We were joined this summer by Bhagya Rajapakshe from Sri Lanka for a one year educational stay. She shares her impressions of the first two months in Oregon.
"We should all travel far from our comfort zone in order to identify our real capabilities."
I flew more than 13,500 km away from my lovely home to be here at Deck Family Farm. This is my first time leaving Sri Lanka and it took me more than 30 hours to come here, with a 12 and a half hour time difference! Yeah, it is tough and challenging for me. But I believe we have to take on challenges to brighten our future and this is the best chance I found for my future dream of becoming a farmer myself.
After earning my Bachelors of Science in Agriculture degree from University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I began working as an agricultural social mobilizer at South Asia Partnership SriLanka (SAPSRI). SAPSRI works to support rural farming communities by introducing new agricultural techniques and tools and by providing the needed funds. Social Mobilization is a satisfying career where everyone learns: We introduce them to new techniques and learn traditional techniques from them. While I was working with rural communities to improve their lifestyle, I started my Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and will complete that after this year in the U.S.
Photos: Bhagia working with rural farmers in Sri Lanka ©Baghia Rajapakshe
I found Deck Family Farm through Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) and SAGE, Sustainable Agriculture and Global Exchange. SAPSRI is the global partner of MESA for South Asia and gave me the opportunity to participate in SAGE. MESA offers a rare opportunity for beginning & established farmers from different cultures to work together in order to spur innovation, champion agriculture heritage & transform the global food system.
I believe, selecting Deck Family Farm is a turning point of my life. Being an intern at Deck Family Farm provides so much more than training about animals: It teaches me about American culture, too. The first thing I realized after arriving at the farm was, I should throw out everything I had learned so far about animal husbandry so I can start this new chapter with the fresh eyes of an intern.
I started my training with pigs and yeah, it was difficult! I had to use my strength in new ways I had never experienced before and, surprisingly, found I have stronger muscles than I expected. The daily chores of the farm have helped me to develop as a strong and mature woman. I was a bit afraid to see blood earlier and here I am today farrowing sows (assisting in births) without any difficulty.
I have started to focus on the marketing side, too, because it is related to my degrees. I got the chance to work in a farmers market booth to train as a market rep. Farmers markets are one of the best places to experience the different cultures and the interactions with customers will broaden my horizons and improve my communication skills.
I appreciate being able to go on trips with other interns and those beautiful moments are adding lovely memories to my journey. This life at Deck Family Farm with family members, employees and other interns is something I never thought I wanted or needed. But I am happy here and I am not looking back.
"Do something you love and love what you do." This is something I live by now.
Cheers to my next 10 months with Deck Family Farm!