Let the Flying begin, South Korea here I come

Hello, with a little over a week till I leave for South Korea my mind is driving me nuts. I must say that I have been all over the United States but going out of the country was something that I never thought that I would get an opportunity to do. Let alone be on a plane. Since I started to attend Penn State University the chance for me to travel abroad came about twice in one year. My choices were to go to Germany or to South Korea. I chose South Korea because it relates most to my major as an Ag Educator.

When the opportunity for me to travel to South Korea came about I could not believe it. I have been thinking, since I started attending Penn State, how could I use my education to better the world. Going to South Korea is just one way for me to do that. I found a source from the Library of Congress Country Studies on how South Korea's agriculture has changed over many of years. Here is the link: http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/52.htm

After reading this I was most impressed with how much the land and the number of agricultural workers numbers have changed. South Korea has gone through many rough spots from a major land reform and the growth of urban areas. It shows that the percent of South Korea's contribution in agriculture has been dropping a great deal.

Through-out this trip I not only hope but know that I will be gain the knowledge of how others around the world do agricultural along with how different/alike the FFA and FFK's are.

Please keep following our blog and see what great knowledge and fun we all will achieve from this great opportunity

Headed down South to the land of the...FFK!

Hi All!

Wow! I cannot believe that it is already May 31 and we leave for Seoul, South Korea in just 4 short hours. I guess I should start packing! (just kidding!) Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday when we were interviewing to participate in this once in a lifetime adventure.

In one semester, I have learned more from each presenter that came in to speak to us about a different aspect of Korea than I ever knew before.  The personal stories and real-life scenarios that each panelist brought was unforgettable and extremely helpful. I now know how to conduct myself in Korea, as well as have a background of the rich culture and traditions that they practice today.

I am very excited to learn about the FFK. The FFA has changed my life and has instilled in me a lifelong love of agriculture, agriculture education, and the fine art of keeping a record book (haha). Understanding how this organization impacts other students across the world will be interesting. 

Environmental impacts are also an increasingly pressing problem all across the world. As an environmentalist, I am most eager to learn more about the environmental implications that are present in Korea, comparing them to the American environmental impacts, and learning new ways to preserve the world around us. Korea has beautiful landscapes and mountains, so there will be much to do and learn about the natural world. Learning by doing, instilling the passion. That is the key to the future!

Embarking on this trip with 20 friends makes this experience even better. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to travel and learn something about a new place.

Here's to the opportunity of a lifetime!