“Jamma!” This is a word from the Bribri Indigenous language – spoken by one of the Costa Rican indigenous communities who we had an opportunity to visit and learn about. Jama means a friend, sister, or brother, which means embracing everyone – a word rooted in connection and inclusivity. I think this can describe our experience in Costa Rica, where everyone was welcoming and willing to share their culture with us. Our host, Andre, welcomed us like family. He taught us values and traditions, especially the importance of family and community. It felt like everyone we met in the community – from elders to children – was part of a close-knit family, as everyone greets each other and plays soccer together. People greeted each other warmly and gathered to play soccer in the evenings. Being part of that reminded me how powerful simple moments of togetherness can be. Sharing what I learned from their culture feels like the most meaningful way to help carry their traditions forward.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was learning about the cultural significance of cocoa. Andre often spoke about how cocoa was considered gold to the people as it was a way of income and a way to feed the family. Over time, the practice of growing cocoa was lost. Today, they are working to restore their ancestral practices, using traditional methods in a modern context to create opportunities for the next generation. The commitment to empowering others through cultural revival and example made me reflect on my own impact and how I can contribute to the cultures around me.
All of these people embraced us with open arms. Their generosity, passion, and resilience were truly inspiring. This experience reminded me that just by listening and being open to learn, I can discover so much.
We also had the opportunity to meet Andrey’s aunt, a woman of Bribri descent who shared with us her story and that of the Indigenous Bribri people. She told us about swimming eight hours a day to get to school, her deep connection to the land, and the efforts to preserve their customs — from crafting wooden arrows to sharing folklore. Hearing her speak gave me a deeper appreciation for the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving cultures that are at risk of fading away. I realized how powerful education can be in keeping these traditions alive.
Another unforgettable part of the trip was meeting Amanda, an 8-year-old girl who befriended me during sport sessions with the local kids. We played volleyball and ran around together, but she always came up to talk to me even if I didn’t speak Spanish. Despite the language barrier, she told me about her family, what she enjoyed, and even asked me questions about fencing. At first, I was worried whether we would actually have any impacts on these kids and the local community. But when Amanda handed me a handwritten note in English that said, “You are my best friend,” it showed me beyond our differences, we were able to form deep connections through simple gestures.
All of these people embraced us with open arms. Their generosity, passion, and resilience were truly inspiring. This experience reminded me that just by listening and being open to learn, I can discover so much. I hope to show up for others in the same way – with openness and genuineness to make an impact.