Discovering my Passion in Agriculture by Abigail

Discovering my Passion in Agriculture by Abigail - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I entered FFA my freshman year of high school with my heart set on competing in a horticulture contest. However, a few months into the introduction course my FFA advisor, Ms. Dulany, had her students research and write a paper on a current issue in agriculture. She went on to tell us about how we could turn this paper into a speech for a Career Development Event (CDE) called Prepared Public Speaking. I signed up on a whim, wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. As much as I loved horticulture, I never knew how impact Prepared Public Speaking would be on me.

My topic of choice was “how medical and recreational marijuana affects agriculture,” which was fitting with my love of plants. I was obsessed with my topic. I was able to discuss the controversial ideas for and against the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana as it pertains to the effects on the agricultural industry. There were a variety of perspectives on this topic that gave me insight into a unique side of agriculture. I loved researching and constructing my ideas into the paper.

When I began to memorize the piece it proved to be the most challenging part because I had to recall an entire essay from memory. I practiced my speech with my family a few days before the district contest. I started to wonder if this was truly for me. That evening my mom and sister talked me into continuing with the contest.

I will admit my speech and presentation at districts was far from perfect but I was one of the few people competing in Beginning Public Speaking, so I wanted to put my best foot forward. I placed second at districts, which promised me another opportunity to perform my speech.

The weeks that followed consisted of daily practice, doing everything I could to make my speech perfect. It was a lot of work but it was all worth it. I won first at sectionals and I was excited about how well I had performed. I went on to prepare for state contest. I ended up placing in the top eight FFA Beginning Public Speakers at state. It was an amazing experience.

When I reflect on my experiences with public speaking, one element that I truly loved was researching trends in the agricultural field. Going through the process of researching medical marijuana in relation to agriculture inspired me to create a blog my junior year writing about current agriculture issues. I focus on issues that not only have an effect on a state and national level but also on a global scale. I have been able to use my love of writing and research from participating in public speaking to create a passion project that is currently driving my intellectual curiosity.

In exploring core elements of communicating agricultural information and relating to the public through my FFA chapter, I have made the decision to major in Agricultural Communication. I wish to continue my love of writing, researching and educating the public on current agricultural issues in our society.