Look for the helpers.

Today I am glad for wifi and social media. Even though bad news spreads fast, our inter-connectivity also allowed families to touch base and make sure loved ones were safe in a matter of hours. Our thoughts are with all the families involved with the tragedy today.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,'" ~Mr. Rodgers


Today was a day of highs and lows. Literally.  The morning found us zip lining in the shadow of the Arenal volcano. We made our way through the treetops platform to platform, cable after cable, inevitably discussing potential and kinetic energy, friction and velocity, waves and tension. There's another physics teacher with the Cambridge group as well :). Afterwards, we learned about the Melacu tribe in northern Costa Rica of only 650 struggling to preserve their culture and way of life. Their numbers are declining and it makes me think. As the world becomes a smaller place, and we feel ever more connected globally, what are we losing? What is sacrificed in the name of progress and market forces?  How might we maintain cultural identity without resorting to isolationism?

As our morning sailed from high platforms to low platforms, our afternoon included a 500 stair climb down to the bottom of La Fortuna waterfall. As water dropped straight down a vertical 75 meter cliff into a small pool and subsequent stream, we were struck by the beauty and power of nature. Students played frisbee and skipped stones in the water, and many braved the perimeter of the chilly misty waterfall itself (not TOO close though). Feeling like I was on a set from Lost, I couldn't help but fear for places that are equally as beautiful, but in danger. Land is being cleared for grazing cattle, pineapple farming, etc without regard to how much is cut where. Where and how do animals migrate through the area? Exposing more forest may mean drying out more forest, which means less moisture in the air, which means less precipitation, which means less water to use for hydroelectric power (currently the source of 80% of Costa Rica's energy). Nature's problems are our problems whether or not we have the foresight or political will to do deal with them.

Even when environmental problems seem daunting, impossible even, Mr. Rogers is right. We should look to the helpers. Earth University, INBIOparque, local universities, local non-profits that are taking action, raising awareness, and making a difference in whatever way they can.

Look to the helpers, and then be one.