(Photo provided) Washington County 4-H member Taylor Starkey recently went on an educational trip to Greece.

WATERFORD — Taylor Starkey, a member of Washington County 4-H, recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience: the Ohio 4-H Greece Immersion Trip to the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece.

The 10-day journey, organized by Ohio 4-H, was designed to immerse students in Greek culture while exploring global perspectives on agriculture and future career pathways.

The trip, led by Steve Brady, an assistant professor and 4-H educator, and Dr. Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager of Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways, brought 15 Ohio teens to Greece.

The goal was to engage students like Starkey with the country’s history and culture and give them hands-on agricultural experience.

“Taylor exemplifies the drive and openness we hope to spark in every young person,” said Brady. “This experience in Greece allowed her to step outside her comfort zone, engage with new cultures and take important steps toward becoming a thoughtful, globally minded leader.”

Starkey shared that the group stayed at the American Farm School, a boarding school that hosts both Greek and international high school students.

“We did a lot, we took field trips to places like the birthplace of Aristotle and around Thessaloniki…we learned about bees, the Mediterranean diet and sustainable farming practices,” said Starkey. “But my favorite part was connecting with the Greek students, we still keep in touch through Instagram.”

Starkey highlighted three major takeaways from her trip: cross-cultural communication, adaptability and teamwork.

“There were definitely language barriers, but we had to figure out how to communicate – especially during games and activities,” she said. “It taught me how to be a better team player and communicator.”

“The Ohio 4-H Global Immersion trip shows how we’re equipping young people with the mindset and skills to lead with empathy, adapt to new environments and act with purpose,” said Dr. Jeff McCutcheon, interim state 4-H leader. “Opportunities like this ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.”