Hellooooo!! My name is Breanna Kruml and I come from a small town nestled near York, Pa. Some of my earliest memories involve crafting mud pies or harvesting and planting strawberries in my neighbor’s communal garden patch. These early experiences ignited a passion for cultivation and stewardship of the land, so it’s no wonder that the Student Farm at Penn State has swiftly become my sanctuary. Being involved in the Student Farm community has been nothing short of transformative. Not only did it introduce me to incredibly genuine individuals but has also provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a lifelong hobby that offers both personal fulfillment and the chance to give back indefinitely. Beyond this, the Student Farm has become a classroom without walls– a space where I continually expand my knowledge and skills.
I’ve been reinforced by the fact that learning to grow food is a lifelong commitment to stewardship and environmental responsibility. The opportunity to learn how to cultivate my own food while prioritizing sustainable and eco-conscious practices is very important to me. I am a firm believer in the notion that sharing is an act of caring– a principle deeply ingrained in the very fabric of the Student Farm community– and contributing to our community, whether through initiatives such as our Student Farm’s pay-what-you-can stand or other means, represents a small yet significant contribution towards addressing the widespread issue of food insecurity on a larger scale. I hope that the lessons learned from working on the farm fuel my aspirations to establish a large-scale community garden and own a market stand. This life goal aims to provide my community with fresh, affordable produce while fostering a sense of connection and well-being. Through sustainable practices and community engagement, I seek to create a thriving ecosystem that not only sustains itself but also gives back to those in need. By offering nutritious options at accessible prices, I hope to address food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles.
With determination and a commitment to service, I am confident that this dream can become reality, enriching the lives of others while leaving a positive impact on the world around me. As I continue my journey at Penn State and beyond, I carry the lessons learned and the friendships forged at the Student Farm– a demonstration of the lasting strength of stewardship and the significant influence of group effort.