From Struggles to Success

Last Friday evening, one of the science and agricultural journalism professors invited a bunch of students to watch “Temple Grandin,” an HBO film based on the true story of Temple Grandin.

I had heard of what Temple Grandin has done for the livestock industry. In my high school food science class we watched a meat processing video and saw her system of leading cattle into the plant through a circular system. We talked about why the curve was so important- to calm the cattle and keep their stress levels down. I had seen her work in place, but I had never really understood her story.

Watching this woman’s story- from her beginnings as a child with only the support of her family to a woman whose ideas are sought after by leaders in livestock, really made me think.

Temple Grandin, born in Boston in 1947, was diagnosed with autism, a disorder that affects social and communication skills, at an early age. The doctors recommended institutionalization, but her mother insisted on working with her. With the help of her family, Grandin has been able to deal with the obstacles being autistic has set before her. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree with honors from Franklin Pierce College, masters from Arizona State University, and a doctorate from the University of Illinois.

Beyond just the pure inspiration of being persistent enough to go through more schooling than I care to, Grandin’s ability to not only deal with her disorder but to use it to her advantage speaks volumes about her character.

Grandin’s autism makes understanding other people difficult, but it has also made her understand animals better. Her autism allows her a better understanding of flight patterns and the different sights and sounds that might make livestock uncomfortable. Through this understanding she has been able to redesign handling facilities and improve animal welfare. Her systems are used in over half of all cattle processing operations and have been applied to other livestock operations.

Grandin is currently an associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University, the author of several books and research papers, and continues to work with the livestock industry to design safe and efficient processing operations.

No matter your situation, you are important and there is a reason for you being where you are. If there’s something you think is holding you back, don’t get bogged down by it. I believe that for everything there is a reason. Find that reason and turn your struggle into a success!