Laura donates her summers to coordinate an annual trip to Costa Rica for students around the United States. Laura and the students volunteer at a Costa Rican elementary school helping underprivileged kids. Through supply drives and donations, the group provides school supplies, medicine, clothing, hygiene products and other items. Laura and her American charges have also worked at a sea turtle rescue center and an animal wildlife sanctuary nursing baby toucans, monkeys, sloths and a host of exotic animals. Volunteers have the opportunity to stay with Costa Rican families and take part in their daily routines. According to Laura, “Often, participants have a new perspective on life as this trip is a humbling experience for all who participate. We each genuinely feel how much the children appreciate what we are doing!” To be featured in Class Notes, visit valenciacollege.edu/alumni/class_notes and fill in the submission form or mail to: Class Notes Editor, Valencia Alumni Association, 1768 Park Center Dr., Orlando, FL 32835. The Alumni Association can also help to spread the word! Let us know about your meetups, networking events, annual retreats, reunions and save-the-dates that your fellow alumni might like to attend or did attend with you. Whether it’s getting a group together for sporting events, charity fundraisers, a day at the parks or just brunch and lunch, let us know. And if you send pictures, we might just include them in the next issue. We can share your adventures and good times with our readers, so that next time they can plan on joining in on the fun! And don’t forget: If you have an idea for a future article, please contact the Alumni Association. Send all suggestions to: alumni@valenciacollege.eduLaura Lord, 07
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