1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three

sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

For my STEP project, I participated in the study abroad trip Chile: Agriculture and Agroecosystems with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. In a group of nine students and two professors, I got to see multiple parts of Chile in nine days focusing on the different agricultural practices being used throughout the country. Places we visited included an aquaculture company, a penguin reserve, dinner with the native Huilliche, Volcano Osorno, Sewell Copper Mining town, Garce’s Cherry Orchard Packing Facility, Pontifical University de Chile, an avocado farm, a citrus farm, a vegetable farm, and Mamalluca Observatory.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the

world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or

two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

One thing that really changed since coming back to Chile is how I view grocery stores. I look at the fruits and vegetables being sold and really process how long it took for them to get here and why they are the rice that they are. I also think about all the labor that went into getting the produce from the ground to the store. I also look at the produce and think about the produce that was considered “bad” and doesn’t get sold at grocery stores. I have also gained a better understanding of the cost of food going up as I see how much work is put into producing a wanted product.

Another thing that stuck with me was really living life to it’s fullest. Not everything is about working all the time but also enjoying the weather and changing of seasons. I have slowed down in a way and taken more time to enjoy life in the moment instead of constantly thinking about the future. I have a greater appreciation of my time spent with my family and even the time I get to take to make my own food.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature

Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those

affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences

completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

An activity on my trip that led me to my transformation was visiting Garce’s Cherry Orchard Packing Facility. Starting off seeing how much effort goes into getting a good Cherry grown, from pruning to ensuring proper amount of spray without harming the environment and people eating the food. Even getting to try the Cherries that were considered bad for the market were still very delicious it changed how I think about food at stores. After seeing where the cherries were grown and heading off to the packaging facility, there was still so much more effort put into the cherries. They were washed multiple times and picked out the good from the bad. Most of it was done by machine, but still many different workers were required to run the massive facility. The most important fact that stuck with me is that it takes 35 days for the Cherries to go from harvesting in Chile to the markets in China.

An additional experience that led me to my thoughts on produce was the avocado farm. There I got to learn about the process required to grow avocados commercially. First the avocado seed starts in the ground and then after about 6 months it is grafted with a branch from a good tree. From there it grows another 18 months to become a regular sized plant, and these first two years usually happen in the nursery. Then it is planted and grows for another 2 years until fruit is produced. During those two years the tree fully grows to be ready to actually produce fruit. So, it takes a total of four years to actually have a plant, which is a heavy investment. I can truly see why “guac is extra” now.

Another activity that was extremely important to me was dinner with the native Huilliche. The Huilliche are similar to the indigenous Mapuche of Chile but found in the Southern Parts of Chile – specifically the island of Chiloe. After taking three flights, we had to take another 2-hour drive to reach the Huilliche which included a ferry. Our dinner was cooked outside on top of a fire under the ground. We had mussels and clams, and potato rolls that were steamed under leaves placed on top of the fire. A woman, Laura, was our guide throughout the whole process and showed us the farm land, the sheep, her garden, and the Ruka – a gathering place of the Huilliche. We were also very lucky to have Leo with us, Laura’s grandson, who translated the entire time. While we sat in the Ruka Laura explained how the Chilean government thinks the Huilliche are lazy because they don’t bring in a lot of revenue, but that is not true the people just choose to work slowly and with the changing of the seasons. I truly enjoyed this insight to how the Huilliuche live life and decided to attempt to adopt it into my own lifestyle.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or

two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your

academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

As someone who studies Agricultural Engineering and wants to make farming both more sustainable and easier for the farmer, I have gained a lot more knowledge on the issues that farmers face. I saw how important the amount of spraying is and why machines that I could work on need to be precise. I also understand how water scarcity is an issue everywhere but it is important to learn about different methods because even though this is an issues internationally the solution varies location to location. I see how important harvesting is, but how long it can take and that timing everything is extremely important. It brings me to think more about how precision agriculture is a vital part of the future.

I completed the Humanitarian Engineering Service-Learning Course. On campus, I gained problem solving experience through the improvement of designs for photovoltaic systems. While in Guyana, I had the opportunity to interact with local culture and improve the lives of others through increased energy efficiency.

The most profound impacts I have gained from this experience are a better understanding for human centered design, an immersion into west indies culture, an exposure to low-resource engineering, and a better grasp on how to connect with communities I differ from. I can now firmly say I understand the importance of communicating with all stakeholders involved and gaining first-hand perspectives from users. Additionally, I understand the historical and cultural influences of the Dutch, West Indies, and Asian cultures that populate Guyanese land. Lastly, I can speak to a real world experience where I had to adapt to the resources available to create a lasting solution.

While in country, I gained exposure to the culture and experiences of the Guyanese people. I previously had no knowledge of any cultural aspects of Guyana. I quickly learned that most people in Guyana are of Amerindian, Black, Chinese, or East Indian descent. This causes a lot of cultural fusion in food, music, art, and many other aspects of their culture. We go to share traditional dishes like lo mein, curry, cook-up rice, and metemgee with different chefs. We also got to visit markets and try local fruits. Our guides also spent plenty of time explaining historical significance of these meals and locations we were visiting. This was my first experience being exposed to a country that successfully took back their land from the Dutch colonies. I did not understand the profound impact this would have on me, yet it allowed me to see how other colonized lands have taken so much from the people that were indentured. It was especially moving to hear that up until recent years Guyana was still paying off their debt to the Dutch government. It just goes to prove the lasting impact these colonizing countries have on the countries they rule, even if they leave.

I made assumptions that I would stick out like a sore thumb, and in some cases I did, but it did not change how open people were to teach about their history and culture. I think the second assumption I made was that this engineering project would not be that difficult to complete. We are so accustomed in the United States to full stores, with organized shelves, and many items in stock. When we needed to buy batteries and nails, this became a day-long adventure to multiple stores trying to source the cheapest items possible. Batteries of the specifications we needed were extremely hard to find and were way over budget when we did find them. Additionally, nails came loosely in buckets that were presumably reused from another items’ packaging. It was a culture shock to recognize the privilege I must not worry about resources like these. I came away from this trip with a better understanding of Guyanese culture and the idea that there are privileges all around me that I am unaware of.

I now have a better understanding for how resource management and sourcing is extremely important when designing projects. Moreover, it is important to consider the view of the community/customer you are working with. We did not consider that the generator we were designing would never be taken out of the house (made portable). So, our design, implementing a carrying device to move the generator, was somewhat obsolete. This did end up being beneficial, as we could not source toolboxes in Georgetown, Guyana, but should have been a conversation earlier on in the project. I can now take conversations like these into consideration when working with a client or community in the future!

            This trip had both personal and career-driven impact. I deeply value the opportunity to learn about new cultures and take myself out of my bubble as often as possible. These trips and experiences help me break down biases I did not know I had and learn more about how others’ lives. It also allowed me to have new appreciation for the things I did not know where a privilege to me. Or at least acknowledge these things. I also think it is important as someone who’s major does not align with this project directly, to show other CSEs that humanitarian engineering can be applied to many facets of work, life, and school.

            Career-wise this project helped me to understand human-centered design and stakeholder consideration. Most likely, my job will not involve field work like this trip, however this experience taught me to be resourceful. It gave me the feeling that, even without all the fancy parts of engineering, I can complete the task at hand. I think especially in tech, we get carried away with all the shiny new things that are built month to month, but it is important to remember the basics. That at the end of the day we are building things for people, to help people- regardless of our industry. So, considering user experiences and input is just as important in my future career, as it is in humanitarian engineering.

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For my STEP project I studied abroad in Ireland, and I studied Human and Animal Interactions. I was there for a week with a small class group and we traveled all over Ireland. We studied a variety of animals including exotic and agricultural animals and how people viewed them.

The general public are finally beginning to realize the importance of conserving the ever decreasing amount of wild and domestic animal species still alive today. However, I thought it would still take time for people to start supporting conservation and animal rescue organizations in earnest aside from the occasional donations they make. While this may still be the case in the United States, things were different in Ireland. We visited a few organizations which were fully funded through donations, some monetary and some material. This showed me it is possible for organizations to put their trust in people and be funded by the public’s kindness.

One of the first places we visited was the Dog Trust in Dublin. Dublin has a problem with dogs being unwanted, so it is important for them to have somewhere to go. Before arriving I think most of us expected this place to be similar to a pound or animal shelter back home, where the dogs are given minimal care because there are not enough workers or money to support better care. However, we could not have been more wrong. The dog trust took exceptional care of their dogs and always had a full time staff. They even take the time to train their dogs to be used to a life in the city so they will do better when getting adopted. In order for this all to be possible, I thought the dog trust had to be making a profit off of their dogs in some way, but I was wrong. The dog trust is fully funded by the local community and while we were there people were bringing in donations of towels and dog toys for the staff to use. 

Similarly, when we went to the Donkey Sanctuary I was surprised by how many people have donated money to maintain the organization. There was a tree in the office which held ornaments representing all the donations the Sanctuary had received and it was filled with ornaments. Another location, a seal rehabilitation facility, relied more on volunteer help than it did monetary donations. Either way, the local communities were extremely involved in caring for and helping the animals they share the world with.

These observations gave me hope in humanity again. It is well known we are the cause for the current state of our declining natural environments and animal populations, but that does not mean we have to give up hope. We may have caused the problems, but we also have the potential to solve them and repair some of the damage we have done. It is unreasonable to think everyone would have time to devote some of their time to personally fixing these problems, but luckily with so many organizations to choose from they do not have to. Instead they can just donate to these organizations and know they are still making a difference. This hopeful mindset was something I viewed while in Ireland.

After graduation I hope to find some work in conservation or animal rescue and rehabilitation. These experiences showed me ways in the future that I can rely on the public to help support my work. All hope is not lost and there are plenty of people in the world who want the same things I do even if they don’t have the time to devote to them. I’m willing to put in the work and restore the natural world to its previous beauty and this will be possible with help and donations from the public. 

1. I choose to participate in a Study abroad experience for my STEP Signature Project. I studied at Audencia Business School in Nantes, France.
2. Many transformations occurred over the duration of my project, but the biggest change happened in my outlook on the world and people of all different cultures. In going abroad, I met people from all different parts of the world. I was able to get to know these people and learn about several different cultures. I now have a special appreciation for many different cultures and have opened my eyes to the reasons why people from different countries act certain ways.

In addition to meeting these friends, I waws also able to travel to several different countries and experience the culture firsthand. I was able to travel to Greece, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, and several other countries. Through my travels I gained so many life skills that I would never have gained otherwise. I gained perspective and awareness of those around me and witnessed what makes each country their own. This has been the most transformative experience of my life thus far.

3. When I arrived in France, I didn’t know a single person. I walked into my orientation day and found a few friends who I hoped might be in my classes or someone I could just chat with for the day. Little did I know this group would become a second family to me. We got along wonderfully and proceeded to spend lots of time together.

I could never have imagined that those strangers I met on orientation day would become as close to my heart as they did. We took a big group trip to Barcelona, Spain with 20+ people and we enjoyed every minute of it. I was so nervous that I wouldn’t find friends that I could travel with and experience all of the things this project had to offer, but I had a more magical experience than I ever thought possible.

Among these people, I had friends from Germany, Ireland, Canada, Poland, Romania, Spain, and several other countries. Each one of them had their own outlooks on life and mannerisms which I learned overtime. Every person was so patient with one another as we were all learning each other’s culture. These friendships that we created will last a lifetime. We had a final dinner before we all left Nantes and we called it the “See you soon dinner” because with friends like that, it is never goodbye. We will see each other again so soon.

4. This transformation helped me reach a personal as well an academic goal in my life. I am personally very interested in learning as much as possible about all different countries and cultures of the world. I hope to roll this interest into my future career as I am taking a minor in International Business. This experience has given me the tools to understand and communicate with people from all other cultures in order to create lasting relationships and business negotiations. Had I not gained this experience, I would be lacking preparation for my future. This experience has been truly invaluable.
5. 

As part of my STEP signature project my main goal was to examine Panamanian agricultural practices, sustainability efforts, culture, and population diversity so that I could compare them to those of the United States. To get the most complete picture, I traveled to various types of farms throughout central and western Panama to speak with farmers. Along the way I visited cultural landmarks, tasted local cuisines, and tried to fully immerse myself in the Panamanian culture. Overall, the culmination of these experiences enlightened me and gave me a sense of the many steps the U.S. has to take to become a more sustainable & welcoming society, especially in the agricultural sector.

Before departing on this trip, I had an anglo-centric viewpoint that because of the United States’ high output of agricultural products, our systems of farming were superior to that of other societies. However, throughout my time in Panama I slowly discovered that output should not be the only determinant in assessing farming practices. I saw how the institution of sustainable farming practices led to higher quality products all the while promoting a higher standard of environmental protection. Returning to the U.S. made me realize how out of touch we are as a society, with the products we grow, and how that has affected our relationship with food and the environment.

Over the course of my signature project, I had the opportunity to visit some amazing farms and to speak with the farmers that operated them, my favorite being a pineapple farm. I also got the chance to taste some of the locally grown and made products that came from these farms. As someone who appreciates food and where it comes from, seeing the different processes of sustainable agricultural production changed my view on the way I think agriculture should be carried out.

One of the first farms I visited was a pineapple farm. When most, including myself, think of a farm, they think of rows upon rows of crops. However, this was far from the case at this proprietor’s farm. She had pineapples, but cultivated dozens of different types of fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, and more. After speaking with her, she explained that cultivating such a wide variety of crops in close quarters was commonplace in Panama. This was because it let to greater yields and more importantly to them, protected the native environment.

During my time at this pineapple farm, I also had the opportunity to try some of their produce ranging from achiote to cherries. The crowning jewel though was definitely the pineapple. It was a special kind of pineapple where the entire inside could be eaten, including the core. This was exemplary of their whole production mantra of conscientiously using and maintaining the land by cultivating quality crops. This led me to question the United States’ relationship with food and how we cultivate it.

Examining my experience at the pineapple farm along with the other places I visited in Panama enlightened me on the ways in which Americans can change their agricultural practices to more sustainable ones. My perspective was transformed because I realized change starts small; if small farmers adapt sustainable practices along with consumers adapting sustainable consumption habits, we as a society can move forward to a more sustainable future.

Change is something I would like to embrace in my future as I wish to become a public servant by serving in Congress. I want to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, which includes the plants and animals we share the Earth with. My trip to Panama reminded me of how integral non-human life is to the survival of everything we hold near and dear. Because of this study abroad, I will be an informed advocate for the planet and incorporate my knowledge into legislative discussions. Plants and animals deserve a chance to prosper just as much as we do, and I see it as my role to speak up for them.

1. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

My STEP Signature Project consisted of exploring different cities in Ireland to learn about the importance of Human and Animal interactions. The main activities consisted of going to sanctuaries and zoos to learn about conservation medicine and the measures being taken to avoid extinction of exotic species. Outside of this, we were still able to learn about the culture by exploring castles, having guided tours, and dinners.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

My STEP Signature Project taught me more about the mechanisms that keep exotic species from going extinct. These mechanisms frequently involve conservation efforts and the role of “book keepers,” which suggests an understanding of the significance of biodiversity preservation. As I’ve learned, my point of view has evolved. To ensure the survival of a species, information about it must be managed and documented. Furthermore, contrasting the problems with animal welfare in various nations—such as the US and Ireland—highlights the differences in the difficulties that various ecosystems around the world face and the solutions that have been developed. The fact that there are animal sanctuaries for particular species, such as those for seals or donkeys, emphasizes the significance of specialized methods to address particular environmental and welfare issues.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

Due to differing legal systems and cultural norms, ethical standards pertaining to the care of shelter animals differ greatly between the US and Ireland. The prevalence of kill shelters is higher in the United States due to a drastic difference in population, as this may be due to overpopulation from uncontrolled breeding for pet stores, frequent behavioral issues, and lack of resources. These shelters are frequently hampered by a lack of resources for behavioral training, medical attention, and proper care, haltering the likely hood for them to be ready for adoption. This circumstance can result in a higher rate of euthanasia and makes the shelter environment more difficult for the animals. Nevertheless, Ireland faces distinct challenges attributed to a prevailing stigma across the country that specifically targets larger breeds, including those widely cherished in the United States such as Border Collies, Labradors, and Bully breeds. 

Despite The Dog’s Trust being in Ireland, the corporation is funded through the United Kingdom, who have implicated a recent ban on canines that could be considered XL Bullies. The staff are concerned for the well beings of these animals since it is possible this breed could also be banned from entering their facilities to receive care for rehoming. As well, although the Dog’s Trust in Ireland has robust resources to train and rehabilitate animals, there is a striking 50% return rate, underscoring the complexity of preparing animals for adoption and the challenges in ensuring successful transitions to new homes. Striking a balance between legal frameworks, resource allocation, and effective training programs is crucial in navigating the ethical dimensions of shelter animal welfare in different contexts.

There are impacts on the effects of animal use on the physiological and biological functions of donkeys in Ireland and the United States. Donkeys are employed in a variety of capacities in the United States. These functions include therapy programs, acting as pack animals for outdoor activities, and taking part in animal-assisted interventions. Through mental stimulation, physical activity, and positive human interaction, these activities can positively impact the donkeys’ overall well-being. However, the experience in Ireland shows that donkeys now play a different role, with an emphasis on their welfare. A visit to the Donkey Sanctuary in Cork, Ireland, made clear that efforts to rescue and rehabilitate neglected or abandoned donkeys are becoming increasingly important. Traditionally, donkeys played utilitarian roles, such as carrying heavy loads, working on farms, and providing transportation. However, there has been a notable shift in recent times towards recognizing and prioritizing the well-being of donkeys. The evolving use of donkeys in Ireland underscores a broader societal shift towards recognizing and respecting the intrinsic value of animals, emphasizing their welfare and emotional well-being in addition to any practical roles they may fulfill.

In conclusion, research on the welfare of shelter animals in the US and Ireland, as well as the functions of donkeys in these two very different cultures, has shed light on the significant influence that legal frameworks and cultural standards have on the moral treatment of animals. The glaring disparities between the obstacles that both countries confront—such as the dominance of kill shelters and the stigma associated with dog breeds—highlight the necessity of adopting context-specific approaches when tackling problems related to animal welfare. Furthermore, the way that donkeys’ roles have changed over time—from utilitarian to welfare-focused—highlights the fluidity of human-animal interactions and the significance of modifying behaviors to conform to shifting cultural norms. This journey across diverse landscapes emphasizes the necessity of a global conversation to establish ethical standards that prioritize the biological and emotional well-being of animals, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a compassionate and informed approach to the care of our fellow beings.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

My future academic career in veterinary medicine will benefit significantly from studying human-animal interactions in Ireland. Similar to any other place, Ireland offers a special set of obstacles and dynamics in the interactions between people and animals. Understanding these interactions gives you a more comprehensive grasp of the socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural aspects that affect the health and welfare of animals. It enables you to understand the complications of veterinary medicine in various settings and equips you to handle a wide range of problems that I might not encounter in other areas.

Understanding the unique problems with animal welfare that Ireland faces, like those involving seals or donkeys, will help me create thorough and culturally aware veterinarian care plans. Acquiring this knowledge can improve my capacity to identify, care for, and represent animals in a way that is consistent with the community’s beliefs and unique needs. In addition, encounters with animals from different countries help people develop a global perspective, which is beneficial in an increasingly interconnected world. In the end, this knowledge not only enhances my educational experience but also puts myself in a position to meaningfully and intelligently contribute to the area of veterinary medicine.

My STEP Signature Project was a study abroad program analyzing Human and Animal Interactions in Ireland. During this program, I participated in various human-animal interactions (HAIs) and explored some of the culture and history of Ireland. My trip consisted of visiting animal sanctuaries, the Dublin Zoo, and FOTA Wildlife Park, as well as exploring the Blarney and Bunratty castles, in addition to other cultural experiences.

During my trip to Ireland, I learned a lot about both the country and myself. While this program explored both HAIs and the culture of Ireland, I also learned about myself and my family history. As I’ve mentioned in my proposal, I come from an Irish family, so this study abroad program was not only an academic goal, but a personal one. By visiting the city that my family came from, as well as exploring the culture and language of Ireland, I have a deeper understanding of my ancestors and myself. I have a new appreciation for my ancestors as I’ve learned more about their lives. Additionally, I’ve learned more about my own family and self in ways I wasn’t expecting, such as observing some of my family values and traditions which came from Ireland. I feel as if I was learning about the way I was raised, since a lot of the core values and lessons that my parents taught me are heavily reflected in Irish culture, such as applying hard work to earn a name for yourself, and (more importantly) having a great sense of humor! 

In addition to learning about my family and self, I have learned a lot about the country of Ireland and have a new perspective on the world. My assumptions and views of other countries have changed as a result of this program, since I’ve realized that in a lot of ways it is similar to America, but there are also rich cultural differences that are important to the people that live here, and I loved learning about it. Originally, I think my assumptions influenced my perception of Ireland and of Europe in general, but after traveling here and listening to stories from the Irish and Europeans, I lost my assumptions and gained a more open mind and perspective.  Furthermore, my view of the world has shifted since I have discovered that these differences that I felt here can apply to any country other than the United States, but at the same time people are people and we all share certain core beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. 

Some of the events and activities that led to the changes and transformation that I experienced on this program included visiting important cultural places, such as castles and pubs and discussions/ shows. Throughout Ireland, there are castles and ruins everywhere; my program stopped at two specific castles, however, which were the Bunratty Castle and Blarney Castle. At Bunratty Castle, we experienced an authentic Irish Christmas dinner while listening to a festive musical performance. This experience immersed me into life and history of the castle, and how holiday traditions are upheld from medieval times to present day. At Blarney Castle, I explored the historic ruins of the castle, read about the history of its architecture and culture, and even took part in one of the oldest Irish traditions – kissing the Blarney Stone to acquire the gift of eloquence. In addition, Blarney Castle is home to the Woolen Mills, so I also learned about the history and culture of the Aran wool and the importance of these textiles on the economy. Furthermore, visiting pubs for dinner allowed me to try traditional Irish meals and the live music and social culture of each city.

Throughout the study abroad, my program drove all around the countryside and explored most of the island. The three main cities that my program explored were Dublin, Galway, and Cork, and in each city I had the opportunity to walk around and visit pubs and shops to become immersed in the culture. Each city was a little different, so it was interesting to view the cultural differences even within Ireland, such as the pace of life, food, and slight language differences. While I wasn’t in any one place long enough to form relationships, my program and I got to know our bus driver really well, and he told stories of his own life in Ireland and gave us further insight to the culture and language of the country. Not only did I get to learn about Ireland from different locations and groups, but I also got to know the culture from an individual’s perspective, which provided deeper insight and meaning that complimented what I was learning during other activities and events.

In terms of other activities and events, one of the most notable and culturally significant experiences from this program was a discussion I attended about folklore and fairies. Across Europe, including Ireland, folklore was widely used to explain what people couldn’t. To this day, a lot of the stories and superstitions are upheld, which promotes its rich history. I loved listening to stories about fairies and the other world, and I began to notice these stories coming to life in the present day, such as how people speak and even some of the architecture and agricultural practices. From this experience, the underlying values of Irish culture were highlighted, which led me to change my assumptions and perspective of the country because I had gained a new understanding of where they were/ are coming from. I am so thankful for this experience in particular and the stories and folklore that were shared will continue with me forever.

The main purpose of this program was to evaluate HAIs throughout the country, therefore the trip was surrounded by visiting animal sanctuaries, shelters, and zoological institutions. Not only did I visit the zoo and wildlife park, a dog rescue, and donkey and seal sanctuaries, but I also learned a lot about agriculture by simply driving through the countryside and viewing it from a distance. A lot of Ireland consists of farmland and pastures, mainly including sheep and cattle. These pastures were very green due to the climate of Ireland, as well as being structurally simple with only stone walls to separate animals. The countryside is quite hilly with some distant mountains, but there was a lot of open land for animals and agriculture. However, most animals were just sheep, and there was such a small number per pasture. Despite the vast amount of land available, the agriculture was quite limited, perhaps by the population size and importing practices of the island. In terms of the animal locations that my program deliberately visited, the dog shelter had lots of resources and efficient ideas that contrast from U.S. dog shelters, and the Dublin Zoo had outstanding facilities for the animals that they care for. The Dublin Zoo in particular was very impactful and actually changed my perspective of the U.S. and how we could improve our zoos. Similarly, the FOTA Wildlife Park had changed my opinions of captive animals and the regulations that are in place for their care and welfare. Additionally, the donkey and seal sanctuaries provided insight on the impact that humans have on animals, and ways people can avoid harming or displacing these species. Overall, each animal location that the program visited altered my perspective on captive animals globally, which enhanced my passion for animal sciences and species conservation. 

The changes and transformation that resulted from my trip to Ireland had a significant influence on my perception of Ireland, my family history, and other countries in general. I thought that I knew what to expect on this trip, but I was proved wrong in so many (positive) ways. I learned more about animal sciences and agriculture than I was expecting, and each of these experiences was more fulfilling and informative than I was prepared for. Not only did this improve my education in agriculture, but it also greatly challenged my knowledge of Irish culture and history in the best way possible. These experiences were very positive and significant, and as a result I plan to travel back to Ireland someday to continue learning about the history and culture of the country. 

The things I experienced from this trip are deeply valuable to me both academically and personally. As I’ve touched upon throughout this reflection, I have learned more than I was prepared for in terms of agriculture and HAIs abroad. Despite this program being mainly academic, I place more value on the cultural and historic aspects of Ireland that I was able to immerse myself in. I am so grateful for this opportunity to connect with my family roots and learn more about my ancestors to understand my family better. It was fascinating to see how certain principles that I grew up with were implemented in everyday life here, so I was able to see where it came from; my family places a lot of importance on spending time with one another, sharing stories, working hard for what you want, and, most importantly, a sense of humor! Having this new perspective and understanding of my family background is extremely meaningful for me and I cannot wait to share these experiences with my family back in America. 

Photos: Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland and red pandas at the Dublin Zoo in Dublin, Ireland!

My Education Abroad experience encompassed taking a pre-departure class prior to winter break when I actually studied abroad. During this class, we learned about Panama and what we would encounter on our trip abroad. While we were abroad, we learned about Panama’s culture through agriculture, sustainability, and diversity. We received tours of different farm operations, animal conservation projects, and indigenous tribes.

Through this experience, I learned how to travel with others I did not know very well. Additionally, I was able to grow when learning how to live with someone else since every time we switched hotel rooms I roomed with a new person so I had to understand how to live with someone else in harmony. I also learned to be more flexible since our plans were not always exactly what our itinerary said. Additionally, we had long car drives from each city in which I did not have access to my phone. Therefore, I was able to find peace in the silence and just be present with my thoughts.

I was able to learn more about agriculture which is something I am very interested in and intend to work in the field in the future. However, there are certain aspects of agriculture that I do not agree with, which include animal agriculture. I do not believe in breeding animals solely for the purpose of killing and eating them. Therefore, this was hard for me to see on farms where animals were present. We were exposed to chicken, cattle, dairy, and egg farms, where I allowed myself to learn about even though it was hard for me. Overall, I was proud of myself for going through that experience which allowed me to grow by being uncomfortable. On the flip side, I have always been rather pessimistic when it comes to the future with climate change being a large issue.However, seeing farmers being optimistic about the future since they cared a lot about the environment and their impact on it, allowed me to also have hope in the future!

Being with individuals who had different backgrounds than me allowed me to learn. Firstly, I was able to understand my privileges that other people do not have. One privilege of this trip included my ability to get it fully funded with STEPmoney along with a scholarship. This allowed me to be more grateful for my study abroad trip and overall have more gratitude for the many opportunities I am able to have, including my education.

Additionally, I learned from my fellow peers when I asked questions about their studies, which dismissed some of my assumptions about animal agriculture, since they were studying animal science, so they knew things about the industry that I was not aware of. This makes me more eager to ask questions to people of all backgrounds since it is hard to know what is the truth nowadays. Therefore, the more people I expose myself to and ask questions, can help me form a more well rounded opinion for myself. 

Something I have always wanted to do is live off grid and have a homestead where I grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs. I have always felt like this was only a dream and something that was not likely going to be achieved. However, after this trip, I realized just how doable this can be. While we did not visit a homestead, we visited farms that were accomplishing similar things. This helped me realize that I am not alone and I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Also, I was able to keep these individuals in contact so if I ever have any questions or need help in the future, I can always reach out to them!

I also learned that life is too short to get upset with other people for small things. On the trip, I got upset over something small that happened between me and one of my peers. I decided to “sleep on it” and see how I felt the next day. I realized that this small thing was meaningless and I should forget about it. Everyone is different and handles these types of situations differently, so I forgot about it and went on with the trip. I am so glad I did this because it was not worth getting mad at my peers over. This allowed me to continue enjoying this trip.

Being in a group of peers with all different backgrounds gave me skills so I can work and interact with people that are different from me in the future, both in school and in my future career. I feel prepared to work with any group of people no matter what their background is. Additionally, a diverse set of individuals in the future, whether in school or my career, will give me exposure to new ideas, which will allow me to grow further. These new ideas will prompt me to ask more questions and further form my own opinion on different things.

Working in agriculture has always made me happy and I felt this on the trip. This helps me to plan for the future knowing that I thrive being outside and in nature. Therefore, I hope to have a job related to agriculture and being outside in the field, as opposed to a desk job. Lastly, I now understand how important it is to be true to myself and not let other people make me feel bad. This will help me in the future to continue being my authentic self and live a fulfilling life based on my values.

Dec 31 2023

STEP PROGRAM REFLECTION

Hodan Salad

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The main activities in my STEP Project entailed being an exchange student at Ewha Women’s University in Seoul and completing a semester abroad with a 6-credit hour Korean language course, Health Economic course taught in both Korean and English and Introduction to International Business. I was able to get a grasp of the language in class but also out in public which was one of my main goals.

I believe I had a self-transformation and got a great understanding of myself. I was put in a new environment where I only knew a few people and barely spoke the language, as well as it being my first time out of the country for a long period of time, with no family members or someone else to rely on, I had a chance to become independent and this allowed me to have moments for self-growth. I’m very grateful for the experiences I faced including the time I had to find a new place to stay on my own because I didn’t dorm at the university and my first living situation wasn’t ideal. This put me in experiences I would have never had because this was also the first time I’ve had to find an apartment ever, but also in a new country. I think my assumptions before going on the trip was that assimilating to the culture would be a lot smoother but while I was there, Inoticed how much multiculturalism there is in the US compared to in Korea and feeling as if though I could never really be a part of the Korean people even if I were to learn the language because they associate being Korean with appearance and heritage more than how you feel. Whereas being in the US as long as you are a citizen and feel proud to be an American you can identify as one. I think the main thing that transformed after my STEP project would be that I really want to see more places and experience being independent more and being alone to challenge myself further and grow as a person and get more experiences.

I believe moments that really transformed myself and interactions that I’ve had would be just interacting with many locals daily gave me new perspectives but also in my classrooms with many other foreigners and them sharing their own stories I was able to collect data in use that to navigate and figure out what the do’s and don’ts are and I think a lot of transformation also occurred when I had translation problems or just little minor setbacks when going about in my life daily life alone. Moments like these were able to help me build a stronger confidence and I wasn’t too shy to speak my mind or go out and explore. Some scenarios like for example opening up a bank account in Korea (even though the bank tellers didn’t really speak English), getting a foreign registration card on my own in the immigration office, sending mail at the post office, going to a tailor. Experiences like these helped me build my confidence and let me know and feel that I can do many things and even if there’s barriers, I know I can overcome them.

I believe this change was significant and valuable for my life especially since I am at a younger age in my career, I was able tohave these experiences at a time where there wasn’t too much risk involved because I was just an exchange student and I knew, even if I messed up on things they would be easily fixable. Whereas, if my first time living alone and abroad were to be later on in my life, with maybe a family that depends on me and a job that possibly has alot of restrictions, I think that would hold me back a lot from being able to freely travel and see more so I’m very grateful for this experience especially in my undergraduate years because it also opens up more opportunities for me to go abroad and experience life outside of the U.S and just open up more perspectives into my life.

1. I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador for the Fall 2023 semester through the University of Minnesota. We took classes through Fundación CIMAS for the first quarter and chose internships for the second. I interned at Diálogo Diverso to assist the two lawyers and used this involvement to develop my thesis comparing the immigration law bases of Ecuador and the United States. 

2. My increased Spanish capacity, travel experiences, and overall adaptability expanded my comfort with uncertainty and unfamiliarity. While I didn’t experience much homesickness while abroad, my return to the United States increased my appreciation for first world living given its stark comparison to the less developed living conditions that I grew accustomed to during my months abroad. I have much higher appreciation for things here that I took for granted beforehand, such as potable water, safety in traveling alone, and consistent electricity. With this increased gratitude I’ve also developed a higher tolerance for conditions beyond my control. I wasn’t able to decide many of the factors that shaped my semester abroad, and had to learn to accept and adapt to unfavorable circumstances. 

This semester both planted and advanced a new priority of mine, which is to travel as much as possible to continue learning and appreciating the many differences that can unite or divide us. Advancing this interest involved overcoming my hesitation to lead group trips, built my confidence in traveling in a foreign country, and laid the steps I will take in the future to continue expanding my horizons. One entirely unexpected outcome I’ve experienced is my willingness to be vulnerable with strangers. I didn’t realize how reserved I previously was until I noticed how much easier it was to connect with new people and strengthen these connections by being more transparent and candid than I was before. This was daunting at first, and I’m looking forward to continuing to practice this both in the United States and my future travels abroad. 

3. Narcotrafficking and socioeconomic instability are increasing in Ecuador and concurrently reshaping safety norms and daily conduct. As an American studying in South America, this increasing instability was palpable given the heightened vulnerability to crime. During my time there, a couple of the students in my program experienced this firsthand, and every local person I discussed it with had been directly affected at least once. The program personnel and my host family were adamant in cautioning against public transportation and going anywhere alone, which made for a limited yet profound experience. This difference in norms was extremely impactful on my global understanding, and made my return to the United States an unexpected relief. While I was abroad, the privilege I’m afforded through my American citizenship was frequently apparent. After witnessing the weakening safety conditions and economic growth that are continuing to fuel emigration from Ecuador, returning to my comparatively advantaged conditions has completely changed my view of living here. 

The political instability that rattled Ecuador this August almost prevented me from taking part in the program, and shaped my research inquiries while abroad. I wrote about Ecuador’s progression from a regional leader in stability and development, to their current descent into the same crises that have spelled disaster for most the Central and South American nations. The reelection day for their interim president was particularly noteworthy because voting is mandatory for citizens above the age of eighteen. This rendered the usually crowded streets of Quito into a hectic and heavily militarized maze. One week later, climate change and disjointed governance resulted in an electricity shortage that necessitated rotational brownouts in Quito starting in October and continuing currently. After two months of two hours per day without electricity, this increased to three hours because not enough power was being conserved. Many houses went without water, heating, and internet connection during the hours that their sector went without electricity, and we frequently didn’t know when it would leave and for how long.  

During the second quarter of the semester, we chose internships to further our academic studies and define our research thesis due at the end of the program. I stayed in Quito under the impression that legal defense on the fluctuating migrant flows would be highest there. The Diálogo Diverso Organization primarily serves those in situations of human mobility and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and particularly specializes in the intersection of those two vulnerabilities. Having joined the team to primarily serve the legal department, I spent the majority of my time there with the two lawyers on staff. The most educational assignment I had was interviewing and registering new clients into the organization’s database. This took place when people first came to Diálogo Diverso, and taught me a lot about the migration landscape in Quito. Learning how to ask questions to get the most accurate responses was also illuminative. For example, I was specifically instructed to be very careful with names, pronouns, and noun gender endings given the frequency of transgender clients. On the flip side, I would also have to explain concepts like gender fluidity and sexual orientation because some clientele weren’t familiar with the concepts. 

4. Before my internship, I expected the clientele to be a mix of Peruvian, Colombian, and Venezuelan migrants. Surprisingly, nearly 100% of the people I registered were of Venezuelan origin. This indicated the fluctuation in migrant flows to Ecuador, and their current trend in which Venezuelan migrants are surpassing Colombian migrants. One of the two lawyers was frequently involved with the intake registration, which showed me a lot about the difference in migration policy in Ecuador as opposed to that of the United States. Having worked in a nonprofit organization providing legal services to migrants in the United States, the differences in accessibility, centralization, and norms were significant. The relaxed and communal nature of the nonprofit I joined in Ecuador made me reevaluate my pursuit of its equivalent in the United States, where my experience was comparatively very isolating and taxing. Learning about the migratory laws and protections in Ecuador led me to compare them to those of the United States for the monograph due at the end of the program. This comparison fueled my interest in the need for reform in the United States, which I intend to further investigate for a research thesis. This impacted my professional pursuit of American immigration law practice in a variety of ways, but primarily by providing further evidence that the need for contribution is highest here in the United States. My increased understanding of migration flows, its law practice, and border impacts has led me to prioritize further global learning after I graduate. I previously planned on working in the law field between my undergraduate education and law school, but the personal and professional development I experienced in one semester leads me to believe that further travel will be indelible and further refine my career interests. For this reason it’s my new priority after graduation, as an intermediary step before the aforementioned fieldwork and law degree. My four months abroad catalyzed more personal growth, global understanding, and professional guidance than I ever anticipated.
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