Jess-Final Blog from Viborg

The final days of my stay in Denmark are coming to a close and as I think back to my perception of the world before living in Denmark, and almost after, I have learned some interesting things about myself. I have changed in several aspects and on multiple levels. There have been changes that I identified before even leaving U.S. soil, but now somehow seem dubious now that I reflect on my time here. Some of these changes include my self confidence, my level of global understanding, and my communication skills. But, the most interesting changes have nothing to do with traveling, agriculture, or living in a foreign country.

In addition to some of the predictable changes that I have encountered, I have become more understanding of how I deal with a perilous situation. I know that I have met people here with very colorful life stories that have shaped them both in ways good and bad. I think I have learned to address the fact that someone’s own life tragedies do not have to become my own. I can tell someone how I feel about how they are treating me and make a change that is better for both of us. I know that this lesson in consciousness and consideration will stay with me for life and I am grateful for that.

On a very different level I feel more confident in my abilities to problem solve. I have been put in positions that require me to make a decision based on finance, time, and language. I now truly understand that there can be plans laid forth for a project and those plans will be altered. In the past I believed in setting a goal in order to accomplish anything and that by following a plan from conception to finality a goal was achieved. That thought has been turned upside down. From my time spent with Peter I have learned that a plan can be altered and the results of that altered plan can ultimately produce a better outcome. I know that this will serve me well later in life, no matter what aspect of science I end up studying.

The last change that I have noted might not have anything to do with being in another country, but it is a change that has occurred none the less. I have always been proud of how I was raised, but since I have been here I have noticed an even greater pride in that fact. I knew that I could connect with farm families and other people working in agriculture, and I felt very fortunate to be able to do so. After speaking to producers here I fully understand that farming is a hard business no matter where you are in the world. I have to commend my parents on how they raised me, but also on how they managed to keep a farm business growing through very hard times and yet still be proud to produce food for the world. I truly know now how fortunate I am for every opportunity that I have been given and I will not soon forget that.