When Trinitee Dickerson boarded a plane to China as part of the 2024 U.S. China Agriculture Roundtable delegation, she wasn’t just crossing geographical boundaries – she was breaking barriers of age, culture, and agricultural practices. As the youngest member of the delegation and a sophomore at Alcorn State University, Dickerson found herself at the intersection of two agricultural powerhouses, carrying with her the curiosity of a student and the vision of a future leader.

“Different is okay,” reflects Dickerson, an agricultural science major from Memphis, Tenn. “Different does not have to be seen in a negative light.”

 

A Tale of Two Agricultural Systems

What Dickerson discovered in China was a stark contrast to American farming practices. While U.S. agriculture often emphasizes hands-on approaches, Chinese farming has embraced technological solutions. This dichotomy, rather than creating a divide, inspired Dickerson to envision the possibilities of collaboration.

“Even though we’re so different, if we were to work together, we could really make a difference when it comes to agriculture in the world,” she says.

 

Breaking Down Barriers

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. The language barrier posed significant obstacles, from ordering at restaurants to engaging in complex agricultural discussions. But Dickerson’s adaptability shined through as she learned basic Mandarin phrases and worked with translators to bridge the communication gap.

Perhaps the most surprising discovery came through her research on rural poverty.

“I was expecting to see a lot of poverty because that’s what you see in America,” Dickerson admits. Instead, she found a country that had dramatically reduced rural poverty from 75% in the 1980s to virtually zero by 2020, backed by data shared by Chinese professors and students.

 

Youth as an Asset, Not a Limitation

As the youngest student among recent graduates or those soon approaching graduation, Dickerson initially felt intimidated. However, her Alcorn State education had prepared her well.

“The school taught me about courage, responsibility, and networking, but also taught me how to be brave,” she reflects.

This courage enabled her to engage confidently with deans and professors from various other schools, building valuable connections for future opportunities.

 

A Two-Way Exchange

The roundtable discussions revealed an appetite for reciprocal learning. Chinese institutions expressed interest in visiting the United States to study American agricultural methods, highlighting the potential for future collaborations. This mutual curiosity and respect formed the foundation for meaningful exchanges between the two agricultural giants.

 

Looking to the Future

Now back at Alcorn State, Dickerson isn’t content to keep her experiences to herself. She plans to meet with Dr. Dexter Wakefield, the dean of agriculture, to discuss ways to share her insights with fellow students and encourage more international research opportunities.

“The Office of Global and Multicultural Programs was happy to play an essential role in providing this once in a lifetime opportunity for our student Trinitee Dickerson,” said Dr. Byron Johnson, director of Global Programs. “It is our hope that all faculty and students at the university continue to embrace the importance of education abroad as a necessary component in their professional development.”

Her advice for other students considering similar international delegations?

“Be open-minded and be willing to try something different,” she urges, spotlighting the importance of thorough research before embarking on such journeys.

 

A Ripple Effect

As Dickerson continues her studies at Alcorn State, her experience in China has solidified her commitment to agricultural education and global collaboration.

“Agriculture does so much for this world,” she said, determined to educate her community about its importance.

Through her journey, Dickerson has shown that agricultural exchange is about more than just farming techniques – it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and cultivating the next generation of global agricultural leaders. And sometimes, the youngest voice in the room can speak volumes about the future of international cooperation.