Hana Sato, Grade 12
UWC Costa Rica

  1. …the amazing sky in Costa Rica that fills me with memories every sunset and rainbow.
    Astonishing sky, the one that lies above our heads in Costa Rica. Drastically changing color every 5pm sunsets. Uncountable rainbows I have seen since my first arrival. I have never seen before such oscillating sky, changing along with my humor. So many times I got healed by it.
  2. …my Taiwanese and Chinese friends that always let me feel a bit closer to my Japanese culture through amazing food.
    Food food food. That is what culture is. Born and raised in Guatemala, my Asian identity got clouded so many times. Food connected me with my Asian part. Although friends from different countries, they were always willing to share culture and traditions, creating a home within my own culture for me.
  3. …every late night candle singing session.
    Singing means de-stress, stress means time to sing. Grab snacks, tea, sweaters and phones, we go far from people loaded places, far and far. One phone as a high volume spotify music speaker and another one as a lyrics screen. Before exams and after exams, we sang and forgot about anything else.
  4. …the Spanish teacher that cut my hair for Bald 4 a Cause.
    Cutting hair is always the beginning of a new phase, a new me. Although I always kept it short, there is still some insecurity that makes me feel nervous when cutting it. This year, I cut it to the shortest length I have ever had, my Spanish teacher cut it for me. He never stopped saying that it will look good.
  5. …the school photographer.
    I realized how amazing a photographer can be when looking at the graduation pictures posted on Facebook. I could see myself hugging my second years that supported me throughout the year. I understood that I was already feeling nostalgic even after not having passed one month yet since I finished my first year.
  6. …my dad.
    For teaching me that there is nothing more important than the values we embrace. For scolding me that lying is bad. For teaching me how to treat others correctly. But more than anything, for always reminding me to not lose myself.
  7. …the technology that connects me with my friends.
    Typing and sending, taking photos and sending, recording and sending. I love talking with friends. I miss talking to them using my own voice and noticing the change in their expressions. But I can still talk to them, tell them, ask them and laugh with them.
  8. …the great grandfather I could not get to know.
    Not only him, but all my ancestors that I did not have the chance to talk with. All those miraculous encounters and sharings allowed me to exist. The love they transmitted to their families connects to the love I receive today. Every single portion of me is a result of their lives and love.
  9. …the serene river and autumn mountains.
    Nature that always reminds me of home. The clean air that makes me believe that I am okay with every slow but deep breath. The midnight sound of the river running next to my house; the source of fear for the child I was before, today is the welcoming sound back home. Home is the vivid color of red leaves and the sweet smell of winter air.
  10. …every morning tea.
    ​Not liking mornings, grabbing a tea bag and boiling water is the first effort I do every day. It is the prize of waking up during am time. When I wake up after noon, I do not get tea. Need to reward myself for every effort I do, that’s my motivation. Every breath, every morning, every “good morning” deserves a tea to be celebrated.