Hello! My name is Helen Sleat, and I am excited to be a for-credit intern at the Penn State Student Farm during the Fall 2025 semester. I’m currently a first-year student majoring in Agricultural Science, a path I hadn’t originally anticipated, but one that has already proven to be both intellectually engaging and personally meaningful. I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, a coastal town not particularly known for its connection to agriculture. Despite that, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of sustainable food systems and understanding the journey our food takes before it reaches our plates. From an early age, my parents emphasized the value of nutritious whole foods and instilled in me an appreciation for where and how our food is produced. That early awareness sparked a broader interest in food accessibility and how we can build systems that provide communities with equitable access to fresh, healthy produce.
Over time, I’ve become especially fascinated by regenerative agriculture, a philosophy and practice centered on working with natural systems to rebuild soil health, enhance biodiversity, and restore ecosystems. Learning how to farm in ways that enrich rather than deplete the environment has been incredibly inspiring. I’m eager to continue developing that knowledge, particularly by collaborating with my peers and mentors here at the Student Farm. Their insight and experience will be significant in shaping my academic growth and personal perspective.
When I first arrived at Penn State, I was undecided about my major and unsure of my career goals. But everything changed after my first visit to the Student Farm. That initial experience opened my eyes to agricultural science as a discipline that balances environmental responsibility with practical, hands-on work. It offered exactly the kind of meaningful, community-driven engagement I had been searching for. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, running, paddleboarding, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors. Growing up on Chesapeake Bay, I developed a strong connection to environmental advocacy and education. I became involved with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Bay’s ecosystem. Their mission: save the Bay and its waterways by educating, uniting, and inspiring people to take action.
My work with CBF directly shaped my appreciation for the Student Farm, as both organizations emphasize community involvement and environmental stewardship. What excites me most about the Student Farm is its emphasis on collaboration and shared purpose. I genuinely believe that every person you meet brings with them new insights and opportunities. I’m deeply grateful for the people who have welcomed me into this community and introduced me to such fulfilling work. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the farm’s mission, growing alongside others who care deeply about the land, and continuing to learn and lead as both a student and advocate.