Hi everyone! My name is Ayiana Biddle, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as a new AmeriCorps member serving with the Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps. My role involves supporting The Student Farm at Penn State and the Sustainable Food System Network until August 2025.
I grew up spending time with family who had agricultural backgrounds, particularly my maternal grandfather, who hailed from the Philippines. In his early years, he managed mango plantations and rice farms. During my childhood, my grandfather lived in the states, and I had the privilege of spending summers helping him tend his garden. He cultivated tropical fruits, vegetables, and flowers, turning his backyard into a lush oasis. I always felt as though I was caring for a botanical garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors and fragrances of the plants he nurtured. My grandfather’s dedication to his garden and the respect he had for his plants left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the hard work put into the garden and the satisfying results that came to fruition inspired me to pursue an education in agriculture.
I pursued my academic interests at Penn State University in 2019 and I graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree and a minor in Horticulture. During my time at the College of Agriculture, I spent my freshman and sophomore years as a lab technician in a soil research laboratory. This experience allowed me to delve deeper into soil and plant tissue studies conducted by graduate students and made me realize how much more there is to discover in the plant world. My junior year, I had the privilege of interning with Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross’ Student Farm at Penn State.
This transformative experience enabled me to apply foundational knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Engaging directly with a local sustainable food system, aimed at combating food insecurity while educating the community on sustainability, was eye-opening. It heightened my awareness of critical issues such as food insecurity, access to nutritious food, and quality education.
Being a good steward of the land entails understanding the delicate balance of nature and the impact of human activity on the environment. In a world where the population and resource demand are on the rise, sustainability in agriculture is paramount. Our goal is to preserve and maintain current resources to prevent depletion for future generations. Understanding our connection to the environment is crucial, and taking individual steps towards sustainability can lead to significant positive change.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am genuinely excited to serve both the land and the people in my role with AmeriCorps. I look forward to contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and fostering community engagement through my work with The Student Farm at Penn State and the Sustainable Food System Network.