“The trip was centered around working with the Special Olympics, and I’ve worked with special populations before. I just thought it would be a really cool experience to work outside my comfort zone.” – Hutton
Unfortunately, the dream trip began with a few complications. The original housing plan involved two students living with each host family, but, once they arrived in Costa Rica, Brianna and her fellow FC travelers were informed not everyone would have a Franklin College partner in their hosts’ houses.
“They asked for volunteers to live alone. Two had volunteered, and I was like, ‘Well I’m a senior, and I want to make the most of this, so I said I would stay with a family by myself. Honestly, it turned out to be the best thing ever. They treated me so well, like I was a part of their family, and I am still in contact with them now.” – Hutton
Gaining a new family was not Brianna’s only highlight. The Rockville, Indiana native enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Special Olympics.
“Working with the Special Olympics was really rewarding because they wanted to be there, and we just did anything we could to make sure they had a good time. Talking to them in another language was the difficult part. But it made it so great for me because I showed myself that I could do something that I didn’t think I could.” – Hutton
To defy others’ expectations is one thing, but to defy your own is always more fulfilling. Pursue your next challenge at Franklin College.