This summer , I embarked upon a journey of unique experiences and priceless encounters that I will always cherish .
As I stepped into the Farm Alliance ’ s unique environment , my passions were related to environmental justice , but I did not know how it would align with my duties at the Farm Alliance . Very quickly , I learned that my placement was a great fit for my interests . My interests in environmental justice and community land ownership were absolutely fulfilled as I learned about the Farm Alliance ' s values . I learned about issues regarding farmer inequities , challenges with urban farming in the city , and how the Farm Alliance addresses food sovereignty / food apartheid issues in Baltimore . Through my acts as an intern , whether it be working on the Black Butterfly Urban Farming Academy farm on Fridays or attending monthly membership farmer meetings , I was truly able to see the value of urban farming in Baltimore and its implications for disrupting historical inequalities .
Aside from career-related aspects , my time with the Farm Alliance allowed me to open myself up to people I would not have met otherwise . One of the most enriching lessons I ' ve learned from my work is how much a shared interest can unify people from very different paths . Everyone that I met cared about urban farming , or access to healthy produce in some respect , but learning that everyone came to this work from different walks of life was inspiring .
Every day I felt extremely excited to learn something new , whether it be learning more about the process of land leasing to urban farms , completing soil tests , or learning how to pull carrots and harvest potatoes . I was pleased to participate in an environment where you could not predict what journey you would embark on the next day . The low-pressure environment allowed me to ask questions , make mistakes , and take breaks to reflect .
Drafted proposal templates and informational guides to aid Farm Alliance with donation and communication-based efforts
Supported the maintenance of an urban teaching farm on a weekly basis , harvesting more than a quarter ton of fresh produce
Assisted individual farmers across the city to improve farms by planting crops and conducting soil tests
Managed and created social media content for community outreach
After my summer with the Farm Alliance , I have a special place in my heart for the organization and urban farming in general . I am eager to see where my new interests and skills take me for my future endeavors .
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