As a high school senior, I spent most of my winter break searching online for scholarship opportunities. This was when I first became aware of Agriculture Future of America (AFA). I just happened to stumble upon AFA’s website and the academic scholarships they offer, so I wrote my essays, submitted the application, and AFA didn’t cross my mind again until I was contacted for a scholarship interview. [TR1] It was only after accepting a scholarship from AFA that I realized to receive the funding, I had to attend the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference in Kansas City that fall. As a new freshman, missing classes to spend three days in Kansas City seemed incredibly stressful! I wasn’t sure what to expect at conference and was unsure about the whole situation.

My stress over what to expect was mostly gone by the first day. Surrounded by my peers, many of whom had goals and aspirations like mine, I began to enjoy conference and all I was experiencing. One of the best parts of Leaders Conference is the tremendous presence of industry professionals who attend to network with the students. Between the opportunity fair, round table discussions, and mingling during dinner, I walked away with a plethora of business cards and triple the LinkedIn connections. I had a great time meeting other students who shared my interests, and am still in contact with many of them today.

After this first conference experience, I realized how much AFA has to offer students I felt compelled by the mission of the organization and wanted to share my experience with other students.. I applied to be a campus ambassador for AFA for the 2018-19 year. I was thrilled to receive a call from AFA early this year offering me the position. As a campus ambassador, I work to promote AFA on campus amongst students and faculty. I have enjoyed sharing AFA with K-State students immensely and look forward to attending Leaders Conference with many of those students this November. I am focused on promoting AFA’s upcoming Leader Institutes this spring. It has been an incredible experience so far, and I am excited to see what the coming months have in store!

If you are interested in AFA, and would like to learn more, click here.

#students #agriculture #scholarship #leadership #leaders #opportunities