Name: Saicy Lytle; Location: Nicaragua; Program: Developing Youth Leadership Organizations in Nicaragua; Timeframe: May 17-Jun. 1, 2017; Major: Agricultural Communications; Classification: Senior; Hometown: Anson, Texas

• My Experience: It was amazing to see people manage their daily routines without the internet, clean water, or transportation. We were able to help students work on some of their projects where they raised chickens, grew fruit and then made jam to sell, and grew other produce to try and raise money to take home to their families. The music, the food, the environment was absolutely breathtaking.
• Why Go: Enrolling in the class was a last minute decision after having a conversation with my sister and the instructor, Dr. Boren, who encouraged me to take advantage of this opportunity.
• Any Advice: I would encourage everyone to study abroad if they can. Go someplace you've always wanted to go, or even somewhere you know very little about.
• Favorite Part: My favorite part of the trip was the Nicaraguan people we interacted with. My trip taught me that it's worth it to do good and be good. Those people are an inspiration to me daily, and I wouldn't trade that trip for the world.
• Looking Ahead: I have never wanted to work so hard for someone else before. I really learned what service meant in those weeks. Someone told me during the trip, “You can't change Nicaragua in a day.” Maybe we can't, but the greenhouse we built in just a few days is going to help the people of Cusmapa, Nicaragua for years to come.

As the country of Nicaragua progresses toward food security, an integral component is the development of youth as a change agent. There is a history of formal youth leadership programming in Nicaragua. With the worldwide influences on agriculture in the United States, it is important to explore agricultural education in international settings. The course was a traveling exploration of agricultural education and programming and the impacts of those efforts on sustainable practices in Nicaragua.

CONTACT: Cindy Akers, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or cindy.akers@ttu.edu

0216NM18 / Editor's Note: For detailed information on Davis College Study Abroad programs and how to apply, click here.

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