A Summer of Growth

While summer often brings to mind beach days, family vacations, or long hours soaking up the sun, my plans this year look a little different—and I couldn’t be more excited about it. This summer, I’ll be stepping into the role of mentor at the Pennsylvania School of Excellence in Agricultural Sciences (PSEAS), a program that combines some of my biggest passions: agriculture, education, and leadership.

PSEAS is a residential summer program hosted at Penn State that brings together high-achieving high school students from across Pennsylvania who are interested in exploring the world of agricultural sciences. It’s a selective, intensive program designed to give students hands-on experiences with everything from animal and plant sciences to food systems, sustainability, and agri-business. In short, it’s a crash course in the future of agriculture—and a glimpse into the incredible potential of the next generation of ag leaders.

As a mentor, I’ll be living and learning alongside these students, offering guidance as they navigate college-style lectures, labs, field trips, and collaborative projects. My role is part RA, part TA, and part cheerleader. I’ll be helping with everything from explaining lab techniques and reviewing class content, to offering advice on college applications, leading team-building activities, and being a supportive presence during late-night study sessions (and probably some deep conversations over Creamery ice cream).

I know how much mentorship can shape a student’s journey—because I’ve been on the other side of that relationship. I remember how meaningful it was to have someone believe in me, encourage me to take risks, and remind me that I belonged in spaces that sometimes felt intimidating. Being able to now offer that kind of support to someone else feels like a full-circle moment, and a chance to give back to a field that has already given me so much.

But beyond the academics and the mentoring, what excites me most is the chance to be part of something that grows both people and purpose. Agriculture is about more than crops and cattle; it’s about sustainability, equity, community, and resilience. It’s about feeding people—not just with food, but with knowledge, hope, and opportunity. And that’s exactly what I hope to do this summer.

I know this experience will challenge me, stretch me, and teach me in ways I can’t yet predict. But I’m ready to dig in—pun very much intended. Whether it’s leading group discussions, troubleshooting lab projects, or just being a steady source of support when things get tough, I want these students to know they have someone in their corner who believes in them.

So here’s to a summer of long days, full notebooks, and open minds. Here’s to growing leaders, cultivating confidence, and planting seeds that will bloom far beyond this season. I can’t wait to see what we’ll grow together.