Hello everyone! My name is Leah Fuller, and I’m the communications intern for the Student Farm. I’m going into my final semester here at Penn State (bittersweet) as a Public Relations/Advertising major minoring in Digital Media Trends and Analytics and Psychology. I started working with the Student Farm around this time last year and had the privilege of being trained by our previous communications intern, Ava. Both Ava and our program director, Leslie, dedicated a lot of time to teaching me the many responsibilities of the role. I won’t sugarcoat it, there was a lot to learn! Even now, I find myself discovering something new almost every day. It’s a reminder that while we learn valuable lessons in the classroom, it’s through real-world application that we truly grow. This role has pushed me to become more confident in my abilities, and allowed me to hone in on what I hope to do post-graduation. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to explore new ideas and stretch my creative skills in the best way.
I grew up in a very rural area of Western New York, where outdoor activities were a large part of my life. From an early age, I developed a strong connection to nature, which has only deepened through my experiences at Penn State. Working with the Student Farm has been especially meaningful because it allows me to combine my passion for the outdoors with my professional interests. The farm has shown me how sustainability initiatives and environmental advocacy rely on effective communication to amplify the voices of those doing the important work. Being part of the farm’s mission has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such impactful efforts.
My day-to-day work is always different, which is one of the things I love most about this role. Every week brings a new challenge or an exciting project, whether it’s brainstorming creative ways to promote an event or finding unique ways to highlight our team members. The best part of being the communications intern? Attending all the events to capture fun photo and video content and enjoying the most delicious food while I’m at it! One of my favorite memories was spending some time on the farm this past summer to capture its beauty. It’s truly a stunning space, but what makes it even more special are the people who bring it to life. Anyone involved with the farm can attest to the joy and positive energy that radiates from the team. I even had the opportunity to volunteer on the farm for a couple of days. Man was I sore from the physical labor, but it gave me a firsthand look at the hard work and dedication that goes into caring for the plant ecosystem.
The farm is almost fully student-run, and that includes all aspects of the organization. Our graphic design intern, Eden, and I are the ones behind the scenes making sure the message of the farm is shared effectively. Typically, I’m the one on the back end of things, publishing everyone else’s blogs, so it’s interesting to be the one in the spotlight! What’s amazing about the Student Farm is how it brings together students from all different majors and interests to contribute their unique skills. Whether it’s running social media campaigns, planning events, conducting research, or digging into the soil, there’s a role for everyone.
No matter your field of study, there’s something valuable to learn here. Teamwork, sustainability, and creativity are at the heart of everything we do. The Student Farm is more than just a place to grow food; it’s a space where ideas flourish, and where students can grow as individuals and leaders.