Over the past five years, mano-Y-ola has hosted 53 Hispanic, bilingual interns over 6 cohorts in both Virtual and Traveling Internships. In our programs, Virtual Interns learn from master agronomists and agricultural professionals with modules including leadership, agribusiness, farmers’ legal education assistance, and natural resources conservation, and apply what they learn in projects on farms in Puerto Rico. Traveling interns are placed in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices across the United States to gain hands-on, professional experience. In the spring of 2023, mano-Y-ola will conduct its 4th Virtual Internship, with applications accepted starting this month.
For our end of year message, mano-Y-ola welcomes USDA District Conservationist and former mano-Y-ola Traveling Intern, Javier Medina, to share his story, which we hope will inspire young future agricultural professionals, some of whom may be interested in this internship.
“Growing up on the island of Puerto Rico and raised in the mountains, I was exposed to agriculture from a very young age. My father and grandfather worked on our farm, and I was curious and developed a love for nature. So, I decided to study agricultural sciences and learned, among many things, that some methods of agriculture could also destroy natural habitats. My new passion was to determine efficient ways to help people continue producing food but protect nature. During an internship opportunity with mano-Y-ola, I learned about NRCS and opportunities for young Hispanic talent to learn and help farmers protect their natural resources while improving their production.
“Fast-forward a few years, I graduated from college and currently work with the NRCS as a Soil Conservationist in Virginia. Working as a conservationist, I experience a new side of agriculture. I aim to develop meaningful and long-term connections with people by engaging in day-to-day conversations, problem-solving, and finding opportunities to multiply positive conservation habits —agriculture benefits from a hands-on approach and farmer-centered work. As a result, I am more encouraged today to help my community and neighbors everywhere co-exist with nature, our natural resources, and our ecosystem while serving as an inspiration to other young professionals. Looking back, I am glad I chose to make agriculture my career and invest in what matters: ‘a healthy land for all people.’”
If you or someone you know would be interested in applying for an internship with mano-Y-ola to begin a career in agriculture, visit our website, https://www.latinofarmersusa.com/internships.
- written by Javier Medina and Jessica Roqueburg
