Our international seminar took us through four countries over 16 days, and while each day brought something new, the biggest takeaway for me was how this experience reshaped my view of leadership, agriculture, and community. You can prepare for a trip like this, but you can’t fully understand it until you’re standing in the middle of it, from the busy streets of Johannesburg to the quiet mornings in Hwange, from Victoria Falls to the farms of Botswana and Zambia.
What stood out most was the resilience and hospitality of the people we met. Whether it was farmers introducing new crops, teams restoring degraded land, or youth programs helping the next generation find their path, everyone we encountered showed a level of commitment that made me reflect on how we approach challenges back home. Many of these communities face limited resources, inconsistent electricity, and tough economic realities, yet they continue to push forward with optimism and purpose. It reminded me how often we take stability for granted — and how easily we overlook what truly matters.
As an agricultural group, we learned a great deal from the farmers, ranchers, and conservationists along the way. In Botswana and Zambia, we saw firsthand how innovation and tradition come together to solve real problems. In Zimbabwe, we met people dedicating their lives to protecting wildlife and restoring land. And in every country, the connection between people, animals, and landscape was something deeper than a management strategy; it was a way of life.
But the most meaningful part of this experience was sharing it with my classmates. Over long drives, meals under the stars, and campfires, we had the chance to talk openly about our own challenges and goals. We brought our expertise into the field of ag, business, community work, and ranching, and learned as much from each other as we did from the countries we visited. Those conversations strengthened our friendships and deepened our trust in a way that will last long after the trip is over.
This journey stretched all of us. It pushed us to be more aware, more appreciative, and more intentional in how we lead. I return home grateful for what we saw, for who we met, and for the opportunity to walk this path with Class 54.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Tony Shelton and Class 54
