Where do I begin? In a week’s time I feel like I’ve already experienced, learned, and changed so much here in La Selva. There is so much to unpack, so much I can mention, and I hope I can provide an accurate record of how transformative it has truly been.
One of the things I’ve noticed about myself already is a heightened sense of purpose and belonging. I admit that before coming to La Selva, I was so absorbed in my own life and situation – going through a big life change recently, I couldn’t seem to find a way to unstick myself and focus on the bigger picture in life. But being in the rainforest, and seeing the beauty and vastness of life, has brought me closer to the planet I love so much and hope to protect.
And what’s more, I am so grateful for being with people who share that same love and passion for the environment! I cannot say enough how much I love this group – everyone is so kind, caring, insightful, and genuinely fascinated with the world. We get excited for upcoming lectures, discuss environmental ecology and ethics over breakfast, and pause everything to analyze in awe the fascinating creatures passing by, such as the leaf cutter ants.
Which, a quick aside on leaf cutter ants: I never thought I could be so fascinated by an insect! These little guys populate La Selva in abundance, and they work day and night transporting their little leaf cutlets (and the occasion seed and flower petal) back to their nest. They then use the leaves to raise a fungus for food, the ultimate source of fule for their convoy. And it gets even more interesting. Not all leaf cutter ants are made equal – in fact, they vary in size and shape, and this variation dictates their job for life! The strongest carry the leaves, the smallest clean the leaves from external fungus, and manning it all is the massive queen ant. They are tireless workers, and might I say, even cute, as they march along on their mission. 
But back to the group – I don’t think I can say enough how grateful I am to be able to experience this study abroad with these people. Everyone has gratitude at their heart, and even through the hottest days or the strongest rain storms, no one complains – we just go with the flow and enjoy the experience. The word that keeps coming to mind when I describe our interaction with each other is this: wholesome. And it’s in the little things that it shows. We’ve worked out together in the hot humid Costa Rican heat, just for fun, all crowded around a group workout video. We all frequent the library together to grind out our assignments, trading out the few seats from time-to-time so everyone can sit in the comfy chairs. And we share a meal together all three meals of the day, and I absolutely love talking with and learning more about everyone. We often take time to play cards together after our meals, too, and I’ve already learned Euchre and KaBoom! There’s a Euchre tournament going on in the cafeteria as I type, and the atmosphere around me bustles with laughs and love.
Also, I am really enjoying this opportunity to work on a research project! I have eternally gained so much more respect for researchers – designing an experiential accounting for all the extrinsic factors, enough to draw a sound conclusion, is actually quite difficult. But despite the challenge, I really feel great about it! I am working with Trin, and I could not have worked for a better partner. She is super understanding and kind, and I feel like we work really well together. I can’t wait to see where our research takes us this upcoming week!
And again, back to the atmosphere of this place –
The kindness and care I’ve seen, from the students I work with, the students from the other schools, and the Costa Rican people I’ve met, has been so uplifting. I think this is best told in an anecdote:
The story takes place right after we came back from our organic pineapple farm tour yesterday. At the farm we were able to eat fresh pineapple right from the plant, and it was the sweetest, most delicious thing. And we got to take a picture of a mini pineapple plant! They made us delicious pina coladas (sans alcohol), and on our drive back from the farm we listened to The Pina Colada Song, and how appropriate that we got caught in the rain! A tree had unexpectedly fallen on our path, so we had to walk the way back to La Selva – but it was honestly such a fun walk; I was able to talk to Dr. Libby’s experience in the Peace Corps, and just take in the beauty of the nature that surrounded us. And to the point of my story – on my walk, we passed by a few homes of some locals. Now I had not brought a raincoat with me, so I was just accepting that I would be completely soaked by the end of this walk. One of the local women standing outside with a poncho saw me, and without hesitation she signaled to me. She was offering her poncho to me – I was so warmed by her offer, I didn’t need the raincoat to fend off the cold. I politely declined and thanked her; the kindness she showed me, to a complete stranger, will stay with me.
Kindness can make all the difference; that and hope, I think, is what will save this planet as we continue to navigate this rather clamorous present, where we are at a tipping point environmentally, in need of a change. I have hope, and I will not let go of it – because only when we let go of it is the fight truly lost.
Several of the locals I spoke to mentioned this – the power of doing our part. It might be small, a drop in the ocean – but imagine if everyone did their part? Together we are strong, and together, we can heal this world.
And I also learned another thing from the locals, a wonderful phrase “pura vida!” It translates to pure life, one in tune with nature, and one full of happiness and love. It does not have to be filled with grandeur, millions of dollars, and material possessions – no, it is pure, simple, and everything the heart needs.
I will continue to enjoy seeing the lovely animals that grace this landscape (the Honduran white bats (lovingly nicknamed the “marshmallow bat”), the peccaries, and the motmot being some of my favorites!) and learning as much as I can both in the classroom, and outside of it, from the locals. I can’t wait for all that I will learn in the coming week, and I can’t wait to sleep again tonight to the soothing, vibrant sound of the bustling jungle! Until next week, pura vida!! 
Leave a Reply