Sara Beth Massey
An agricultural communication major and Georgia 4-H student assistant, Massey spent her May term participating in The Case of the Greek Financial Crisis study abroad program led by UGA CAES and FACS
Where are you from, and what brought you to UGA?
I am from Tifton, Georgia. I made the decision to study at UGA and CAES because I felt an overwhelming sense of academic support and career services here.
My education thus far has given me a solid foundation for a career in agriculture communications and I'm so thankful for the resources and opportunities CAES has provided me.
"Olivia Phillips has been my best friend since the eighth grade," Massey said. "Because of CAES, we were able to take this once-in-a-lifetime trip together!"
"Olivia Phillips has been my best friend since the eighth grade," Massey said. "Because of CAES, we were able to take this once-in-a-lifetime trip together!"
Why did you choose your field of study?
I have known since middle school that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture.
When I began college, I was unsure of which field of agriculture I wanted to work in. After doing research into the agriculture communication degree, I realized it included an amazing coverage of many different sectors.
While I am still navigating where I will plant my roots after graduation, I know my passion for online forms of communication and advocating for agriculture will shine brightly because of CAES.
What has been your favorite class at CAES?
My favorite class at CAES was Dr. Abigail Borron’s senior capstone class. This course focused on creating a marketing plan to help boost awareness of UGA Extension in Atlanta’s metropolitan area.
I loved this class because it was exciting to see all of the skills and tools we have learned through the agriculture communication program flourish.
I was also excited to work with something that I hold very closely to my heart, UGA Extension. Dr. Borron’s extensive knowledge and excitement really added to the overall class.
Why did you choose to study abroad in the Greece program?
From the start of my college career, I remember professors and advisors telling me to travel while I was in college.
Knowing that advice, I knew I wanted to study abroad before graduating. Greece has been on my bucket list for a long time because of the amazing historical aspect and breathtaking views. When I saw that CAES could check something off my bucket list, I applied as fast as I could.
How did your time in Greece help to develop your academic and professional curiosity?
My time in Greece helped further my academic and future professional curiosity greatly.
This study abroad was my first experience with traveling outside of the United States, so it really helped me broaden my horizons and improve my communication skills.
Since this study was not particularly in my wheelhouse of communications, it did help me see how crucial the study of economics can be to a country.
How did your study abroad experience change you?
Without a doubt, the CAES Greece study abroad helped me network with many people in a career field I am interested in joining after graduation.
Not only did this program open my eyes to many international agricultural job opportunities, it also showed me many options within CAES. It also helped me understand the benefits of traveling internationally and seeing different parts of the world.
Massey stands among the blue domes of the Saint Theodore Church in Oia, Santorini.
Massey stands among the blue domes of the Saint Theodore Church in Oia, Santorini.
What was your favorite meal in Greece?
In the Greek culture, schedules revolve around meal times. That being said, they know how to make exceptional dishes. My favorite thing I had there was the Greek salad.
This dish, unlike the American version we know, does not include any lettuce. It is a blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and olive oil. As basic as it sounds, it explodes with flavor in your mouth and is a staple for lunch and dinner in Greece.
Massey and her team members present their senior capstone project about raising awareness of UGA Extension in metro Atlanta.
Massey and her team members present their senior capstone project about raising awareness of UGA Extension in metro Atlanta.
The CAES students on the trip gather with CAES Professor Genti Kostandini and CAES Chief Communications Officer Cassie Ann Kiggen.
The CAES students on the trip gather with CAES Professor Genti Kostandini and CAES Chief Communications Officer Cassie Ann Kiggen.
The study abroad group, consisting of 28 students led by Genti Kostandini and Effie Antonoudi, learned about viticulture at a vineyard in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The study abroad group, consisting of 28 students led by Genti Kostandini and Effie Antonoudi, learned about viticulture at a vineyard in Thessaloniki, Greece.
What do you want to do with what you have learned studying internationally?
I believe that everything I learned on this trip will help me tremendously in the future. Whether it is with a future career in international agriculture or traveling as a hobby, all of the knowledge I gained will be very helpful throughout the rest of my life.
I learned how to navigate busy airports, hiring a tourist guide is a necessity, and doing research beforehand are all key factors to successful international traveling.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of class time, I love to read. I mostly read nonfiction books about major historical events such as World War II, the nuclear explosion at Chernobyl, and the Great Depression, just to name a few.
I also love to tend to my houseplants — I currently have 24. It’s my way of being involved in agriculture in my little apartment in Athens!
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