Statement Of Purpose: A Career As A Texas 4-H Water Ambassador

It is impossible for me to not see the importance of agriculture stewardship and advocacy as the son of a 27-year agricultural science teacher. Growing up my life focused on the appreciation of agricultural education. From timber to cattle, cotton to corn, everything we use, consume, or create comes from the earth in some fashion. Without agriculture we would not exist.

As an active Texas 4-H member, I participated in many 4-H ambassador programs. This includes four years as a Texas 4-H Water Ambassador, three years as a Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador, three years as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador, and one year on the Texas 4-H Council. Individually these opportunities provided different influence on my future; however, the Texas 4-H Water Ambassador

Being a water ambassador enabled me to see this industry in a new light. Over four years, I toured hydroelectric dams, reverse osmosis water treatment facilities, groundwater conservation districts, and caves/wells flowing cool clear water. The program taught me not just the water management industry but also the water conservation aspect and how to properly allocate your resources in advance. It also taught me how water is utilized in farming and ranching and the importance of clean healthy water. I meet with lawyers to learn about water policy and discuss the political issues in the industry currently. I attended the Texas Alliance of Ground Water Districts annual conventions and worked a booth to talk to those currently working in the water industry. The over 400 volunteer hours teaching locally on water management and education allowed me to connect the 4-H program with my community improving relationships with local

This program focuses on building a community of promising youth leaders to confront complex challenges in global food and fiber production and relentlessly pursue new frontiers in agriculture. As I move through the program, I realize the lack of knowledge regarding agriculture from our eighteen urban participants in the program. The knowledge they have is either lacking or not truthful as to the production of agricultural products. I feel this false information has a greater impact on society as it is presented in an accusatory way of harm in agricultural production. In my college and career focus I plan to find ways to speak the truth about agriculture and advocate for farmers and ranchers.

My 4-H career exposed me to the technological needs for the future of agriculture. All limited resources are a commodity that people fight for control of and turn into a business strategy. My major of agricultural systems management at Texas A&M University focuses on improving the efficiency of machinery in agriculture and connect that technology with businesses and