Hey there, I hope this letter finds you well! Im Shaina, a student from Montreal, Canada.

Anthropology is my main field of study. I love how the discipline encompasses different interests that I have in, for example, history, politics, philosophy, literature. My mother tongue is English, and I also speak French and Tagalog (Filipino) conversationally. So, why am I interested in working at your farm? I will concede that I perhaps fit the stereotype of the city-born-and-living liberal arts student who romanticizes rural farm life for the green grass on the other side that it can be seen to reflect socially and environmentally. Nevertheless, my romance has substance. I am strongly of the opinion that small-scale, organic agriculture should be supported as much as possible for many reasons, of which the importance of humans and all other life-forms health, sustainability (yes, I realize that this is a nebulous word but Ill still use it!) and general well-being are a few. Of course, theoretically through my studies, I have come to understand the value of this. But I would like to, in more topical ways, realize and support these convictions that I have come to develop. I will right off the bat say that outside of pleasure-gardening and sprouting, my agricultural experience is minimal. However, Im terribly keen to learn. Also, I seek learning that is of reciprocal value. With the skills I learn, I really hope to assist you in achieving your goals for your farm! Diet-wise, I am a vegan who does not consume gluten and a bunch of other things like tomatoes, eggplants, corn. I am not imposing /moralistic about this, and would feel fine handling meat at a small-scale farm. While my choice is partly ideologically-driven, its also largely health-related: I have psoriasis that flares up quite a bit when I consume non-vegan and gluten-filled fare. But if it didnt aggravate my psoriasis, I wouldnt hesitate, in fact I would be proud, to consume the wild chickens in my familys farm back in the Philippines, for example! My desire to work at your farm is also a reflection of my enjoyment in sharing intercultural exchanges with folks that I wouldnt often have the opportunity to encounter as an around-the-clock student in the city whos debt-ridden. I lived in a rural area in Quebec a few summers ago to improve my French and loved learning about a culture very different from my own while meeting new people. Logistics: Im looking to stay at one or a couple of farms across California stemming from the end of July until the end of August. Ill have five to six weeks. So if availability on your farm is for 2-5 weeks, mostly in August, anything within that range could work as Im applying to a couple other farms. I would prefer to stay in one farm for the entirety of my stay, but, again, if your availability is for less time (and you would accept me as a guest!), then Im down with sharing my time between two farms. Please dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions / concerns. Im really excited about the prospect of working with you. Best, Shaina