When I first arrived in Costa Rica, I expected to see beautiful landscapes, try new foods, and experience a different culture, but I did not expect the trip to completely change the way I think about business and community. Over the past few weeks, every rainforest hike, company visit, and conversation showed me how deeply connected people, sustainability, and business are in Costa Rica. Whether we were walking through the cloud forests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, learning about ethical sourcing at Sibö Chocolate, or seeing how local businesses support their communities, I began to realize that success in business is not only measured by profit, but also by the impact a company leaves on people and the environment. As this trip comes to an end, I am leaving with a completely different perspective and experiences that I know will stay with me long after I leave Costa Rica.

From our very first visit to the Doka coffee estate, Poas Volcano, and La Paz I was immediately attached to Costa Rica and was so excited for the next two weeks. From the strawberry tour where I got to taste fresh organic strawberries, to the Monteverde wind turbines where I learned about renewable energy I found myself engaged and thrilled to keep learning more about how nature, tourism, and business are all connected in Costa Rica. I saw how strongly Costa Rica values sustainability and environmental protection and one of the most eye opening parts of the trip was realizing how tourism, conservation, and local businesses all depend on one another. I was glad to not just tour and hear about the companies but also have the opportunity to experience some of it hands on like the hikes, and even getting to help pull weeds around coffee plants at Cafe Monteverde.

Visiting different businesses in Costa Rica helped me better understand how businesses can help their communities while still being successful. At Sibö Chocolate, I learned from one of the owner Julio that a good business is when everyone wins. This really stuck out and inspired me. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens, I saw how tourism is a huge part of their business. They take injured or illegally domesticated animals and keep them safe which also provides more jobs for locals, and increases their profit while also creating a positive social impact . Riverside Café showed me how small businesses can support their communities by hanging locals art on the walls and putting it up for sale and all proceeds go back to the artists, and they also have musicians play during the week which increase both the musicians and Riversides community. Lastly, at Dos Pinos, I learned that they have over 6,000 workers which allowed smaller farmers to expand production capabilities and contribute to both their own economic success and the overall growth of Costa Rica’s dairy industry.

One of the biggest things I learned from this trip was that businesses can be about more than just making money. Before coming to Costa Rica, I mostly thought successful businesses focused only on profit and growth. After visiting these companies and seeing how connected they are to their communities and the environment, I now understand that businesses can also create positive change. This trip helped me realize that sustainability, ethical choices, and supporting local communities can actually make a business stronger and more meaningful. These experiences changed the way I think about leadership and showed me that successful businesses should care about their communities and environmental impact, which is something I hope to carry into my future career.

One of my favorite parts of this trip was getting to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica in ways I never have before. Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens and sitting on the rocks near the waterfalls while surrounded by the rainforest was one of the most peaceful and memorable moments of the trip. I also loved getting to see animals like jaguars, monkeys, toucans, and parrots up close because it made me appreciate how unique Costa Rica’s wildlife and environment truly are. Some of my other favorite memories were walking through the cloud forests, crossing the hanging bridges, and spending time with everyone and making new connections throughout the trip. These experiences made the trip feel adventurous, exciting, and unforgettable.

As I say goodbye to Costa Rica, I feel incredibly grateful for everyone who made this experience so meaningful. From day one my host family made me feel welcomed and comfortable coming into a country having little background knowledge about it. Katie and Ryan planned such an amazing trip that allowed us to learn so much while also creating unforgettable memories together. I am also very thankful for Josue, Ivan, and Pino, whose guidance, knowledge, and positivity made every day and long bus rides much more enjoyable. This trip gave me a new perspective on business, sustainability, and community, but it also taught me the importance of slowing down and appreciating the world around me. I know I am leaving with memories and lessons that I will carry with me for a very long time, and I now understand the true meaning of “Pura Vida.”