Manny shares that he's wanted to join the Peace Corps ever since he was in 10th grade. He was able to learn about the international organization in his U.S. History class and was hooked. "I joined because I want to make a difference. I've been so fortunate in education and want to share that education to those who haven't had the same opportunity as me." Manny says that the Peace Corps as an outlet for him to give back in his own meaningful way.
Olivia Murphy-Sweet, a fellow Penn State Ag Ed alum graduating in 2016, served in the Peace Corps in Senegal previously. After speaking with Murphy-Sweet and doing his research, Manny knew that Senegal was the place that he wanted to be. "I chose [Senegal] because of the hospitality of the Senegalese people and Peace Corps Senegal's ongoing mission to bring empowerment to women."
We asked Manny what exactly he will be doing during his 27 months abroad as an Urban Agriculture Extension Agent. He says he will be working with community members, youth in schools, and small hold farmers to improve agricultural production and efficiency; anything from improving crop production methods and harvest management, to improving nutrition and helping household members cook and improving women's access to extension services necessary for agriculture. Objectives for the Peace Corps' Agricultural Extension Agent position include increasing farmers' capacity to sustainably cultivate improved crop cultivars and to sustainably produce more crops that contribute to family income and access to food at home.
He shares that he's ready to make his mark on an important community. "I'm excited to... ...know I've made a positive difference, no matter how small or big it is. I'm excited to learn about another culture and to share the American culture." At the same time, Manny says that he is a little nervous, since there isn't the rigorous structure in this position that one may expect - service is different for everyone. This, however, affords a lot of opportunity for Manny to be able to grow and learn what he loves about his position, as well as give in his own unique way.
Despite the uncertainty, Manny believe that his time at Penn State has prepared him well. "I believe my time student teaching and being at Penn State will serve me will in my service. My knowledge of agriculture is pretty wide from the courses I've taken, and student teaching has helped further develop my teaching abilities to reach different groups of people." This experience, he believes, will also prepare him to be flexible in tough situations and more sensitive to other cultures when he moves on to the next step of his career after these 27 months. Manny currently doesn't have any plans set after his Peace Corps service - 27 months is a long time after all - but he shares that only time can tell where he will end up.
Manny is serving in an unique capacity, where he has the power to change many people's lives over the next 27 months, and we are all incredibly proud of him. Manny wants to thank everyone who has been a part of Penn State Teach Ag for their guidance and support throughout his Teach Ag journey. We're excited to keep up with his journey in the Peace Corps and see how he uses his Penn State story to inspire others and contribute to growing communities abroad! Congratulations, Manny!
Want to read more about Manny?
Hunter Kauffman
Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
College of Agricultural Sciences
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