Howdy! My name is Marea Pappas and I am interning in Rome, Italy this summer with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome is a huge, vibrant city with so much history. Every day I get to walk by the Colosseum on my way to work leaving me constantly in awe! It is very surreal seeing ancient ruins as part of my daily routine here in Rome.
Working at FAO has been great so far! I am learning quite a bit about how an international organization conducts business at such a high level. I am working with the livestock information, sector analysis and policy branch. I’ve spent most of my time thus far researching for my project. I am focusing on the contribution of smallholder livestock production systems to poverty reduction and economic growth – with specific emphasis on the potential impact of any ‘second generation exit’ effect. I also interact with many animal health interns, which has taught me a lot about the one health concept.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time spent here in Italy travelling, meeting new people, and learning about the culture. There is so much I have already accomplished, yet there is still so much left that I want to do in Italy!