Getting Stuck in Holes in Vietnam Can Open Doors

Once again I divert my attention from the adventures of my I-CAL excursion to related topics.  This go round I'd like to discuss the opportunities I've had because of my involvement with I-CAL.

As a part of the I-CAL program you are asked to present about your trip to educational and business groups.  I had the opportunity to present to the Collegiate FFA Chapter and Dairy Club at Virginia Tech.  I will also have to opportunity to speak about my trip with the Virginia State Feed Association in February.

The CFFA presentation was a great way to start off the fall semester!  Friends of mine, Joy and David, also presented about their involvement with CFFA at the national level with their participation in New Century Farmer and National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassadors Programs, respectively.  It was a great night letting fellow CFFA members know about the opportunities that they have to grow professionally, serve the agriculture industry, and have a great time!

Dairy Club decided to have "Internship Month" for our October meetings.  It was really great to present among the really awesome dairy internships that our members participated in.  Sadly, Dairy Club is not one of the listed organizations that can participate in I-CAL.  But many of our members are in other organizations such as Alpha Zeta, FarmHouse, and Alpha Gamma Rho.  

My upcoming presentation for Virginia State Feed Association will be a great time reconnecting with members of the industry.  I have been fortunate enough to meet with this group before through their scholarship program.  In fact, they were the ones that helped me realize my connection with the grain and feeds industry.  If it weren't for them, I might not have applied for I-CAL in the first place.

2012 Collegiate FFA Convention Staff

Here recently, I had another opportunity to share my experience with I-CAL in another manner.  At the 2012 National FFA Convention I was able to serve on Collegiate Staff.  I loved making new friends from all over who were active in CFFA as well.  Promoting CFFA and hosting Collegiate events such as Amazing Race and socials was a blast!

And the opportunities continue!  Through my blog and promotion through my study abroad credit, I hope to let the Virginia Tech agricultural community know about the I-CAL program and the great opportunities that follow it.  Thanks for keeping up and the next blogs should wrap up my trip!  Happy Thanksgiving!