By Laura Sandoval, SUNY Oneonta
This research allowed me to face some of my fears, such as speaking up my mind, digging deeper and shifting my perspective, and solving problems on the spot. It also pushed me to organize my ideas and find a clear way to communicate them to other people. Before this experience, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what research looked like, but these two weeks showed me that research is much more than collecting information and putting it together. It requires patience, flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to keep asking questions even when you think you already have an answer.
This investigation has shown me that even if we think we know enough about a topic, there is never really enough knowledge. Not all knowledge comes from books, research papers, or people who spent years in college. There is also so much knowledge that comes from people who have spent years doing the hands-on work. There is knowledge in the experiences of farmers, workers, business owners, and everyday people that you cannot always find in a textbook. There is so much outside of a classroom, and there is often much more happening than what we can’t see on the surface.
That is probably one of the biggest lessons I am taking from this experience. After these two weeks, I feel more prepared to face challenges professionally and less afraid to go deeper into a topic, even when the original question seems simple. Sometimes the most interesting answer comes from asking one more question or taking the time to understand something from another perspective. My research started in one direction, but it eventually took a turn that made me want to dig deeper into the coffee labor force and the people who are not necessarily the face of the product or the business. I can see myself developing another investigation in the future that focuses specifically on recognizing these workers and giving more attention to their experiences and how underpaid they are.
I have improved my communication and analytical skills, but I have also developed a stronger work ethic. I learned that I have to be prepared to adapt when things become uncomfortable or do not go exactly how I planned. I had to be persistent when my original research method was not working, find another way to collect information, and continue learning from every interaction. That ability to adapt and keep moving forward is something I want to take with me into my professional life.
As a business major, this experience has also given me an opportunity to think more seriously about what I want my future to look like after college. Whether I eventually become an entrepreneur, work with businesses, or continue doing research abroad, I know that the foundation I am building now will be important for my life after graduation. I want to be someone who does not just look at the numbers or the final product but also takes the time to understand the people and work behind them. I want my work to have a purpose beyond simply being successful.
Most importantly, this project has my heart in it. It represents who I am, my roots, and my people. This investigation is one of the many things that has made me proud to be Colombian. Being able to share a piece of Colombia with people from other places and show them the many great things that come from our rich land has been meaningful to me. At the same time, I want to show that there is more to Colombian coffee than what people see in a cup.
I see this research as the beginning of something rather than the end. It has opened the door for me to use my business background to continue uplifting coffee, learning about the industry, and sharing the stories of the people behind this everyday product.
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