After a long wait, I finally received my passport and embarked on a journey that took me through four different countries before arriving in Costa Rica! Each step brought its own challenges and adventures, but I was determined to reach my destination. Despite missing the boot camp, I was fortunate to still secure a position at Confluent Medical Technologies. Navigating through various cultures and landscapes along the way was an enriching experience, providing me with a broader perspective as I settled into my new role.
As I live in the United Arab Emirates, the lifestyle and culture that I am accustomed to are vastly different from Costa Rica. This stark contrast spans various aspects such as cuisine, language, climate, and social norms. In the UAE, the culinary scene boasts Middle Eastern flavors with a fusion of international cuisines, whereas Costa Rican cuisine is known for its fresh tropical ingredients like fruits, seafood, and rice. Language presents another divergence; while Arabic predominates in the UAE, Spanish is the primary language in Costa Rica, influencing daily interactions and communication. Moreover, the weather disparities are striking—where the UAE experiences arid desert conditions with scorching summers, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate with lush rainforests and frequent rainfall. These climatic variations profoundly shape daily life, from outdoor activities to agriculture and even social gatherings. Beyond these tangible differences, societal expectations and traditions concerning family dynamics, greetings, celebrations, and interpersonal interactions diverge significantly between the two countries. Understanding and adapting to these cultural nuances are crucial, as they deeply impact social integration and overall well-being in both contexts.
Moving from the UAE to Costa Rica seemed daunting at first, but I’ve found my stride and settled in comfortably. The weather here is beautiful, with warm days and cool nights that create a perfect balance. The frequent rainfall adds a soothing beauty to the surroundings, nourishing the vibrant greenery that blankets the landscape. Everywhere I look, lush green mountains encircle us, creating a stunning backdrop that inspires awe. I’ve come to appreciate the phrase “PURA VIDA” on a deeper level—it encapsulates the pure essence of life here, where nature’s beauty and tranquility are abundant.
On the other hand, Confluent has become like a second family to me. From the moment I joined, they embraced me warmly and ensured my transition was seamless. Their strong belief in teamwork and fostering a positive work environment has resonated deeply with me. This collaborative spirit not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and innovation. I’ve been entrusted with involvement in two significant projects, allowing me to gain valuable insight into the entire product manufacturing process—from initial concepts to final production stages. Immersing myself in procedural documents and visiting the state-of-the-art clean rooms has provided me a firsthand understanding of the meticulous efforts each team member contributes to delivering high-quality outcomes. Moreover, my supervisor has been instrumental in guiding me through each aspect of our projects, ensuring I grasp how each department’s contributions synergize to achieve our goals effectively. Beyond their technical capabilities, the team’s camaraderie is palpable; everyone is supportive and genuinely looks out for one another, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere. In addition to their exceptional work ethics, Confluent’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art facility underscores their dedication to excellence. I feel privileged to be part of such a dynamic and supportive workplace where positivity and teamwork are integral to our success.
I will be going into more detail about my projects in the upcoming blogs. Stay tuned!