Today we had the privilege of visiting a local school in Monteverde and help paint their fence. Not only did we help to improve their school, but we made a positive impact in many kids lives. It felt extremely fulfilling to be able to help these kids. At the end of the project, a little boy who I had talked to, Celeste, gave me a bookmark as a thank you gift. I plan on using this bookmark as a way to remember the importance of helping one’s community. I find it extremely refreshing to be involved in the Costa Rican community like I have been this past week. 

In the afternoon, we toured Café Monteverde and had a coffee tasting at the end. It became evident that what truly ignites joy in Tico farmers is their deep sense of belonging within their community. The two tour guides we had at Café Monteverde were also helping at the school. Additionally, farmers lives are extremely affected by modern life and community. For example at the restaurant we ate at, 90 to 95 percent of their ingredients are grown in house, and the rest is bought from other Costa Rican farms. This highlights the resilience and adaptability of Costa Rican agricultural practices, and exemplifies the values of sustainability and local collaboration deeply ingrained within Costa Rican culture.

If I were a child of a Tico farmer, I would want to dedicate my life to improving my community and helping the ones that will come after me. By providing others with more opportunities, I would be make strives to help my community become more educated. Our tour guide today told us today that Costa Rica’s army is their brains, and so being a member of the community, I would want to help strengthen that army as much as possible.