A Journey of Discovery of the Value of Education

In 1992, I embarked on a long trip deep into the Costa Rican jungle to visit an indigenous Bribri community. This tribe was described by the Costa Rican anthropologist Dr. Maria Eugenia Bozzoli de Wille who studied their customs around marriage and death. The Bribri are also the only tribe in Central America who beat the Spanish occupiers, and hence afterwards the settlers left them mostly in peace.

Tributary of the Sixaola River

After navigating rough terrain by bus, boat, and foot, I was warmly welcomed by a family who insisted I eat before anything else, as is their custom. As we feasted on rice, beans, and plantains, the family observed me intently. When I described my work studying European economic history, they took time to comprehend, as was their way.

Soon, they came to see me as a teacher of sorts and brought a dilemma - their youngest child was ready for school, but they feared losing ancestral values. At only 6 years old, would he be prepared? I understood their protectiveness over traditions and this child. Rather than rush my response, I reflected on how to balance heritage and the future.

Eventually, I said education could strengthen both - equipping him to positively represent his people and tribe while gaining skills for a changing world. I also mentioned Dr. Franklin Diaz Chang, a physicist and accomplished NASA astronaut who during the holidays had frequently visited their village because his grandmother hailed from there. The idea that education could make you an astronaut was somewhat appealing to them, I guess.

Dr. Diaz Chan, with indigenous Bribri ancestry

Satisfied but still unsure, they thanked me for the counsel provided with care, insight, and respect befitting their community. I think they also realized that the only reason I knew about them was because of these two famous, highly educated, and accomplished Costa Ricans. While I didn't see the outcome, I hoped my perspective reassured them that learning need not come at the cost of identity.

Our exchange echoed lessons of open-minded dialogue and seeking wisdom from varied life experiences. It remains for me a poignant memory of cultural exchange and the shared humanity beneath surface differences.

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