What happens when young people grow up deprived of essential experiences that previous generations took for granted? Dr. Danny Recio, TedX Pura Vida Speaker, Co-Founder of New Summit Academy, Program Director for The Bridge Young Adult Gap Program, and Co-Founder of the Supportive Immersion Institute in Costa Rica, introduces us to the concept of "experiential deprivation" and its profound impact on mental health.
Our brains evolved to learn through direct experience—the more enriching the experience, the more neural connections form. Yet many young adults today struggle with anxiety and insecurity because they've missed crucial developmental experiences that once came naturally.
Through his work with cross-cultural immersion programs, Danny has developed a powerful approach called "supportive immersion". When young adults enter an entirely new cultural context like Costa Rica, they discover that "not knowing" becomes acceptable, even expected. This creates a liberating environment for growth, where contribution to community replaces the American fixation on independence. One student powerfully described the program as "based on failure, and that's a good thing," highlighting how safe exploration builds resilience.
Want to learn more about addressing experiential deprivation through supportive immersion? Visit bridgecostarica.com to explore Dr. Recio's innovative approach to mental health and development through cross-cultural learning.
