20 Questions with Daniel

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We’re back with another blog for our “20 questions” series. Read on below for our interview with Kochavim Unit Head Daniel “Costa” Marin.

 

Question #1: What are your goals for summer 2018?

Costa: “My main goal this summer is to work hard to ensure that the campers, staff, and faculty in my unit and across camp have a transformative summer experience with unforgettable moments, new friendships, and lots of ruach (spirit)!”

Question #2: What are you most excited about for your role at camp?

Costa: “I am so excited to be the Rosh Edah for Kochavim! This will be my 12th summer at Camp George and from being a camper to counselor to an Assistant Unit Head, there have been amazing staff and Roshei Edah that have made my summers unforgettable with amazing experiences. I intend to put in the same work and energy to make this summer even more amazing!”

Question #3: What’s your life motto, or philosophy you live by?

Costa: “My motto is “Livin’ la Pura Vida with Hakuna Matata.” Pura Vida, which means “pure life”, is a Costa Rican phrase that encapsulates a humble lifestyle with an optimistic attitude. Hakuna Matata, meaning “no worries” in Swahili and popularized by The Lion King, compliments the pura vida lifestyle to create a happy and unworried life.”

Question #4: What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Costa: “When I was a kid, I told my family I would be a bone doctor so that I could heal my family’s bones when they grew old. I’m going to law school, so I may have sidestepped there, but that still pleased my Jewish grandmother!”

Question #5: What animal best represents you and why?

Costa: “My middle name is Lev, which is Russian for lion and Hebrew for heart. I’ve always loved lions and have thought of myself as lion-hearted when trying new things, accomplishing goals, and conquering fears.”

Question #6: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?

Costa: “My favorite Jewish holiday is Chanukkah! It is eight days of lighting the Chanukkiah, singing songs, remembering the story of the Maccabees, spinning dreidels, eating latkes, and eating Chanukah gelt. Spending it with family and close friends is always a happy time!”

Question #7: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?

Costa: “At Camp George I am known as Costa given my Costa Rican birthplace. It became so wide known that there are still many who think that’s my actual first name. It made exchanging contact information after camp a pretty funny experience!”

Question #8: If you could eat your favorite food now, what would it be?

Costa: “I am a big breakfast eater. My favorite food is a typical Costa Rican breakfast, which involves a big plate of Gallo Pinto (a rice and beans dish), eggs, plantains, pancakes, and a fruit salad. I could eat that every day!”

Question #9: Do you have a pet? If not, what sort of pet would you like?

Costa: “I have a beautiful dog named Tito. He’s a rescued mongrel that loves to run around and play!”

Question #1o: Do you have any siblings? What are they like?

Costa: “I have two older siblings. My older brother is a loving, caring, and kind-hearted person who is passionate about helping people. My older sister is a talented artist and avid knitter who loves to dance and gets the hiccups when she giggles for too long.”

Question #11: Does your name have a special meaning and or were you named after someone special?

Costa: “I was named Daniel because it’s a Hebrew name that is popular in both Spanish and English!”

Question #12: If you were sent to live on a space station for three months and only allowed to bring three personal items with you, what would they be?

Costa: “Camera. How else am I supposed to take selfies with the Earth in the background? Journal. I imagine being in outer space can be quite an experience that is worth journaling about! Speakers. Pump the jams so that I can groove, boogie, and moonwalk in space!”

Question #13: What outdoor activities do you like to do?

Costa: “I’ve always been a soccer player my whole life. But in addition to that, I love hiking, canoeing, and recently have entered the world of rock climbing!”

Question #14: What is something you love doing? Why?

Costa: “I love café hopping. My goal is to sip some coffee at every local coffee shop in downtown Toronto. I go to a new place once a week on Sunday mornings!”

Question #15: What was one new experience you tried that was completely unknown or uncomfortable to you at the time you tried it?

Costa: “Water skiing at Camp George! At first it was very uncomfortable because it was a skill that was hard for me to learn. It took me a couple of summers to get up on waterskis, and when I finally did, it was an amazing moment that I will never forget!”

Question #16: What makes a good camp friend?

Costa: “A good camp friend is one that will be silly with you. In other words, that friend that allows you to be yourself with them that makes you enjoy all the activities and programs that Camp George has to offer!”

Question #17: What is your favourite camp tradition?

Costa: “My favourite camp tradition is Super Special Song Sessions! It’s a time where all campers, staff, and faculty come together to sing, bless, and dance with each other to celebrate Shabbat.”

Question #18: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Costa: “Travelling. This world is full of landscapes and cultures worth discovering and exploring. I would dedicate time to travel the world and eat different foods, learn different ideas, hear different languages, and experience different cultures.”

Question #19: What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Costa: “Best advice I’ve ever received is to learn to laugh at myself. It’s an important skill to learn in order to admit when I’m wrong and to find humour in situations that may be embarrassing or frustrating! You should try it sometime!”

Question #20: What’s on your bucket list this year?

Costa: “On my bucket list was to travel to Europe before camp and law school. I just returned from Spain, so I’m on the right track!”