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Doug Bergman organized a trip to Brazil for fellow Farm Management Club members. The agricultural economics major also found the experience to be a lesson in leadership. (Photo by Tom Campbell) |
While on the trip, students visited Rio de Janeiro and several rural communities throughout Brazil. “We learned a lot about soybean production and soybean rust,” says Bergman. They also learned about the different challenges that Brazilian farmers face compared to their U.S. counterparts.
“Planning the trip and traveling abroad helped me be more open to new experiences and adapt to change,” says Bergman. “Leadership experiences really help you prepare for the future, whether it's your future career or your future family.”
Changing curriculum
Leadership development has become such an integral part of Purdue Agriculture that the Office of Academic Programs and the Department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education, which oversees the state's 4-H programs, are developing a Leadership Certificate Program. With the support of a coach, students in the program will participate in campus activities and community groups, attend leadership workshops and complete a certain number of courses designed to enhance their leadership skills. The program is expected to begin fall semester.
Purdue Agriculture is also developing a Center for Student Achievement and Leadership, a welcoming space for students to explore life beyond the classroom. The center will be a hub for student activities, leadership and service learning, in addition to many other experiential learning opportunities.
Like leadership, service learning is finding its way into the classroom. Purdue Agriculture is among the leaders in higher education in developing curricula that simultaneously provide students with real-life experience and respond to community needs.
“A lot of students forget that there is a whole community outside of Purdue,” Emery says. “There are a lot of opportunities out there. Being involved is a beneficial part of getting an education at Purdue.”
Related link:
Purdue Agriculture Student Organizations
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