Saint Augustine once wrote: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

Traveling the world can teach a student far more than can be learned in a classroom, and a Bridgewater State University student is hoping to broaden her horizons and do some good at the same time.

Wareham native Lacey Vasconcelos, who studies environmental chemistry at the university, is hoping to travel to Costa Rica this summer to help endangered species and to immerse herself in Costa Rican culture.

"I chose chemistry because when I was going into college, I wanted a major that would allow me to get a job in the field of forensics when I graduate," said Vasconcelos. "When I had to pick a concentration I chose environmental because ever since I was little, I have been interested in animals and nature."

Vasconcelos has been accepted into a program organized by International Student Volunteers, and now she has some fundraising to do.

“I have to raise about $5,000. They tell you how much it is for the actual program, and how much it is for the flight, shots, and insurance,” said Vasconcelos, who graduated from Wareham High School in 2010.

Vasconcelos will spend two weeks working to restore parts of Costa Rica’s habitat and animal populations during the month-long trip.

Students can choose between a conservation program and a community development program.

“I would definitely want to do the wildlife conservation” program, said Vasconcelos. “They do things in the forest, helping with upkeep. It’s not all about animals.”

There are a number of areas that volunteers can choose to focus on for the conservation project, including researching whales and dolphins, researching poison dart frogs, and building trails.

Vasconcelos said that if she’s able to raise the money to go, she thinks she’d like to study turtles during nesting season.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience…you get to go to Costa Rica for a month, and you get to know that you’re helping out another community," she said.

After two weeks of work, Vasconcelos will have the opportunity go on an “educational adventure tour," which will give her a chance to explore Costa Rica and become acquainted with the culture.

She’ll explore the jungle, rappel from 200-foot waterfalls, and visit an active volcano.

“I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity to have, and if anyone ever gets a chance to do this, they should," said Vasconcelos. "If I could get some help from the community, it’d be great.”

To help Vasconcelos, contact her at Lvasconcelos@student.bridgew.edu.