Esperanza is also a Central American Katydid bug; Legend has it when in contact, it will bring you luck.
Nicolas Hughes
Nicholas is currently attending school at PCC for his transfer degree, then, he plans to transfer to PSU for Environmental Engineering. His trip with Carpe Mundi has turned his focus from engineering, and guided him to a more specific field of engineering. He wants to focus his studies and passion on permaculture design. He was inspired by Bona Fide, a Nicaraguan Permaculture farm, and plans to save money so he can return and take their course to expand on his knowledge of the ethics and principles of permaculture and sustainability. Carpe Mundi has opened his eyes to the privileges that he has in the U.S. In which, he is grateful for his education abroad, as it has encouraged him to invest more time on his passions and volunteering opportunities that helps his community and surrounding neighborhoods. Nicholas currently resides in Portland.
Betty Nelson
"I am finishing my cultural anthropology degree while working for Portland parks and rec. After graduation I plan to backpack a bit in Europe, then move back to Costa Rica and work with the indigenous Bribri community." Betty is 20 years old and currently co-enrolled at PSU and PCC Cascade. She enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and exploring new places. She was born in Costa Rica and speaks Spanish.
Nancy Oropeza Leon
My name is Nancy Oropeza Leon and I come from a Mexican background, but was born and raised in Oregon. I've been busy with school and family and I am happy to say that this year I officially graduated with my Associates of Arts transfer Degree! I'm so happy that I have accomplished this and it's a step closer to my future career. I am still undecided so as of now I will be taking a Gap Year and see where life takes me in hopes of finding my passion, which will lead me to my career decision. After Carpe Mundi I later on went to Mexico for the first time to reconnect with my dad that was deported that same year. It was an unforgettable experience and I am so thankful to God for the opportunity, especially because my sister joined me in the trip. As for work I had a temporary job as a sales- associate and then went to become an intern at Providence which was a cool experience. As of now I do not have a job due to school and family responsibilities, but since I am not in school anymore I can finally volunteer and apply to jobs.
Andrew Allen
Andrew is taking classes for his prerequisites at PCC for an associates of art transfer degree. He plans to major in filmography to further his interest from his attendance at film camps in the past. Since his return home from his trip with Carpe Mundi, he is practicing mindfulness and effective communications, skills that he learned while abroad. Andrew currently resides in Portland, and plans to do more solo travel in his future.
Sophia Winchell
Sophia is finishing her associates degree at PCC, with plans to transfer to a university for environmental science. During the trip to Nicaragua, she stayed at a farm called Bona Fide, of which has sparked her interest in the environmental and sustainable field. From her abroad experience, she learned better communication skills, like conscious and creative thinking. Sophia wants to travel abroad on her own and do more self exploration.