Educational Goals & Dreams by Sadie

Educational Goals & Dreams by Sadie - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up on a 5th generation walnut farm I saw how amazing and difficult the agricultural
industry is. From a young age my siblings and I all worked on the farm, we knew what long
hours, and hard physical labor was. I saw how hard my dad worked, while also how under
valued and appreciated ag was. Many people do not understand that ag is responsible for every
single ingredient of food. My next educational goal is to graduate with a bachelors degree in Animal Science.

Although I will not be taking over our family farm, I chose the career path of Animal Science in
order to help those in ag. After graduating with an animal science degree, I hope to work in the
field of animal nutrition as a nutritionist. Many ranchers have a personal nutritionist for their
animals, beef cattle and dairy cattle are a major part of the industry. They have a nutritionist
come out to help see how they can best care for their animals while also giving the most
affordable feed. Many times this is complicated, it is not a simple or easy task. Through my
education I hope to be able to help ranchers understand and find new ways to feed their cattle
all of the necessary nutrients they need while also being able to make a profit and keep the
ranch going.
I would also like to use my knowledge and experience to teach in the local community and
school programs. Students need to be taught how to properly and nutritiously feed and care for
an animal. 4-H and FFA have been major parts of the central Valley of California and where I
have been blessed to live. These have helped many kids who do not grow up or now anything
about ag understand what farmers and ranchers do, and even help them to grow a simple
garden. Having a few fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, and potatoes can feed a family when
times are tough. Growing up on a farm, their was more than one year of that. But because we
used the resources we had, we were able to feed a large family just from what was grown on
the property.
Growing up in an agricultural community, I observed and experienced a variety of different
agricultural jobs and sectors in the ag industry. Raised on a walnut and almond farm, I worked
with row crops. My experience riding and competing on horses from the age of 10 allowed me to
experience the ranching side of agriculture. I helped friends gather and brand their cattle and on
a cattle ranch while also working with a horse trainer. I attribute all of these opportunities to the
growth of my desire to further my education in agriculture.
I desire to bring understanding through education and experiences to the next generation about
the value and importance of the agricultural industry .
I feel very blessed to have been raised on a family farm and in an agriculturally strong
community that values work ethic and a job well done. Growing up in agriculture has built into
my character fortitude and perseverance. I have learned to push through long days and beyond
exhaustion to get the job done. The generations of men and women that have built our
community have influenced my desire to want to continue in this industry. I look forward to
continuing my education both in and out of the classroom.