What I Learned About CAFTA

Kiera, 16

There are many who believe that CAFTA will affect Costa Rica in a negative way and there are those who believe the contrary. Epsy Campbell, a political figure in Costa Rica, believes that CAFTA is negative, which led her to vote against it. Her reasoning for why CAFTA is not good for the country is because she says it will not help the middle-class and the poor; it will only benefit the wealthy sectors of society.

She claims that CAFTA will hurt the social security system in Costa Rica, and that the cost of telecommunication services will rise as it has in the rest of Latin America. Costa Ricans will not be protected because they will have no help with loans or subsidies. It will weaken their ability to undertake social and infrastructure investments, she says, because Costa Rica will have many more debts that everyone will be required to help pay off. Another reason she doesn’t believe it will benefit Costa Rica is because Mexico has already gone through it with NAFTA and she is unhappy with the results.

Others like Jose Antonio Munoz, approved of CAFTA. They believe that it will help Costa Rica’s economy grow through the years. Supporters believe that it will be great for them to have diverse exports. Other countries will have “greater confidence” in Costa Rica’s willingness to trade. Munoz believes that it will not affect the farmers there that much, because many of them have left. He wants their economy to be great like Brazil and Ecuador.

Jon Huenemann, said that things will change, but Costa Rica will just have to adapt to it, because the world is changing and they have to be up to date with other countries. He believes that the US and Costa Rica will both be in better shape as a result of CAFTA. Sonia Picado agrees. She believes that CAFTA will work out because Costa Rica is creative, and they will make a way through all the negatives.

Furthest From Home.

Siena, 17

The furthest I have ever been from home is Toronto, Ontario in Canada. I went there to visit my great uncle and aunt. I went there with my parents and stayed for about a week. While I was there the most meaningful thing I learned was about my family history and how my uncle and his family immigrated to America from Russia. I was able to learn about where my family came from and the obstacles they had to overcome during WWII. It really made me appreciate my family and my heritage.

The trip I will be taking next is further away than Ontario. It’s the furthest I will have ever been. It’s Costa Rica. Going on this trip will be the furthest from home I have been, and it will be the longest time I have been away from my family. To prepare for this trip I have bought all the supplies I need and am mentally preparing myself for not being able to see or talk to my family or friends for almost two weeks. Although this may seem difficult, I am determined to pull through and do the best I can and have the most fun and adventure I can. I can tell this trip is going to be great and be a turning point in my life. I know I am going to learn a lot of valuable lessons and cannot wait to get there.

Furthest Travel Spot

Alyssa, 17
The furthest away I have been from home is when I traveled to California with my aunt. I was in second grade, and we went away for one week in October. I have always loved to travel, and have been travelling since I was only a few weeks old. My aunt had already been planning to visit her friend, Nadine, in Orange County, California, and my mom and her planned for me to go with her as a late birthday gift. I had such a great time. We went to the beach, to different stores in the city, and to Disney Land. (The Space Mountain ride in Disney Land is much better than the one in Disney World!) I have never been one to be homesick, and I’ve travelled away from my parents many times. I think all of my times going to Girl Scout camps, or just being away from my parents, has prepared me to be able to leave the country without them, and also for college and life after high school.
Other ways I have been preparing for the trip to Costa Rica is by gathering up some of my summer clothes, travel items, and gear I will need while I’m gone. My mom and I have bought things like bug spray, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing to work in. I still do need a few more things, but I feel mostly confident that I will have everything packed soon. I really am looking forward to going out of the country to a new place and culture, and can’t wait to leave Pittsburgh!