When Oklahoma State junior Brady Sidwell left his small Oklahoman community of Goltry (population 300) for college in the fall of 2000, he had no idea that two summers later he would be interning in Seoul, South Korea. Sidwell also had no idea what a lasting impact this journey would prove to be.

Sidwell’s interest in international agriculture began after interning for Sen. Don Nickles the summer after his freshman year. After his internship, he began working for the Foreign Agriculture Services division of the US department of Agriculture. This led the AGR Junior to a chance to work as an international intern in South Korea. Sidwell spent his time as an intern writing market reports and briefs for US exporters and attending meetings with government officials.

During his time in South Korea, Sidwell learned some of the language, and is now taking Chinese classes at Oklahoma State. He also traveled extensively across Asia and learned more than he ever could have in a classroom.

In a recent interview with Sidwell, he described his experience going to Seoul and how it was a big change and culture shock, but as hard as it was for him to adjust to life in South Korea, it was even harder to readjust to life in the US. More than anything, Sidwell was impressed with the genuiness and hospitality of the South Korean people and the way in which they welcomed him into their culture. He learned a lot about himself, South Korea and the United States.

After returning to Oklahoma State University, Sidwell created the Global Agricultural Organization, which welcomes foreign agriculture students to Oklahoma State University. The organization is now in the process of getting approved by the university, but already has sparked major interest on campus. His real motivation for creating this organization was realizing what it was like to be a foreign student, how hard it is to make friends and how very grateful foreign students are to see a smiling face. His organization is targeting foreign agriculture students specifically, and Sidwell feels that there is a strong need for this organization on his campus.

Sidwell expressed his wish that every college student could experience an abroad study program as he did. His advice to other undergrads is to pursue your dreams no matter how far fetched or unpopular they may seem. Opportunities are everywhere and all it takes is that first step. He said that he could not have done this without the never-ending support of his family in Goltry. His rural background in his small Oklahoman town has shaped him into the person that he is today, and he will never forget his roots.

Although not certain what his future will hold, Sidwell would definitely like to be involved in international agriculture. More than anything, he would like to promote US and Oklahoma products overseas, and help keep rural America alive. He believes that the future of agriculture will be international, and that rural farmers can compete in international trade.



 

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