The College Farmer

Well friends, it's been a while. I am finally getting settled back into college life. This semester is going to be another doozy, but in a different way than normal.

Normally, I feel like a chicken with my head cut off running around trying to get sources for stories. This semester, I get a break and become "normal" college student. But, that means I have to actually study...

Some great things have happened since I wrote last.

Back in, was it October?, I talked with my teaching assistant for a Fundamentals of Business Communication course. She mentioned she was writing the College Farmer column for the Missouri Ruralist but would be stepping down soon. She encouraged me to apply, and so when the application came open I decided to go for it.

I was doing laundry in between studying for my one final (the joys of being a journalism student) when an unknown number came across my cell phone. Turns out, it was the editor of the Missouri Ruralist saying I was the new College Farmer! I set out to write an introductory article, and not too long ago it came out.

It's a whole new experience for me to write a column. It'll be another great chapter in this great journey!

Another Christmas Break writing activity involved a really neat FFA member from Oklahoma, a ranch, a laboratory and some tomatoes. Taylor Runyan's story has been one of my most challenging and rewarding one to share, but more on that when it comes out in a few months.

For now, I'm back to the books. I've got to figure out how to compose an ethical argument by class in the morning.

New Year's Resolutions

Today was my first day back in the comfort of home in almost a week. I'm realizing I only have one week left of vacation. I'm not sure how I'm going to get all of my to-do list done!

I've been working on a presentation for tomorrow for the juniors and seniors of the Trenton Ag Department. 

Mrs. Kreatz has been kind enough to let me come back to share some of what I've learned (and practice my presentation skills) for the past couple years. It's a good excuse for me to be back in the ag room, my high school home-away-from-home, again. 

My little friends from high school aren't so little anymore. The first group I was able to take under my wing as an officer are seniors, and the final group of freshmen are juniors. A lot of has changed in two years!

Tomorrow I will encourage them to develop a few New Years' resolutions: Be Passionate, Be Informed, Be Prepared and Be Involved. 

What are your New Year's Resolutions this year?