Hamilton FFA member Kalem Hall from Mississippi found himself perplexed when he first saw the principles of agriculture class on his schedule.
His plan since middle school was to major in business administration, so he was confused as to why he was put in an agriculture class. However, Hall had no problem stepping out of his comfort zone, so he was ready to rise to the challenge.
Career Exploration SAE
Since Hall had always been interested in business communications, he and his advisor, Jennifer Terrell, landed on career exploration as his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). This gave him the chance he needed to dive deeper.
During his research, Terrell presented him with an unrelated opportunity. Hall was always on the hunt for ways to make an impact, so she knew the Mississippi Youth Institute would be the perfect experience for him. He could apply his interests to real-world experience and join the fight against hunger just 30 minutes from his hometown.
World Food Prize
In collaboration with the World Food Prize Foundation, which was founded by Norman E. Borlaug, Mississippi State University offers opportunities for students interested in showcasing their ideas to help end world hunger.
Students can also be chosen to attend the Global Youth Institute, which brings together exceptional students on a nationwide level to interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates as well as other global leaders. Ultimately, the World Food Prize and Global Youth Institute aim to inspire and prepare young people to become changemakers in the fight against hunger.
Hall spent hours researching ways to help combat hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the DRC, medical treatment is limited due to a lack of supplies and experience, and the area is plagued by persistent acute malnutrition in children and adults. Additionally, constant altercations do not allow people to consume a diversified diet. Therefore, people living there are caught in a never-ending, vicious cycle of hunger, as there are poorly balanced diets and limited resources.
Global Youth Institute
Hall’s hard work and dedication helped gain him a prestigious opportunity to represent his state at a national level.
In October 2023, he and his advisor traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, which allowed him to share his ideas with other individuals, dignitaries and leaders from all around the world who were there to listen to inspiring and passionate young minds who are stepping up to the frontline in this war against hunger.
Throughout his endeavors, Hall thought the field of agricultural communications, with an emphasis on social media strategy, would provide an exceptional avenue to provoke change. Hall plans to work for a sustainability company and really focus on educating smaller communities on ways they can help fight food insecurity.
To Hall, the smallest actions can make the greatest difference, and a community united in purpose has the potential to move mountains.
Hall’s SAE showed him how everything ties back to agriculture. Blending his desires with that will provide the greatest opportunity to do what he is passionate about.
