I participated in the MAST Program in 2017, where I worked at Bergen’s Greenhouse before continuing my training at the University of Minnesota. I can honestly say that this was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life because it completely changed my perspective and the direction of my goals.
Before coming to the United States, I was working for the government in my home country, Colombia, as an Agricultural Engineer. I had a stable job and a good position for someone who had just graduated. Through a friend, I learned about the MAST Program and decided to apply, looking for an international experience that would challenge me.
At the beginning, it was not easy. Because of my young age and my professional background, adapting to a new environment and doing unfamiliar tasks felt frustrating at first. However, as time passed, I began to understand the purpose behind each activity and to see things from a different perspective. That change of mindset helped me realize how valuable the MAST experience truly was.
After finishing the program, I returned to Colombia and found another job in my field, but something inside me had changed. The MAST Program had awakened a new curiosity and a strong desire to keep learning, exploring, and experiencing the world from different points of view. MAST opens your mind, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and helps you discover new skills and strengths that you didn’t know you had.
Many of these lessons are intangible—you only realize their value once you open your mind and reflect on them. If someone asked me today what the MAST Program means, I would say it is an opportunity to discover yourself, to test your abilities, to learn from new cultures, and to open your mind to new experiences. It is like a machine that shakes your life in a positive way and encourages personal and professional growth.
I truly recommend the MAST Program to anyone who wants to grow beyond their limits. In fact, I have already encouraged four friends from Colombia to apply, and all of them have had wonderful experiences that changed their lives as well. In the future, I would love to promote this program in universities and schools in my country so that more young people can take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.