Oh, The Places You'll Go!

An nyoung ha se yo (Hello),

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
- Dr. Suess, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

My name is Katie Harshman and I am a recent graduate of Penn State in Agricultural and Extension Education. I was given "Oh The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Suess as a graduation present on my last day of student teaching, and I've probably read it at least 15 times in the past month! This quote could not be any more descriptive of my adventure this year, I am steering myself across the ocean to Seoul, South Korea using the brains in my head, and the feet in my shoes. I could not be more pumped for this adventure.

It seems that each day at Penn State has taken me more and more out of my comfort zone. A study abroad trip was not on my radar after graduation, let alone a study abroad trip to South Korea. I absolutely cannot wait to learn more about student perspectives of the FFK and agriculture education in South Korea. The idea of getting to know the student perspectives is so interesting to me because I can see how my own personal perspective has changed drastically in the past 4 months and I would like to see how they can keep changing it.

One of the most exciting things about going to South Korea is that we will be there for my BIRTHDAY! At 22, I probably shouldn't be that excited but this will be one of the most memorable birthdays I ever have, so I plan on making it the best. It's certainly not something I want to forget.

Thank you for following our adventure. Thank you for giving each one of us the support to take this leap.


Katie Harshman

Through My Eyes

Hello!

In just a few short weeks, my classmates will have a one of a kind experience! You will be able to share in our adventure through this blog. I hope you will hearing our thoughts and feelings. As one of your authors, I would like to give you some insight into who I am.

My name is Matthew Reutlinger. I am a freshman majoring in Agriculture and Extension Eduation, at Penn State University, and am proud to be a part of this group! I am really looking forward to this adventure and all that it entails. Even since I was a kid, I have always wanted to see and explore the world around me. I became involved with agriculture education in high school, when I took a mechanics class. I've been in love with it ever since. My passion for agriculture education lies in FFA.

FFA, for those who aren't familiar, is a leadership organization for students in agriculture education that promotes leadership, personal growth, and career success. The organization provides endless opportunities for those who engage and get active! I would consider choosing to take my FFA experience as far as possible, a critical moment in my life. Through my time I have learned practical skills, developed my convidense and aptitude for public speaking, and discovered a path to take in life. I can honestly say that if I had not joined FFA, I would be less of a person.

My love for the FFA is one of the main reasons why I am excited to go to Korea! We will have the opportunity to interact with the FFK (Korea's model of our FFA). I believe the experience will give me an excellent chance to broaden my perspective on the benefits of youth leadership organizations. I also look forward to sharing those lessons I learn with folks here at home.

I also look forward to sharing my adventures with all of you! I love to explore! Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, because it allows me to discover more about the world around me and myself. Like Indy, I welcome all challenges! Going to Korea presents some such as the language barrier, cultural differences, a thirteen hour time difference, and so on. We'll be sure to keep you in the loop!

Thank you for reading and joining us! Until next time.

-Matt