Throughout my childhood, I always thought about what I wanted to be when I grow up. A doctor, lawyer, architect. Just about anything under the sun. Except agriculture. I knew I was not going to become a farmer under any circumstances.
I had always thought that everybody in an agriculture class was a farmer. I was then persuaded by some friends to drop CBA the second semester of my freshman year and join Survey to Ag. I was very hesitant at first but eventually gave in and changed my schedule to make them happy. I was welcomed with open arms by Mr. Barenberg and Mrs. Hale, whom I had never talked to but they already had the highest expectations for me.
My first judging team, floriculture, really sparked my passion for the flower industry. I was never really interested in plants, but the competitiveness, the teamwork, and the structure of the contest made me love it.
I then got the opportunity to go to National Convention in Louisville, Ky. That's when everything changed. I was able to see just how large the agricultural industry was and how many opportunities there were waiting for me. As soon as I got back, I knew I had to pursue my career in agriculture. If I've learned anything from FFA, it would be honoring the motto, living to serve, and giving back to the organization as much as it has given me.
General News on 02/22/2017