“Pura vida” represents the brotherly love that mantles over Costa Rica. It defines the country as a peaceful nation. The statement is supposed to portray its population's kindness and laid back attitude: there is no harm or stress in pura vida. Regardless of the cheery image that the country portrays, there are still large defects that linger in the shadows of Costa Rican society which are overlooked by the pura vida statement. However, the abuse against young women in the region is an issue that the Costa Rican government can no longer ignore.
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The Harvard GlobalWE Board members and essay contest managers read over all submissions and vote on the winning essay by year and school or region. In its selection criteria, Harvard GlobalWE does not advocate a specific ideology or agenda.
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