A frostbitten, day old, Black Angus calf would change my life. Her mother died the day she was born, so I bottle fed her. I was only eight. She started something so big in my life. It seemed natural to take on the responsibility of mothering her. But I also sensed it was something different. Five AM each day I made a bottle, rode my bike to the barn and fed her. Next I fed our horses and pigs and cleaned pens and stalls. Then I went to third grade.
After school I was ready to do it again. Without knowing it, I was building habits of showing up, knowing I could be counted on, and prioritizing. I taught that calf to walk on halter and get ready for a show ring; the first calf I ever showed. I now realize that working with her was also …show more content…
My loving family usually supports my new leaps of faith. In a huge way, this is how I am going to college; the First in my immediate family.
My community also supports me. I believe people in small towns live in certain ways unlike anywhere else. In East Jordan, Michigan I feel surrounded by good people, honesty, sincerity and dignity. People seem to watch out for each other. Growing up in this amazing place, I was raised to uphold these values. I am also learning to see these in larger ways. I appreciate vast opportunities FFA and 4-H offer me, including Exploration Days at Michigan State where I have spent a week each summer since 5th grade.
I still have that Black Angus and now, her calves. I still show cattle. Taking care of my diverse priorities is growing new traditions. New experiences, especially now applying to college, is inviting different routes for success. That tiny shivering calf opened spaces to me of my place and value, and the commitment and work animals, farms, and agriculture take; and especially how deeply I believe in the future of agriculture, making the ‘Best Better’. I will bring that forward to my success and contributions at Penn
After school I was ready to do it again. Without knowing it, I was building habits of showing up, knowing I could be counted on, and prioritizing. I taught that calf to walk on halter and get ready for a show ring; the first calf I ever showed. I now realize that working with her was also …show more content…
My loving family usually supports my new leaps of faith. In a huge way, this is how I am going to college; the First in my immediate family.
My community also supports me. I believe people in small towns live in certain ways unlike anywhere else. In East Jordan, Michigan I feel surrounded by good people, honesty, sincerity and dignity. People seem to watch out for each other. Growing up in this amazing place, I was raised to uphold these values. I am also learning to see these in larger ways. I appreciate vast opportunities FFA and 4-H offer me, including Exploration Days at Michigan State where I have spent a week each summer since 5th grade.
I still have that Black Angus and now, her calves. I still show cattle. Taking care of my diverse priorities is growing new traditions. New experiences, especially now applying to college, is inviting different routes for success. That tiny shivering calf opened spaces to me of my place and value, and the commitment and work animals, farms, and agriculture take; and especially how deeply I believe in the future of agriculture, making the ‘Best Better’. I will bring that forward to my success and contributions at Penn