This week marks once again another fun week in the world of agriculture.
Thursday, March 24, 2011 marks National Teach Ag Day. On Thursday I plan on posting some information about the day’s main purpose directly from their resources.
Today I wanted to share with you my story on how I was “Tagged To Teach Ag”
It isn’t every day that a girl growing up in a small housing suburb with her Mom and younger sister chooses a life in agriculture. Did I mention my Dad and Stepmom are both pool players? Yep…and now I am a farm wife…crazy world right?
Anyway, through out my life I was actively involved in both 4-H and FFA. I had a lot of really great mentors in both programs and with their help I decided on the career path I would come to love.
PS. Repeat picture from 4-H (Bill and Judy) |
For a good chunk of years I spent nearly every summer with a couple that lived on a farm that was about 45 minutes from my home. I remember my Mom would drive me all the way there and come get me at the end of the day. And I went very very often (Thanks Mom!). They raised sheep and had a few horses. I was in heaven. I spent time with them doing everything from helping in the garden to sorting sheep to raking hay and to riding until my butt was screaming at me to get out of the saddle. Needless to say that I complained, cried, and had some terrible hissy fits I am sure. I always loved the riding horses part of my days, but what I really appreciate now is all the work they had me do around their farm. I credit most of my horsemanship skills to riding in all the impossible places Bill made me ride (Bill has never really liked following the marked trail). I credit my sheep knowledge and gardening ability to Judy. Both of them instilled in me the tradition of the family farm.
I always knew I wanted to teach. My Stepmom will tell you that she always said I should be a teacher. And she still tells me that almost every time I am with her. I guess deep down I knew she was right. The big decision was what kind of teacher I wanted to be.
I love English. I may not always get it right but it’s always been a favorite subject of mine.
I have played the violin since I was in the 7th grade. I loved it and still do when I take the time to play (I’m not nearly as good as I used to be!)
And, I loved FFA and my Ag classes.
Lots of choices there. Really, you have to choose what age group you want to teach first. My ag teacher, who I give credit to also encouraging me in the right direction of Agricultural Education, told me once that she always thought teaching high school students would also continue to grow her knowledge as a teacher.
When you put it like that it really made it an easy decision. High school students here I come.
Now…Agriculture, Music, or English…Tough
What subject area would I find substantial in my life for years to come. That would be forever changing and always a challenge. I wanted a career that would also continue to expand my knowledge base, that could offer the endless possibility of changing a life.
Agricultural Education has all of those things and more. It offers a great intracurricular program- the FFA Organization.
Anyway,
I think Agricultural Education is GREAT! Every high school student should have to take at least one Ag class during their high school career.
Agriculture is a huge part of our lives. In case you didn’t already know that ๐
My little sister- She loves hearing about life on the farm- and Dad |
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