Jaycie’s Internship in the Amazon Jungle
During my internship at Hacienda Mateo, a tree reforestation farm in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Northern Peru, I had the chance to engage in a wide range of activities that connected me deeply to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Being surrounded by the dense, vibrant Amazon rainforest gave me a new appreciation for the biodiversity and interconnectedness of ecosystems. Each day, I worked around 7 hours, taking on tasks that were essential to the farm’s daily operations. Some of the key activities I performed regularly included weed whacking, planting trees, cleaning, and harvesting crops. A significant part of my work also involved the production and pressing of coconut oil, which we did for about a month out of my internship. This process, which was carried out over several days, taught me the intricate details of organic oil extraction, cutting the coconuts, shredding the coconut meat, drying the coconut, and finally, pressing the dried coconut shreds into coconut oil, an essential product for the farm's income. I also participated in soap-making, where I learned how to craft and package organic soap, using materials harvested directly from the farm.
Working on the farm was both physically demanding and mentally enriching. Many tasks, like weed whacking and clearing areas around saplings, were essential to the farm’s reforestation projects. While some of the work seemed repetitive and tiring, it played a vital role in ensuring the growth and survival of newly planted trees. Additionally, I was involved in building an eco-house for the interns and volunteers, a project that utilized sustainable, local materials to create an environmentally friendly structure. This task lasted about 3 weeks, this hands-on experience taught me about sustainable construction methods and how they contribute to long-term environmental preservation.
Life on the farm was unlike anything I had experienced before. It gave me deep appreciation for my life at home and how much I took for granted, like warm water and a clean environment. I always believed I was a nature girl but during my time on the farm, the owner initially remarked, “You are such a city girl,” but as time passed, they began to say, “Wow Jaycie, you could live here, you have done a 360 since you arrived!” Each day, I encountered various forms of wildlife and witnessed firsthand how the farm’s sustainable practices supported the surrounding environment. Observing the contrast between industrial coconut production and the farm's organic methods was also enlightening, as it highlighted the benefits of small-scale, eco-friendly production compared to how unethical industrial coconut production can be.
Overall, my internship was a deeply rewarding experience that taught me the value of hard work and sustainability. The skills I learned—such as patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving in a natural environment—will stay with me as I pursue future opportunities in environmental conservation and sustainable living. Working in the Amazon allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause while growing both personally and professionally.
