By Nathaniel French, Nashoba Regional High School Summer Intern, Summer 2017

Despite this summer’s chaos and stress, this internship has been one of the few things that has kept my mind occupied. My experience at the farm and in the office has created memories that I will be able to look back on, and my experience makes me realize that I learned a lot. Going into the summer, I thought that this internship was just going to be all farming and some possible construction for the farmers, but I now know that this internship has more to offer than that. It provided the experiences that I expected, but I also was able to interact with the farmers more than I thought I would have. I learned more about different crops by assisting the farmers in their harvest and by helping with the CSA.
Just by being around the farmers this summer, I could feel the positive vibes and sense of community, which is an amazing feeling. There were a couple of times during the summer when cars got stuck in mud at the Flats, including an intern’s car, and this is when the sense of community really kicked in. At first, Tyler, some of the other staff, and I tried to push the car out, but after a couple minutes of seeing our struggles, nearby farmers took notice and quickly hustled over to help. These farmers didn't even know whose car it was, and they still came over to lend a hand. Another time, when Krista’s car got stuck, it took nearly ten minutes to get it out, and once we finally did, the helpful farmers had smiles on their faces and all gave us a cheerful hug. This is just a taste of what the internship was like, and this is only one of several memories.
Along with the fun and happy memories from the internship, I also learned how fortunate I am. Many of the farmers come from difficult backgrounds, a knowledge which has made me even more grateful for what I have. I am thankful for what I have, and for the opportunity, through participating in this program, to learn more about different cultures. The effect that the World Farmers organization has had of people is unbelievable; so many people have been positively impacted by this organization, and knowing that makes my experience all the more enjoyable because I know that I have helped others. If I have the chance to come back again, I would gladly accept that offer. The wonderful relationships that I have created with the World Farmers’ staff and farmers made this internship incredible.