With Love from Belize

Letters From Allora

I’m writing you from Placencia, Belize—a beautiful beach town wrapped in crystal-blue water and a rising buzz of Christmas cheer. The breeze and beaming sun blend into a perfect melody that matches the easy pace here.

After four weeks, my first round of PT students have come and gone. They were inquisitive, adventurous, and genuinely fun to teach. Watching them grow—clinically and personally—was a highlight of my time here. And I grew too. I saw where I can tighten things up (like balancing admin work with precepting and staying fully present), and I saw where I naturally thrive (their feedback made it clear how much they valued having room to fail, think, and try creative interventions). I couldn’t have asked for a better first group, especially after they surprised me with flowers and a thank-you card.

Their final week overlapped with my own emotional storm—the anniversary of my mom’s passing. The grief hit a day late and caught me off guard. For years I’d absorbed the advice to hold it together at work, save the tears for home, keep it “professional.” But that didn’t happen this time. Instead, I chose to be honest. I told the students why I seemed off as the tears came. It was a small act of vulnerability that felt massive internally. They received it with kindness and thanked me for sharing. That response was grounding. It reminded me that showing humanity—especially as a leader—is not a weakness. If anything, it strengthened my confidence for future moments when honesty might matter more than composure.

These blogs aren’t always meant to run deep, but they seem to be taking me there anyway. I’m okay with that. As the months unfold and this adventure continues, I know I’ll have even more to reflect on—with excitement, gratitude, and a steady sense of contentment across all parts of my life. And none of this growth would be possible without the big man upstairs and the two most important people who prepared me to handle life’s waves.

Bug bites, sweaty days, chill vibes and all—I’m welcoming every bit of it with open arms.

With Love From Belize,

Allora Mariesa