THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608090192
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: 86 lines
Julie Gehl had studied Spanish in the classroom, but she really didn't become proficient in the language until this summer, when she spent four weeks in concentrated study at the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro.
The Tidewater Community College student, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, received a scholarship through the Modern Language Studies Abroad program. Candidates for the scholarships were required to write an essay describing their interest in the program and to be interviewed by a panel of Spanish faculty members.
Gehl and eight other TCC students were chosen. The scholarship covered most of her expenses to Central America.
The TCC students were guests in Costa Rican homes. They attended daily three-hour Spanish classes. In both settings, only Spanish was spoken.
``Several days after we got there, my listening comprehension skyrocketed,'' she said. ``My ability to converse and to understand far exceeded my own expectations. I felt I could have stayed there. I recommended it (the program) to anyone who needs to fulfill Spanish requirements.''
Tico host families helped Gehl and other students with Spanish homework assignments, offered constructive corrections and taught them native dances, such as the merengue and the salsa.
Her host family's four-bedroom home, located in the province of San Josea, was compact, yet comfortable.
Few Costa Ricans earn more than the equivalent of $100 a week in American money. So by Tico standards, her hosts probably fall into the upper middle class, she said.
``My Tico mom was from a family of 18 sisters and two brothers,'' she said. ``Her husband, Fernando, was very likable. They entertained us with stories of marriage and children.''
Among Ticos, family comes first, and the Americans were treated like family.
``We became so close during that month that I cried when I left them,'' she said.
Sightseeing excursions included a secluded beach rich with driftwood, shells and wildlife, she said. Unfamiliar floral species surrounded the coast.
One day, she hopes to re-visit Costa Rican beaches and other sites such as inland, private salt-water pools that are surrounded by trees and deep enough for swimming.
Her plans for the future include continuing studies in Spanish. However, her long-range goal is to earn a doctorate in philosophy and to teach English literature on the college level.
Full name: Julie M. Gehl
Hometown: Corning, N.Y.
Fond childhood memories: ``I love music. At one time I thought music would be my life. I still sing a lot. My Tico mom asked me to sing almost on a nightly basis, and I still sing for weddings.''
Spouse: David L. Gehl
Occupation: ``Before I decided to pursue my education, I was a purchasing agent with a Chesapeake company.''
Hobbies: ``I'll read anything, and I love horses.''
Last book read: `` `Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. I read two or three at a time.''
What's your favorite game? ``I love to swim. So I've loved watching the Olympics - especially the diving.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``True Blue. What you see is what you get with me.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``I'd be a cat. Cats have it made. I have five and spoil them rotten.''
What irritates you the most? ``Rude people. That's because I try so hard to be polite and understanding.''
Favorite type of music: ``I play the piano and love everything. Music gets into your blood. What I listen to depends on the mood I'm in.''
Favorite movie: ``That's hard. We're avid moviegoers. My most recent favorite was `Bed of Roses.' ''
Can't resist: ``I can't resist the pull of water. I love to swim.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I would love to be more patient and open-minded.''
Favorite TV program: ``Frasier''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Locks Pointe at Great Bridge
Favorite way to spend a day: ``My ideal day would be spent relaxing with my husband next to our pool with some good background music and a current best seller.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``A steak at The Grate Steak with someone else cooking it for me. I wouldn't have to worry about the cholesterol, since it would be my last meal.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY by CNB