Hi there, I am Mary! Check out below to see a bit more about who I am, why I chose the global option route for my education, and how I will continue to be engaged as a global citizen.
What’s my Story?
Hi there, I am Mary Buehler, a soon-to-be graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. With roots in a small family farm operation, I grew up through the ranks of the local 4-H Club and FFA Chapter. Many hot summers were spent under an umbrella tending to a roadside sweet corn stand that I started up with my older sister as a means for saving money for college. I chose to major in Agribusiness and Applied Economics to further my understanding of the complexities of production agriculture and agribusiness. Through my collegiate involvement and a series of internships, I narrowed passion in life to helping young and beginning farmers get connected with the experiences and resources they need to be successful. In late May I am looking forward to joining the Illinois Farm Bureau as their Youth and Collegiate Program Coordinate were I will be able to live out my life’s passion.
Why Global Option?
My first intent for going abroad and pursuing a global option for my education was extrinsically focused. Several of my mentors spoke highly of the personal and professional growth that is attained through such experiences. As some who seeks for constant self-improvement in order to better serve others, I decided to go abroad.
Once abroad, I started to realize there was much more to these global experiences then I ever imagined. Never before had I thought deeply about how interconnected the world is, particularly when discussing agriculture. For the first time, I learned about cultural intelligence and began to wrap my mind around how being culturally intelligent enhances my ability to truly be respectful and inclusive of others. Once I was finally abroad, I finally understood the importance of global citizenship.
After my first experience abroad and a series of development economics classes, my reasoning for pursuing a globally focused education shifted from just extrinsic to extrinsic and intrinsic. There is much to be learned, much to be understood, and much to be appreciated about life beyond “home”.
How will I Continue Global Involvement?
Agriculture is an increasingly globalized industry. One way I want to remain engaged globally is by staying up to date with current agricultural trends around the world, particularly in large agricultural producing countries. Understanding global agricultural trends is important because they tend to frequently have an impact on US agriculture as well.
Aside from just a career focus, I want to continue to expand my global perspective simply to better understand those who are different from me. If I am able, I would love to have the opportunity to travel to a few new countries long enough to be immersed in the culture. Also, with family ties back in Brazil, I would strongly entertain the idea of visiting again.
Tying both interests together, I also hope through my future career that I am able to help make opportunities possible for others, particularly youth, to go abroad to expand their global perspective as well.
Once I am in the position to give financially, I hope I am able to help subsidize collegiate agricultural education abroad experiences.