Proctor en Monteverde: The Children's Eternal Rainforest

For the six sophomores studying abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica this spring, their time with host families and living immersed in Costa Rican culture is nearly complete. In this week's blog, Amena '26 shares reflections and Sophie '26 a video blog about their recent adventures. Enjoy! 

Amena '26

One of the pillars of the Proctor en Monteverde program is a three day trip to the San Gerardo Field Station nestled in the heart of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. For weeks we had been forewarned by all about this experience, and, in particular, the immense knowledge of our guide, Mark Wainwright. Mark has dedicated his life to the conservation of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest as a member of its board of directors and in its forest. Indeed, it seemed that every plant, animal, and oddity we came across had a story he was eager to explain. It was his guidance through the lush jungle that led me to a personal conclusion. 

It was our first day at the Field Station, and we had just unpacked after a beautiful dinner and had embarked on a night hike with Mark. Mark’s walks are discontinuous, as he constantly starts and stops, searching the trail for anything that may catch his eye. The slight dampness of the air, and the nostalgic, round smell of the rain coupled with the sound of the raindrops hitting the canopy and vegetation below transported me to the days of my early childhood spent traipsing about the woods of New Hampshire. Back then, I liked nothing more than to be let loose in the woodland. Rooting around in leaves for salamanders and snakes, dipping my feet in freezing streams fed by bubbling springs, building elaborate worlds that played out in the forest–these are the experiences that shaped me. 

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten away from such pursuits, as it often feels that my attention is constantly being drawn in a million directions. Being in San Gerardo has driven me to want to reconnect with the forest of my childhood. The idea is that you are reminded of how unimportant you are when surrounded by strong giants, hundreds of years old. I am aware that being alone in the forest is, to many, the trappings of a worst nightmare, but to me, it means the space to privately process my thoughts. To me, the forest is a second home, and I am incredibly grateful that Mark, and the trip to San Gerardo as a whole, was able to revive my love for spending time in the forest.

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