Kamshajini Raveenthiran, a current doctoral student and a graduate from the Capacity Development and Extension program in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, shared a thoughtful and inspiring reflection on her participation in the first international conference of the Canadian Agri-food, & Rural Extension, Advisory and Education (CAREE) conference held at the University of Guelph during October 29- 31, 2025. Her reflection captures what it means to step into a professional community not just as a participant, but as a presenter, volunteer, and emerging scholar, finding her voice and place.

What stands out most is how CAREE created the conditions for growth: bringing students, early-career researchers, faculty, and practitioners into the same space to exchange ideas, test assumptions, and connect research with real-world advisory and extension needs. That mix of learning, presenting, and hands-on contribution doesn’t just build knowledge—it builds confidence, relationships, and professional identity.

CAREE’s real difference was in engaging the next generation of professionals through:

• Meaningful platforms for sharing work and receiving constructive feedback that sharpen research and communication skills.
• Inclusive networking and community-building are especially valuable for international students navigating new academic ecosystems.
• Opportunities for reflection and competencies development, where volunteering, teamwork, and informal conversations become part of the learning journey.

The meeting notes [1] were published by a regional network called Agricultural Extension in South Asia (AESA).