Our last day of English tutoring created an exciting, yet emotional environment at the school. We created special bonds with our students and sad to see them off, but finished off our tutoring block with an intense game of soccer with the students. After a brief stop at Hotel Primavera to drop off our materials and prepare for the activities ahead, we drove to the Coprobich farm while singing at the top of our lungs. After a short hike, among the several hectares of quinoa and various other vegetables, we learned about the growing and manufacturing of quinoa, as well as its ideal growing conditions. We then took another karaoke bus ride to the quinoa factory, where we listened to a presentation about the history of quinoa, as well as where in the world it is produced and exported to. In our facemasks and hairnets, we took a brief tour of what happens to the quinoa when it is in season (which starts in a few weeks). After the tour, we had a picnic lunch outside the factory, during which the unpredictable nature of Riobamba reared its head when it started pouring. We all ran to the bus for cover and traveled back to the hotel. We ended the day by discussing the day’s experiences and challenges, as well as debriefing global business as a whole.

The sheer size of the farm left us in awe as we were surrounded by rows of plants and breathtaking mountains. We also enjoyed the bus rides, which included many sing-alongs including Hamilton and Despacito. The organic, fair trade farm and factory allowed us to understand that development must come from the inside, and that we, as consumers, should be aware of and understand where our money is going. The high quality of the quinoa surprised us, especially considering the cheap, accessible price. Our day consisted of questions such as “Is aid and development always a good thing?” Our trip to Coprobich farm and factory gleaned us enough insight to be able to answer this question. Simply put, people’s needs are not the same everywhere around the globe.

The knowledge gained was based off of the helpful ways of Coprobich, which include giving back to those who lift it up including the farmers and indigenous communities. Similarly, as leaders of the day, we had to learn to lead by example and balance our roles as leader with our roles as glimpsers. Leading our peers proved to be a challenge and we understand the struggle of governing people around the same age or older. Being líders del día has been an unforgettable experience and allowed us to step outside our comfort zones to truly encompass the meaning behind the Global Glimpse trip.

See y’all in a few more days!

-Pranav and Oliver

The Líders del Día, Pranav and Oliver