It was at a North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University Open House event during my Junior year that I learned about the diversity that came with a career in agriculture. Although my primary interest was food science, I learned about animal science, agribusiness and horticulture as well. After that experience, where I heard from both students and professors, I decided to learn more about the USDA. I was surprised once again to find the wide variety of areas that the USDA was involved in. I was impressed to learn about the far-reaching effects of the USDA services and programs. I recognized that agriculture was more than just harvesting crops and raising livestock. This knowledge confirmed that a degree in agriculture was the best choice for me. …show more content…
My family and I have a garden at home. There, we have grown blackberries, strawberries squash, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, okra, watermelons, corn, sweet potatoes and collards. Gardening has given me a sense of appreciation for nature, by watching the bare ground give way to green leafy plants that produce ripe fruit and vegetables. As a result, I have grown particularly interested in the agriculture industry. Additionally, I volunteer at my local community garden twice a month. While volunteering there, I have learned a lot of things about vegetables, soil, weeds and pests. This experience has also given me more insight into agriculture.
I believe this scholarship will impact me in a great way. The opportunities for summer employment will allow me to gain direct experience in the field which will also enhance my resume, making it more attractive to employers. Not having to worry about how to pay for college will remove the financial stress that often impacts a student's education. Receiving this scholarship would help me focus solely on my education and career goals as a food scientist