By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Andrew Hauser, a graduate of Tucker County High School and student at Potomac State, is working to spend time abroad, representing our state while learning about something he loves – agriculture. Hauser is the current West Virginia FFA President, and in January, he will be traveling through South Africa through the International Leadership Seminar for State FFA Officers.
“Back in July, I was elected as the state FFA President,” Hauser said. “Shortly after, I had the opportunity to attend an FFA State Presidents’ Conference in D.C. While I was there, we learned about an opportunity we had as state officers to attend an International Leadership Conference.”
Hauser said he has always wanted to travel, especially outside of the United States so he applied. He said he applied and in August learned he had been accepted into the program and would be traveling to South Africa to learn about agriculture in another country.
“For the last few months I have been gathering sponsors and working to get the money together to attend that trip,” Hauser said. “The trip is from January 3 to 17.”
While in South Africa, Hauser will be seeing different agriculture in South Africa including farmer’s markets, dairy farms and an olive orchard. He said he is excited to taste the different cuisine. The trip will lead Hauser through Cape Town and Johannesburg. Other FFA Officers traveling with Hauser will come from as far West as Oregon and as far East as Maryland. Networking with those from other states is one of the advantages Hauser said he sees in taking this trip to Africa.
“One of the biggest things I am looking forward to seeing is and doing is learning about agriculture in another country,” he said. “I live on a dairy farm and we will be spending time in a dairy farm in South Africa. I am interested to see what they do different there and hope to bring some of those ideas back to our farm.”
Hauser said he considers himself a ‘foodie.’ “I am interested in trying a new cuisine,” he said. “I think this trip will allow me to learn more and give me more experiences in agriculture and that is what my career will be in the future.”
At Potomac State, Hauser studies agriculture education wants to be a teacher. He is the son of Terry and Jill Hauser. He is the first West Virginia State FFA President from Tucker County.
Hauser said he is currently enrolled in a program where he will complete an eight week course where he is learning about the history and culture of South Africa. “Finishing the FFA Course will give us a scholarship of $500 toward the journey through South Africa. The total of the trip is $4,400 and I have written up a letter asking for support for the trip. I have raised about $1,000 and am currently looking for some additional sponsors.”
Anyone who would like to be a sponsor or a donor for Hauser’s trip can contact Hauser by calling 240-321-4193 or emailing andrewlhauser@gmail.com.
