last April i went to Punta Mona on a school trip, and out of all the places we went on our trip, Punta Mona held the most energy and love and gathering out of any of them. From the second i walked in i was greeted like i was a long overdue friend. During my stay at Punta Mona i had a most interesting run in with a large amount of sea urchins. i was snorkeling pretty close to the beach and all of a sudden it was reef an urchins. When all was said and done i had over 12 spines in my feet and hands. i had to sit for a good hour and have the CRA guides dig the spines out. The two largest ones were in my right heel, luckily we got one spine out that day, which was about an inch long. However the other spine had to be removed when i got back to the states. even with this crazy and yes somewhat zany occurrence Punta Mona taught me patience. There were a couple leaders of the group i was in that were really bringing me down and saying things i had never heard people say to me before and it really hurt. i didn't know what to do and the overwhelming positive mindset and energy that came from my CRA guides and the Punta Mona staff really did help show me that even when you are under pressure to change who you are that you should try to handle it calmly and with a positive mindset. Also one of my kindred spirits from the group i was on is going to be an intern with you all so welcome her!!!!! Thank You, Andrew Van Houten -Good Luck Felicity-