Good day! My name is Tara, and I’m beyond excited to be joining the next group of interns with The Student Farm at Penn State. This fall, I will be a sophomore majoring in AgriBusiness Management and planning to minor in Food Systems and Horticulture. I am an international student from Indonesia, and I’m sure to make the Student Farm my home far away from home.
Growing up on the Island of Bali, I’m always surrounded by nature and people who love nature. I admire the influential indigenous culture that Balinese people have strongly protected. My favorite traditional philosophy in Bali is “Tri Hita Karana”, which is the three ways to get happiness through the harmony and togetherness of the activities of people. The original three elements include harmonious relationships between farmers and God (Parahyangan), farmers and other farmers (Pawongan), and farmers and the environment (Palemahan). Tri Hita Karana is considered to be foundational for the sustainability system. Attaching myself to home and my culture, I am committed to learning more about sustainable agriculture and integrating traditional and modern practices to provide my community with goodness.
Almost half of the labor force in Indonesia consists of farmers. However, most people in my country are shocked to see a 19-year-old be so determined to become “just” a farmer. Therefore, I felt like I had to step out of my country to give myself a different perspective. The farming population across the world is ageing without an adequate replacement by the next generation. So, here I am, studying across the globe and meeting this next generation of farmers of the world. And where did I meet them? At the Student Farm! It gives me so much warmth to be surrounded by people my age, who want to learn the same things as me, and are also passionate about farming and sustainability.
I love all activities that revolve around food. After training at the Student Farm and learning about the food system at Penn State, I feel much more gratitude for what is on my plate. A single rice on our plate has gone through long-thought and complicated processes before it is ready to nourish our body with rich nutrients and give us health. To show gratitude towards my food, I try my best to minimize food waste and support sustainable produce. I am looking forward to engaging with challenges and solutions in food and agricultural systems through the Sustainable Food System Program at Penn State.
