Although the saying normally goes "all good things come to an end," it's very evident that one good thing that's just beginning is a long-term University of Florida (UF) -- University of Guelph (UG) exchange. Students said au revoir but not goodbyes at the conclusion to their two-week exchange this morning.

Exchange participants met at the Florida students' home for the past week, the Ramada Inn, for a final meal together before the UF students headed back to Florida. The morning began with laughter and reminiscing conversation between newfound friends over breakfast. Kyle Maw presented the group with a musical slide show of photos taken from the past two weeks, some seemingly taken in the distant past. A heartfelt toast by Jennifer Naggy followed, which included many antics of the groups' interactions together, and the profound effect the exchange had on her. Jennifer also made a point to thank Owen Roberts, Ricky Telg, Beth Kent, Kim Walderbos and Allison Eckhart, as well as others who have all invested a great deal of time and energy into this project. Owen and Ricky took turns talking of the successes of the exchange, both academically and socially as a group.

From this experience students gained much more than just an understanding of agriculture and communications in Florida and Guelph, but lasting friendships and bonds of future leaders. As the UF students pulled out for the airport, it was evident our time together had been all too short. It's hoped that this exchange will be just the beginning to future exchanges that will cross international borders to enrich understanding of agriculture and communications between neighbours and leaders, while building lifelong friendships and alliances.