MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is pleased to announce three student delegates representing Kansas at the 2015 Taiwan Youth Exchange Program. The three students are: Anna Setter, freshman at Kansas State University; Dakota Roy, senior at West Franklin High School; and RaeLynn McClelland, freshman at Allen County Community College. The exchange will take place December 7-12.
Setter, of Humboldt, Kansas, is a freshman studying food science and agriculture communications and journalism, as well as pursuing a minor in agricultural economics at Kansas State University. Growing up on a fifth generation farm, Setter developed her passion for agriculture and now wants to see it in action internationally. “I believe that this journey would be a great way to meet others who share my interest in agriculture and make a positive contribution to the industry,” said Setter.
Roy, of Pomona, Kansas, is a senior at West Franklin High School. In fall of 2015, Roy will be attending Kansas State University and studying agribusiness with a minor in international agriculture. As a student delegate in the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program, Roy will be taking her first steps into international agriculture, a path she hopes to follow into her career. “I want to work with our country’s farmers and ranchers, helping them to create new avenues for their products and services in the global community,” said Roy.
McClelland, of Maple Hill, Kansas, is a freshman at Allen County Community College studying to become and agriculture educator. She plans to take the agricultural and cultural lessons and experiences she gains through the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program back to her local, rural community. “Having new insights into agriculture will allow me to teach my future students and community of our impact on agricultural at the global level,” said McClelland.
Composed of young people passionate about agriculture, the Kansas representatives will visit the National Taichung Agricultural Senior High School for a week-long educational experience. During the program, the students will visit local livestock and horticulture industry representatives, giving them the opportunity to explore Taiwanese agriculture. The delegates will also be able to indulge in Taiwanese culture during their unique experience. Setter, Roy and McClelland will be able to share their knowledge of Kansas agriculture and return home with a one-of-a-kind education of agriculture in Taiwan.
Opportunities such as the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program provide tremendous knowledge and networking to both the delegates and all Kansas agriculturalists. Kansas ranks seventh in the nation in international exports, accounting for $4.9 billion. International relationships with countries such as Taiwan help account for this export sum and open opportunities for more exports in the future.
Each fall, KDA facilitates the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program application process. High school seniors or college freshman students submit a resume, letter of introduction, reference letter and essay to be considered for selection as a delegate.
For more information regarding the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program, please contact Nellie Hill, KDA Education and Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling (785) 564-6756.
