Colombia
South America · Country #52
Did you know?
Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, supplying the majority of the planet’s highest-quality stones.
My Experience
Tennis gave me far more than the opportunity to compete. It gave me friendships that opened doors to parts of the world I never would have experienced otherwise. During my sophomore year of college, a friend from my tennis days, Julian, invited me to spend a long weekend with his family in Cartagena.
They welcomed me into their home and showed me a side of Colombia I never could have experienced on my own. We wandered through the colorful streets of Cartagena’s beautifully preserved old town, visited his family’s oil refinery, and spent time with many of his friends. We also spent a day at Isla Barú, where the crystal-clear Caribbean water and white-sand beaches provided the perfect contrast to the energy of Cartagena.










