As I entered my second week of this internship, I've had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities that have helped me grow professionally and personally. From the hands-on fieldwork to engaging educational seminars, each experience has increased my understanding of sustainable agriculture, and the exciting opportunities out there.
So far, I've had the opportunity to work with fellow interns Elizabeth Karides and Mike Ribblett on the Mushroom Expo at the UMD Clarksville Dairy Facility. (As I mentioned in last week's post, I've added another photo from the event below.) Being part of the expo allowed me to witness firsthand how niche agricultural products like specialty mushrooms can have strong market potential, especially when paired with education and community outreach. It was inspiring to see growers, researchers, and the general public come together over a common interest in sustainable food systems.
On June 3rd, I went to a training seminar at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, where my mentor, Neith Little, gave an insightful presentation. Listening to Neith and other professionals speak reinforced how much expertise exists in this field, as well as the importance of mentorship and knowledge-sharing for newcomers like me. The facility also housed a fascinating soil wall exhibit. The next day, I traveled to downtown Baltimore to meet with a husband-and-wife team who run a successful microgreens business. I was blown away by their entrepreneurial journey, from a small startup to a thriving business. They discussed not only the technical aspects of growing microgreens, but also the business strategies that enabled their success. It gave me a better understanding of how innovation, perseverance, and market awareness can transform a small agricultural idea into a viable business.
To round out the week, I took part in a community garden mapping activity on the University of Maryland campus. I enjoyed meeting the caretakers and learning about the various crops they grow, their gardening practices, and how the garden serves as both a food source and an educational space for the surrounding community.
Before beginning this internship, I had classroom experience and a growing interest in sustainable agriculture, but little real-world experience. Now, I'm building on that foundation through hands-on experience, professional networking, and exposure to modern agricultural techniques. My main goals for this internship are to learn more about urban agriculture systems, community engagement strategies, and how small-scale operations can help with food security. Throughout this experience, I'm looking forward to learning more about micro-farming techniques, soil health management, and the intersection of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and public outreach. Each week, I feel like I'm getting closer to figuring out where I fit in this vast and evolving field.
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