BY: BROOKE JOHNPIER, STAFF WRITER
The Farm to Table summer program provides an opportunity for students of any major to participate in a customized internship experience.
The program is put on by the Franciscan Center for Social Concern at St. Bonaventure University. The 10-week program is split between the Canticle Farm, a 15-acre farm sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany about two miles east of campus, and the Warming House, Bonaventure’s student-run soup kitchen.
“[It is a] 10-week summer program that allows you to work at the Canticle Farm in the morning and the Warming House in the afternoon,” said Mike Waseda, assistant director of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern.
Hoping to provide an opportunity for students with any major, the internship can be molded to fit certain requirements, said Waseda.
“[The internship] depends on the requirements of the specific major,” said Waseda. “It’s negotiable so that we can design specific opportunities.”
Sullivan Murphy, a sophomore environmental studies major, did the program last year.
“I enjoy the outdoors and nature so I thought spending my summer working on a farm would be a fun experience,” said Murphy. “As a child my dream job was to be a farmer — it no longer is — so I thought it would [be] fun to see what farming was actually about. The other half of the program working at the Warming House excited me as I have volunteered there quite a bit and enjoy working there.”
Students who take part in this experience get an educational award for their schooling, said Waseda.
“On top of the educational award, students get to have room and board,” said Waseda. “It’s pretty good for someone who’s looking for internships, but can’t afford an apartment or a car.”
Murphy said that he would do the program again.
“I got friends and very memorable experiences. I got to meet and hang out with people that otherwise I may have never met,” said Murphy. “I got a large appreciation for farmers. I also got close to the guests at the Warming House by working there all week and constantly interacting with them.”
Waseda said this program is for anyone.
“The great thing about this program is that it could fit anyone, depending on their needs,” said Waseda. “For example, if a freshman or sophomore hasn’t been able to find their place or become comfortable, this is a great opportunity because it’s a summer community. You get to know your teammates and a lot of campus staff.”
Murphy said that days will be long and that work will be hard.
“I would tell others [to] be prepared to be exhausted every day,” said Murphy. “The farm will be extremely hot and long. The Warming House will be difficult at first, [but] after a little bit the guests will open up with you.”
The application for the program is available on Handshake, the website the university uses for jobs. You can also get more information by emailing Mike Waseda.
johnpibl23@bonaventure.edu
