Well, its actually over. I’ve spent three weeks in Iowa, gained five pounds, and learned more than I ever hoped to know about agriculture and food. I can honestly say that I’m coming away from this trip a different person.

I have officially become a foodie. I know I’ll never be the same in a grocery store again. From now on, I’ll be checking labels and ingredients. I’ve decided to start buying organic as often as I can and would like to support free range chicken and gras-fed cattle farmers. I’m going to try to convince my mom to let us join a CSA, and I’ll definitely make more trips to the local farmers market. Now that I actually understand GMOs, I’m going to keep up to date and try to get involved in our local politics surrounding it. I’m going to try to convince my parents not to use, or at least use less, pesticide to try to protect the creek behind my house (this one may not work, though).

Everything considered, the days that we were outside and working hands on were my favorite. I learned a lot from the lectures, but I really feel like I’m taking away more from when I could physically experience what the farmers experience. I can sympathize with people when I can experience it for myself. Out of all of the meetings, however, I thought that the one with the Iowa Environmental Council was by far the most engaging. Jenny has a vibrant personality, and Susan was great at getting her point across.

I guess if I have any advice for next year’s group, its bring extra hoodies and be prepared to go nonstop. Its worth it.