Meet Tori Reynolds

Program and Location:

Summer, Scotland and Ireland: Global Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture; Various locations in Scotland and Ireland

Major/Minor:

Animal Science

Why did you choose to study abroad? 

I have always wanted to see the world and I love learning new things. Studying abroad seemed to be the best of the both worlds. I got to see the world and learn at the same time.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I LOVE being abroad, that I am able to do anything I set my mind to, and that I am very comfortable in a foreign setting. I also learned that I know very little about the world outside of the United States.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

My favorite part of the trip was visiting a Highland Cattle farm outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. This was my favorite because I love cattle, and these were extremely friendly cattle. We learned about the operation, bottle fed a calf, brushed the hair of some of the cows, got to see the working bull, and saw a cow moved through the chute.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Make the most out of every second abroad because it is over before you know it. Take advantage of the opportunities provided to you by studying abroad with NCSU, because there is literally nothing like it.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

As I aspire to work with agriculture, this trip allowed me to see first-hand the agricultural practices within Scotland and Ireland. It gave me a different view of sustainability within agriculture, and will hopefully allow me to help implement different sustainability projects in the future.

In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?

Being a First Generation College Student really allowed me to appreciate my opportunity to go abroad, it also helped me to better appreciate my college experience in general. No one else in my immediate family had studied abroad, or even been overseas, so it was a life changing experience. I think my identity let me appreciate it more than I would have if I weren’t the first in my family to go to college.

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?

Don’t let anything hold you back. I was told that the statistics were against me as a First Generation College Student, yet I was able to defy those statistics and make the most of my time here at NCSU. So, defy the statistics and make the doubts of others your achievements.

Where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?

I found support from the group of NCSU students that I was traveling with. We all got along well and were able to form relationships that are unique to being a foreign country with each other. We were all going through the same thing, so we were able to understand one another.

Would you do it again?

I would love to study abroad again because it was an amazing experience. It is definitely worth it.