During Ethics class, a friend invited me to join his project—an initiative focused on low-carbon rice farming to support both the environment and local farmers. As global temperatures continue to rise due to increasing levels of carbon dioxide, this project aims to tackle emissions produced through agricultural activity, particularly rice farming, which is a significant contributor to global warming.
In this project, I took on the role of managing marketing and sales. My friend’s company buys low-carbon rice from farmers at a relatively high price and resells it to generate profit for both parties. Alongside another teammate, I was responsible for creating strategies to make the rice more marketable and profitable. I had always wanted hands-on experience in real-world business settings, so when we had the chance to present our project to the Ministry of Agriculture, I was excited. I learned that I dislike standing idle while others work—if someone is presenting, lifting bags, or explaining, I want to contribute too.
This experience taught me the realities of how businesses operate. Before anything can be sold, there's a long, often exhausting process involving strategy, marketing, and building partnerships. Connections are crucial—something I observed firsthand. Without my friend’s parents knowing the vice head of the Ministry, our project likely wouldn’t have been considered for a meeting. That meeting was just the beginning; to truly support farmers and secure subsidies to lower the rice’s cost, we’ll need even more persistence. I’ve realized that the business world requires confidence, initiative, and communication—qualities I’m continuing to develop.