I have had the pleasure of being associated with MAST since 1992. I was a U of MN student and was hired as a student worker. I loved the opportunity to interact with participants from all over the world. Having been an exchange student myself, I felt a strong connection to the program and to the MAST participants. Long story short, it must have been special enough for me to make it my profession.
As current program manager, I look at myself, along with all the MAST staff, as a caretaker of this wonderful program. It gives my life meaning, knowing that at a grassroots level and in a small way, to have assisted thousands of participants, helping them have a life experience that promotes personal growth and world connections. It is something I am very proud of. MAST and the University of Minnesota have allowed me to gain insights into the world of agriculture and make friends from all over the US and the World. I will be forever grateful. I wish MAST continued success for future decades and beyond.