Today, I achieved something I never thought I’d put on my resume: Professional Barefoot Corn Planter. As our last day in Monteverde came to a close, I had the pleasure of attending Life Monteverde. It was truly a blessing hearing all about their hard work. I didn’t just visit a farm, I felt like I stepped into a living, breathing classroom where nature, community, and sustainability are the teachers. It was one of those rare experiences that quietly changes how you see the world.
Tico farmers live lives that are humble, yet full of meaning. Their days are shaped by the land and the weather, and their work is steady, physical, and deeply intentional. They don’t have it easy. But they would never openly show that! They were some of the happiest people and tour guides I’ve yet encountered. It was obvious how much they cared about us students getting a rich and impactful experience, and I appreciated that!
What brings Tico farmers joy isn’t just the land they work or the crops they grow, but also the impact they’re making on the world, one visitor at a time. At Life Monteverde, you could see that joy beaming from the farmers as they shared their stories, their land, and their way of life with us. They weren’t just showing us how to plant corn or compost food scraps; they were giving us an experience, something real and unforgettable. And that brought them so much happiness. You could tell they truly enjoyed hearing our thoughts and questions. They listened intently when we shared our opinions, smiled at our curiosity, and laughed with us when things didn’t go quite as planned (like when we struggled to plant corn barefoot like pros). They were constantly snapping pictures and videos of us, kneeling in the dirt, laughing with our hands full of compost, or even washing our feet. At one point, I looked up mid-corn planting to see someone filming us like we were in an agricultural documentary. It was both hilarious and heartwarming. They were just so proud to have us there, experiencing their world.
If I were the child of a Tico farmer, I think I’d want to dedicate my life to making a meaningful difference, first in my own community, and then in the world beyond it. No matter what path I chose, I’d carry with me the lessons passed down through my family, the love for the land, the value of hard work, and the belief that even the smallest acts, when done with intention and love, can create real change. I’d want my life to be a reflection of those values. A life rooted in purpose, connection, and the hope of leaving the world a little better than I found it.
Being part of a community creates a powerful environment where people naturally push each other to grow and be better. This trip, in particular, has shown me how the community of people around me plays a vital role in my happiness and growth. Being with a group that uplifts and encourages one another has made every moment more meaningful and joyful.
