Lauren Bray
An animal science major and UGA Extension intern, Bray spent her May semester studying in Spain with CAES' Food Production, Culture and the Environment program
Where are you from, and what brought you to UGA?
I’m from Winder, Georgia, right outside of Athens. Growing up that close to Athens made it really hard to want to go anywhere else other than UGA for college.
I was initially wanting to go down the pre-vet track on the large animal side of things, so I attended the Animal Science in Action program my senior year of high school. During those two days, that program confirmed that CAES was where I wanted to be for college.
A courtyard in full bloom in Granada, Spain
A courtyard in full bloom in Granada, Spain
Why did you choose your degree program?
Growing up, I didn’t have any background in agriculture, other than my experiences with horses and other small animals.
I knew I wanted to study animal science and hopefully learn more about animal agriculture in the process. I have found that during my time in CAES, I truly love learning about all things agriculture.
What is your favorite class you have taken?
This is a hard question to answer, because I have genuinely enjoyed every class I have taken within CAES.
The class that I think has stuck with me the most throughout my entire college experience would probably be "Practicum in Animal and Dairy Science." I feel like the hands-on experiences that you are able to receive are truly priceless, especially as a first-year student.
I learned so much about many different types of animal agriculture. I never once felt intimidated for not knowing enough or not having the same background as other students, which made me appreciate the class and experience even more.
Why did you choose to study abroad in Spain?
I had always wanted to try to study abroad, but with COVID I wasn’t sure I’d actually ever get around to it. During one of my classes with Dr. Kari Turner, she talked about a new Maymester program that she was working on with Dr. John Michael Gonzalez.
After doing some research on the program, I was really interested, especially since a lot of the focus was on Spanish culture and agriculture. I was excited to be able to learn about another country’s agricultural practices.
How did your time in Spain help to develop your academic and professional curiosity?
My time in Spain confirmed many things for me — one of them being my passion for agriculture.
I knew that after leaving Spain I wanted to pursue a career involved in agriculture. I also left knowing that wherever I ended up career-wise, I wanted to talk to people.
On every single farm we visited, we were able to communicate with the owners and producers, and I felt like I learned so much just by asking questions and hearing their stories within agriculture.
How did your study abroad experience change you?
Before this trip, I had never left the country. It was honestly something I thought I would never get to experience, so actually being able to go was amazing.
I loved the entire experience, and I learned that I want to put myself in a position to be able to have more experiences like this one in the future.
I also have been trying to learn a little bit of Spanish since going!
What was your favorite meal in Spain?
I loved getting to try all of the different food we had there — everything was so fresh!
My favorite meal would probably be the Iberian pork we got to try at the Iberian pork farm in Villanueva de Córdoba. The pork was amazing, but I really loved the whole experience. They showed us how to cut the ham and even let students try!
What do you want to do with what you have learned at CAES?
Right after studying abroad, I started an internship with UGA Extension. I found through my internship that I can accomplish everything that I learned about myself professionally in Spain with Extension.
I can work in a profession that allows me to constantly learn about all things agriculture, while also having a community impact by talking and learning from local producers.
I hope to be able to work with Extension and possibly be able to pursue a master’s degree, something I have never imagined for myself prior to either of these experiences.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of class, I really enjoy helping out with horseback riding lessons at American Dream Farm.
I love being outdoors, so spending time on the lake or on a hike are usually my go-tos.
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