Every five years since 1851, the World Expo has given people from around the world a chance to deliberate over global issues, from industrialization to cultural exchange.
Recent UW-Madison graduate Sigrid Stensvold has been selected to be one of 120 student ambassadors to the USA Pavilion at this summer’s Expo Milano 2015. Stensvold said she decided to apply last fall because, as an anthropology major, the theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” perfectly fits her interests.
“Food and people are the driving forces in my life,” Stensvold said. “I think the Expo is a really great opportunity that I otherwise wouldn’t have had to dabble in something I’m interested in.”
The USA Pavilion, where Stensvold will be a guide for three months, will feature exhibits highlighting American innovations in sustainability, technology and nutrition.
Stensvold said while she is excited to see global ideas come together, she is apprehensive about the outcome of the Expo.
“I think it’s really easy to go into something like this and have lofty ideas and want to change stuff,” Stensvold said. “I really do believe that can happen, but I think it’s going to take a lot for things to come of it. It’s not just about this six-month period–it’s obviously going to be a lot of work down the road.”
As a student ambassador, Stensvold will greet the expected 20-30 million international visitors to the pavilion, including government officials and corporate executives. Although it will be intimidating, Stensvold said she encourages all students to embrace adventures.
“Go big. Go for things that you love,” Stensvold said. “Those experiences are going to be the really powerful ones in life.”
Stensvold said being accepted as a representative exemplifies how much power she believes UW-Madison has in presenting small-town residents with big opportunities for change.
“Even a small person can make a difference in some way, or be out there at least trying,” Stensvold said.
