Hello! My name is Kara Miller, and I am a current sophomore at Penn State. I am a member of the Student Farm Club and a new intern for 2021. I am majoring in Community, Environment and Development with a sub-plan of Social and Environmental Responsibility, and I plan to minor in International Agriculture.
Growing up, I always had animals and enjoyed spending all my time outside in nature. Living down the street from a garden center called Spring Garden Farms, I always enjoyed taking a stroll to look at the plants they had each season. These types of local businesses made me realize how important community is. It made me want to do something in sustainability, especially with the environment. This is why I chose to get involved with the Student Farm. Between the CSAs, lion pantry, and partnering with dining, I saw many opportunities through the farm to work with the local community. I have only been at the Student Farm for a short period, but I can already see how much it does for the community.
Sustainable agriculture has been important to me ever since I realized humans’ effects on the world. Being involved in FFA in high school opened my eyes to how much of a role agriculture plays in everyone’s lives, whether it be food production, jobs, and just the mere enjoyment of having animals or plants that people love. My choice to become vegetarian when I was 16 was mostly due to the overconsumption of agricultural products and the effects they have on the environment. One way I try to contribute to sustainable agriculture is through not eating meat, and eventually cutting out all animal products. Now as an intern at the Student Farm, I am able to see more ways to contribute to sustainable agriculture and be a part of it myself. People need to start adopting sustainable agriculture practices if they want a world that is worth living in without hunger and a poor environment.
Having access to affordable and safe food is one of the most important food systems issues to me. The Student Farm does a great job at giving access to fresh food for people that cannot afford it through things like the Lion Pantry. I think having access to food is something no one should have to worry about, considering that you need food to survive. This is another reason why I wanted this internship. I have already learned so much from the farm and am excited for what is to come!