Lexi Robinson ’15 recently served as a U.S. Student Ambassador at the World’s Fair in Milan, Italy, where she conversed with others about U.S. food production procedures like the vertical farm, reusing Coney Island and shifting the perception of American food.
“By 2050, it is estimated that there will be nine billion people in the world,” Robinson said. “It is for this reason that the U.S. is starting a dialogue, proposing innovative and creative ways to bring nutritious and sustainable food into city centers.”
Robinson expanded her experiences on World Food Day when Secretary of State John Kerry visited to the USA Pavilion to speak about food security in a changing climate. Robinson was one of 12 ambassadors selected to be stationed at an educational pillar during Kerry’s appearance. She also had the opportunity to meet other politicians, CEOs, royalty and Cobber alumni.
“The best part about the fair is that it’s a trip around the world. It’s the chance to visit 145 countries in just one day,” Robinson said. “By visiting other expo pavilions, I learned what food means to other cultures. By increasing your knowledge this way, you often learn more about your own culture. Working alongside 57 other ambassadors has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the story that is American Food.”
While at Concordia, Robinson studied global studies and Spanish. She delved into her passions of traveling by studying abroad in Spain for a semester and spending a month in Nicaragua. She also led the Student Association for Living and Studying Abroad (SALSA), a club that fosters an environment for students to share global experiences.
“With an interdisciplinary major like global studies, I felt prepared as a student ambassador every step of the way,” Robinson said. “Engaging with such an international audience is a skill I took away from Concordia and continued to expand upon at Expo Milano 2015.”
Her time at the World’s Fair concluded in October, but its end led to a new beginning. Robinson plans to backpack around Europe for two months before returning to the U.S.
“I cannot wait to return to SALSA and discuss with fellow travelers the importance of global collaboration and education,” Robinson said.