I arrived in Bocas with no expectations and was immediately obsessed with everything LtN and the islands had to offer. Although I had heard a lot about LtN and Bocas from all the University of Richmond Spider Alumni who are currently and have previously been involved, there were still a lot of missing pieces I was eager to learn for myself. LtN Panama Country Director and Richmond Grad (‘19), Maria, and LtN Panama Program Director Caleigh immediately got Jaira (fellow Summer Intern) and I settled in and started showing us the ropes. The day after we arrived we had our first practice and got to see how amazing the student-athletes truly are. The players welcomed us with open arms and were so eager to learn more about the game. The first week was filled with learning about Bocas, the players, and all the behind the scenes work that goes into keeping LtN successful.
After our first week, five players from the Franklin & Marshall Women’s Lacrosse team came for a service trip. I learned along with them even more things the islands has to offer. I had two favorite parts of that week: One, was traveling to Zapatilla where we had a day of deep boarding and snorkeling on the quiet island, and the second, was playing soccer with the local kids of Isla Solarte after our mornings of repainting the school. After they left is when I really started to understand the islands. I can truly say we never had a boring day; whether we went surfing, diving, or just riding around...
Maria was kind enough to show me one of the local surf breaks on Isla Carenero, the Point (I took full advantage of her kindness and pulled her along with me even on the flat days). I have to say, this is one of my favorite spots in all of Bocas. Along with the amazing surf we spent many days at different beaches; whether it was on Isla Carenero, up at Paunch, at Paki Point, or way up at Drago. While the beaches and the scenery were absolutely amazing, so was the food. We quickly found our favorite places and made it a habit to go to them constantly.
With the amazing scenery, weather, and food there was still so much more Bocas had to offer - the community. We quickly got to know the players and the students well, along with some of their families. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning we were welcomed with big smiles from the students at Escuela de Solarte where we held English and physical education classes. It was the kind of work that never truly felt like work. There was never a dreadful day, regardless of the tropical weather, because of these kids.
After school we typically headed to grab a coffee and finalized our practice plan and charla. Then, we headed out onto the field. Some of the kids would always beat us out there no matter how early we headed out. The players are amazing. They always showed up with big smiles and were so excited for what that day's practice held. Sizzla, a Bocas native, LtN coach, and good friend, would lead the charla’s on life lessons anywhere from accountability to being a good friend and then make sure that it was incorporated into that practice. It was amazing to see how the kids took those lessons and put them into action immediately. The practices were pure joy.
My time with LtN and Bocas flew by thanks to the amazing people I met along the way. I cannot thank them enough for welcoming me and teaching me so much about the amazing community that is Bocas. Maria had asked me a few times what my least favorite part was and the answer was, and still is, the same: nothing.