Out With the Old, In With the New

In a small village of Table Grove, IL, that only had 300 people, lived a small town girl who had no idea where agriculture would take her. I was a very well raised child. I loved having fun, swimming, playing sports, and doing all the things outdoorsy, it brought out the tomboy in me. From a young age, I was different than most. I loved working and keeping to myself while still being involved in all the activities in my community. Once I got to high school, I got very involved within FFA. Although our chapter was very small, I still got to go, see, and do all the exciting things as a young individual. My first ever National FFA Convention, I got to see Garth Brooks perform and it was heavenly. In the middle of my sophomore year of high school, everything was going splendid. My grades were good, I was a varsity starter in basketball, was involved in student council, national honors society, and fellow christian athletes. Then, my life took a turn, not necessarily a bad one, just an unexpected one. My family had decided that we were going to move to Macomb, only about 20 minutes away. I was feeling every emotion: angry, sad, heartbroken, and distraught. I was lost and did not know what was going to be next for me. 

I felt so comfortable with where I was in my life, I didn’t want it to change. After my basketball season my sophomore year was over, I moved to a new high school the following Monday. It was extremely hard as I came in the middle of teachers being two months into the new semester. Even though moving to a new high school was one of the toughest things I had to go through at the time, I firmly believe that was the first of many times I enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone. 

I am a high school graduate of 2021. After I graduated, I just wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I didn’t know if I wanted to go to college or not, so I decided to take a semester off and really think about what I wanted to do. From every corner and from everyone’s mouth I constantly heard “if you don’t go to college now, you’ll never go” or “I can’t believe you’re not gonna go to college and do something good for yourself.” I soon quickly realized that no one believed in me. Me being me, pretty stubborn and bull headed, I took that gap semester off and I was going to prove everyone wrong. Summer came and went, the fall semester approached and I continued to work at Hart’s Nursery in Bushnell. I was content right where I was caring for plants and being in the best environment. The fall flew by and before I knew it I was registering for classes at Western Illinois University. Western was close to home, I knew quite a few students there, and I heard great things about the agricultural program. I was scared, but I knew everything would work out just fine. 

January of 2022 I found myself as a freshman again. I met so many new people and I was loving every minute of it. I did it, I proved everyone wrong. After I broke the stereotype of taking a semester off, I was determined to make my family proud. I joined Sigma Alpha, a Professional Agricultural Sorority, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Agronomy Club, and AgVocators. But this was just the beginning. After my first two semesters, I felt like I was going through the motions and didn’t find my “purpose.” I again decided I need to do something to get out of my comfort zone. 

One evening I was babysitting at a fellow family’s house for their life group through our church. After I was done watching the kids, I chatted with the parents like normal. One talk led to another and I found myself talking to, without even realizing it, the Captain who is one of the Commissioned Officers in charge of the Army ROTC program at Western. Once we got to know each other better, he simply asked me “why are you not in the ROTC program?”, which was very ironic because my plan was to join ROTC at Western right out of high school, but I took a semester off instead. He noticed the potential in me just from babysitting his children. He gave me his business card and I went home. All I could do is think about it. What could this be? Am I destined to do this? 

I decided to meet up with the Captain and discuss just what exactly this would look like for me. I said, “Let’s do this.” Once again I found a lot of close people in my life questioning what I was doing, but everything just felt right. I used to dream of being in the Army ever since I was a little girl. I committed to going in late April of 2023. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I was up for the challenge. During this time, I also accepted an internship through West Central FS. I was completely torn thinking about having to pick between the two. After speaking with the hiring manager through West Central, he wanted nothing more than for me to be able to do both. So, I started my internship in the beginning of May and worked until I left. 

I loved every minute of my internship. I loved my coworkers, scouting fields and identifying weeds, diseases, and pests, attending informational meetings, learning how to operate a forklift and loader, and of course getting to run a sprayer and floater. Work felt like home and I was questioning if I should leave or not, but I stuck to my guns because I am not a quitter. 

In late June, I found myself on a plane flying to Fort Knox, Kentucky,  where I would spend a little over a month learning the values of the Army and being trained to look, talk, and act like a soldier. I would be lying if I said they don’t tear you down and build you back up again. After my training, I came home of course still singing cadences every chance I got and marching in rhythm. My whole outlook on life completely changed after my experience. I am so humbled, blessed, and honored. 

My life after Fort Knox has been such a huge change. I am true to myself, more respectful and responsible, and I thank God everyday I am here. I love being able to take what I learned during my training and bring it back to share with my peers, sorority sisters, and to help give advice when others need it most. I got to finish my internship and it ended on a high note. I was offered a part time position to work during school and just recently I have accepted another internship through Growmark and I am continuing to be an FS gal. As crazy as my life has been already, this is just the beginning.

If I had not taken the risks, I would have never gone to college, gave ROTC a try, or met the amazing people I have to date. This is your sign to get out of you comfort zone and go after what makes you happy.

Meet the Author

Hello! My name is Makenna LeFebvre and I am a junior at Western Illinois University. Currently, I am the Sisterhood Chair of Sigma Alpha, an Ag Council Representative for Collegiate Farm Bureau, the Secretary for Agronomy club, and an active member in AgVocators. When I am not at school, you can find me at work, getting an iced coffee, or Jimmy Johns! I also enjoy spending time with my one eyed dog, Willie! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

A City Girl in a Country World

Growing up in the city, I never would have imagined that I would end up on the path I am on today. I was born and raised in the city of Springfield, IL, where the closest thing I got to agriculture was driving past a corn field on road trips. When I was 11, my parents decided to move out of the city and into the country, a shock I was not prepared for. As I moved from a city that is always loud and busy to a town that has more fields than people, I had to learn to adapt to a small town agriculture community.

As a way to learn more about something so important to the community I live in, I decided to sign up for an introduction to agriculture class where my teacher encouraged me to join The National FFA Organization. I quickly fell in love with this new industry I was exposed to. I took every opportunity that the organization offered, learning as much as I could about agriculture. My freshman year I even started my SAE, Meadows Mums, where I ran a business taking care of and selling mums in my community. My junior year I earned my Illinois State FFA Degree and was awarded STAR Ag Sales Entrepreneurship. 

Receiving my Illinois State FFA Degree in 2019.

Even though I had fallen in love with it early in high school, it wasn’t until the end of my senior year that I decided I wanted to continue my education in agriculture. For a girl who hated getting dirty and always wanted to be a nurse, my family was completely shocked that I wanted to become the first person in the family to be involved in agriculture.

Still unsure about this new decision, I started my studies at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield with a plan to study Agriculture Business. Since I didn’t have an agriculture background like everyone else, I constantly worried that I was behind and didn’t belong. Despite my fears, I followed my heart and became determined to pursue this dream of mine. I even had the opportunity in 2022 to compete at the National PAS conference in soil science in Minneapolis, MN, and also traveled to Texas to learn about agriculture in a different part of the country.

Classmates and I exploring the Magnolia Silos in Waco, Texas.

Even though I was interested in business originally, I took a soil science class and decided then that I wanted a hands-on career with soil. I transferred to WIU in August 2022 and surprised everyone by switching majors to Agricultural Science with a minor in Agronomy. With very little experience outside of the classroom, I decided to work as a research assistant at the WIU Agronomy farm. WIU has offered me so many opportunities to become more involved with people who have similar interests as me. I joined Sigma Alpha, Agronomy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Ag Council, and Ag Vocators, which all have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. While I am not sure what my future holds, I am so happy I get to continue my education in an industry that I love surrounded by people who have the same passion as me. 

My Sigma Alpha Sister Courtney and I on bid day.

Looking back, I realize that if I had not moved and transferred to a new school, I most likely would not have been exposed to this industry that I love. In 2022, I decided that I wanted to promote agriculture to those who may never get the opportunity by taking on the title of Miss Sangamon County Fair Queen where I get to interact with people of all ages and educate them about agriculture. With this title I get to live the best of both worlds: a city girl in a country world.

2022 Tractor parade at the Sangamon County Fair.

Meet The Author

Photography: Studio 131

Hello Everyone! My Name is Meadow Sporrer and I am a Junior here at WIU. I am majoring in Agricultural Science with a minor in Agronomy. I am involved in Sigma Alpha, Agronomy Club, Ag Council, and Ag Vocators. After graduation, I plan to work in soil and water conservation.

Finding the Faith in Farming and the Muck of Life

The work of tending to the Earth, the creatures on it, and growing the food it provides for us is a calling that was given to humans as early as in the Garden of Eden in the first chapter of the Bible. Faith and farming are intricately woven together as God’s hand is directly seen in farming and agriculture. We pray over our crops for growth, success, and nutrients. We pray over our livestock for health and protection. Agriculture is my roots, my livelihood, and a huge part of who I am today. Agriculture is something that we can all ultimately connect with even if we have never stepped foot on a farm: we all eat food, wear clothes, and fuel our vehicles. Agriculture and farming have been around for decades and maybe your end goal is not to be a farmer but there is something we can all learn from the faith in the roots of American agriculture. 

Photography: Kirsten with A Camera (Kirsten Johnson)

Farmers are constantly faced with challenges that are beyond their control: inflation, weather, prices, moisture availability, just to name a few. These challenges make them incredibly adaptable. In my statistics class we were taught the simple, yet complex concept of “always account for variable change” A change of variables is a basic technique used to simplify problems in which the original variables are replaced with functions of other variables. Variable change is something that applies not only to mathematics but to agriculture and life in general. It is the element of change that requires us to be adaptable. We may think we know how something will go but then “the variable changes” and we feel like our worlds have been flipped upside down. 

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6). This bible verse has powerful meaning when you take a closer look. “Do not cast your pearls before the swine,” do not offer something valuable to someone who does not understand its value. Do not put the idea of your own self worth or your purpose in someone else’s hand because they do not value you as much as the Lord does.

So, how do we keep our faith through variable change, a modern world, and the “muck of life”? The reality of living in the world we do is that inevitably there will always be sickness, suffering, and trials. The enemy will continue to try to tear us down but this cannot be done unless we let it happen. Developing your faith is a journey that takes time but it is rewarding when it provides a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging. Just like a plant having to adapt and change to its soil, environment, and nutrient availability. We, as Christians, have to continue to adapt to draw nutrients from the Word of God to grow spiritually. It is important that we find and keep the faith, courage, and discipline to the Lord and the plan He has for us, even when it seems like life is not following a straight line. 

“If God sends you to it, He will see you through it”

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Meet The Author

Photography: Kirsten with A Camera (Kirsten Johnson)

Hello! My name is McKenna Merritt and I am from Carthage, Illinois. I am a Junior at WIU studying Agriculture Science with a minor in Chemistry on a Pre-Veterinary Science pathway. At Western, I am involved in the Centennial Honors College, Sigma Alpha, Hoof N’ Horn, Ag Vocators, and the Pre-Veterinary Science Club. I grew up on a fifth generation diversified livestock and row crop farm. After WIU, I hope to attend veterinary school to obtain my doctorate in Veterinary Medicine to become a mixed animal practitioner. In my spare time, I enjoy working with my show stock, swine and cattle, and spending time with my family and friends.

Just Rollin’ with It

By Jobie Lekwa

My two older brothers and I, Jarrett and J.D. (Joy Lekwa Photo)

I always felt I had a plan and I always wanted to have a plan. Everything I was involved in was planned out at least a week in advance and was scheduled day to day with the help of a planner. I always had a plan of going to college after high school but never knew what that looked like.

Growing up with two older brothers, I did a lot of things that they did and showing sheep and goats through 4-H and FFA is one of them. I enjoyed my time showing and spending time with my siblings, getting to know other people, traveling and especially all the lessons learned every showing season. I really enjoyed raising livestock and thought why not pursue a degree in agriculture after high school, so that’s what I did.

Graduating high school with a year of college under my belt, I decided to go to Muscatine Community College to finish out my associates degree before diving into agriculture specifically. Still always in the back of mind, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my degree. I told myself semester to semester, I would figure it out this time. But I never did. Always wondering, did I making the right choice? Is this the path that I want to take? Was agriculture even the right major? Then I could picture myself doing so many other things. Could I see myself being successful in marketing? Yes! Could I see myself doing something with accounting and loving it? Absolutely. Could I picture myself owning my own business back home? Of course. And I can picture myself doing all these things but I am just not sure if that’s what I want to do. I think about this so often, even to this day.

“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.”

― Carl Sandburg

Graduation day with the fantastic Tiffany Bruessard who helped me edit my speech. (Joy Lekwa Photo)

Elite Photography Photo

I had the opportunity to be the Commencement Speaker for my graduation in May of 2022 at MCC and loved every minute of it. Way out of my comfort zone, however, I could have never pictured myself doing public speaking in front of around five hundred people. Again, graduating with my associates and still couldn’t figure out, am I on the right path? I felt like being the president of the Honors Society (Phi Theta Kappa) at my community college, being the commencement speaker, and being so ahead in school, I should know what I want. In reality, I had no idea. Did I mention I always have a plan? But hey, I am just rolling with it.

 

After graduating, fall of 2022 I started school at Western Illinois University majoring in agribusiness. I felt so confident going here, knowing I would surely figure out what I wanted to do with my degree within the two years that I have here. I joined Sigma Alpha, the professional Agricultural Sorority, I joined the agribusiness Club and now Ag Vocators, all within the School of Ag. Meeting so many people and gaining new friendships, I felt at home here in Macomb. Like usual, using my planner to organize my day to day schedule and my month at that matter.

The ladies in Sigma Alpha welcomed me with open arms and I have learned so much from them; meeting so many people in my classes, and learning so much! From being so involved in high school to my community college to now here at WIU, everyone knows everyone and it feels like home. I get to be involved with school visits and when students come visit us and the School of Agriculture! I even took the opportunity to go to the Career Fair, where I networked with so many great individuals, led me to an interview and then accepting an internship position with Bayer Crop Science. I am beyond excited for this summer, and would have never thought of myself having such an amazing opportunity. I decided to graduate early, which means December is going to come quickly. I always wondered if getting through school sooner is a good thing or just less time to figure out what I truly want to do after graduating. So many people seem to know what they want. So many people say, they have changed their career paths so many times and still don’t know what they want to do. This is just about the only thing not in my planner.

My Mom and I attended an open house at WIU that started it all.

WIU has been nothing but full of opportunities for me, and I am excited to continue to make memories with the bestest of friends I have made here. My planner seems to be so full every week but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Is Agriculture where I want to be? Absolutely. Have I still figured out what I want to do with my degree? Absolutely not, but I am going to figure it out someday. Until then, I am going to continue to take every opportunity I can that is thrown my way and for once, just roll with it. Forever grateful for WIU.

Meet the Author!

Hi, my name is Jobie Lekwa! I am from Columbus Junction, Iowa and I am a Junior here at WIU, majoring in Agribusiness! I am involved in Sigma Alpha, Ag Vocators, and Ag Business Club! I am so happy you are here, I hope you enjoy reading a little bit about my journey!

Sigma Alpha: My Western Illinois University Story

For the longest time, I knew that Western was the school for me. I had many family members before me that attended Western and they all loved it. Hearing stories from them helped me realize that Western was the school for me. My sister attended school here and always talked about a sorority she joined that she loved. I knew that when I got to college I wanted to join Sigma Alpha because of how much love she had for it. So we are not only sisters in real life but we are Sigma Alpha Sisters too. I’m forever grateful for the love for Sigma Alpha that she passed on to me. Sigma Alpha has really made me come out of my shell. When I joined I was just a freshman trying to make more friends, but now I have a family backing me with everything I do. I’ve met so many great people, not only sisters but other great friends.

The joining process of Sigma Alpha takes about half a semester. You go through two weeks of recruitment and then you get a bid to join the sorority. If you accept that bid you get initiated and start a six-week process. During this process, you take quizzes and interview active members. All that may seem like a lot but there are also so many fun things we do during the MC process as well. You get a mom and then she gets to pick your dad and you have a little family. I remember being so excited to find out that my dad was none other than my upstairs neighbor Tyler. That was a fun surprise. Once you take the final and pass your interview you get activated into the sorority and are officially an active member. Once activated you come to Monday’s meeting and have chapter or sisterhood events so we can have fun with our sisters. We also do socials with AGR and AGS which are always a fun time and help us make more connections in the school of ag. We focus on Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship which are the four pillars of our sorority.

Sigma Alpha is more than a sorority, to me, it’s a family. I started my process in Sigma Alpha in the fall of 2021. Once I was made an active member I had so much more love for the sorority. In my first semester as an active, I planned to take everything in and help as much as I could. Little did I know I was going to be helping much more than I had originally planned by becoming the treasure. I was the treasure of my FFA and 4-H clubs and had lots of previous experience at this job. So I decided to fill out the application and run for the position. Lucky enough for me I was voted in as treasure and I’m now a member of the executive board. This has been a crazy change. From watching everything and asking the questions, to being the ones leading the meeting and answering the questions. I’m so glad that I decided to take the risk because it has really paid off.

Sigma Alpha can help any woman pursuing careers in agriculture to help them make more connections and reach all their future goals. There are so many women you will meet in the agriculture field that has been a part of Sigma Alpha and share that same love. I want to end my blog by encouraging everyone to go out and try something new. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Sigma Alpha, My sisters have pushed me to better myself and be the best person I can be. If you want to know more about the Sigma Alpha chapter you can follow our socials @WIUSigmaAlpha.

“All My Lifes A Cirlce From Sunrise To Sundown”

Sigma Alpha Circle Song

About the Author

Hello Everyone, My Name is Davee Smith I’m from Ashland, IL. I’m currently a Sophomore studying Ag Business at Western Illinois University. I’m the current Treasure of Sigma Alpha, as well as being involved in many different clubs like Ag Business Club and Ag Council. I come from a background in grain farming as well as a small show cattle operation.

To high school and college students: My tips and advice for success.

Sometimes we have to walk through the storm or dance in the rain to find the rainbow on the other side. Picture taken by Brody Carmien.

When I arrived at Western Illinois University in the Fall of 2018, I counted down the semesters until I graduated. Looking back, I remember dreading how many semesters I had left and the feeling that I was never going to leave this place. Now, I only have a little over a year left and let me tell you, time flies! As a person that isn’t that far removed from high school and is in college currently, I thought that I would share some helpful pieces of advice that I have learned along the way.

Take it one day at a time!

As I already mentioned, when I started school, I began counting down the years, semesters, and weeks until I was done. I personally tend to over-think, panic, and get anxiety over school and events. I look too far ahead at things that I might not be able to control or at things that can change. If this is you, listen up! Everything will be okay, I promise. One thing that tends to help me is taking a deep breath, taking a step back, and then taking things one day at a time. Do what needs done ASAP and then prioritize everything after that. Ask yourself what is more important? What needs to be done sooner? What is worth the most points? Additionally, don’t procrastinate, it makes everything worse.

Get involved. Find your niche.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone is to get involved. Getting involved doesn’t only build your resumé it also allows you to network. Growing up, I was super involved in softball. In high school, I was super involved in FFA, student and class government, bunnies volunteer club, softball (until my sophomore year), and my senior year as a stat girl for wrestling. This allowed me to meet so many people that I would have not gotten the opportunity to do so if I wasn’t so involved. Also, be diverse in the things that you choose. Maximize your opportunity to network and to learn new things. Step outside of your comfort zone, I promise you that you’ll be okay.

In regards to college, I’m going to say the same exact thing! I am currently involved in Sigma Alpha – Professional Agricultural Sorority, as the newly elected treasurer; CFFA/PAS/AgEd Club, as the secretary; an Ag Vocator, as an ag council representative; and I’m also in Collegiate Farm Bureau. These clubs allow me to meet new people within the School of Agriculture but also out in the industry. Each of these clubs allows me to build myself professionally and personally. I honestly don’t think that I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for these organizations.

Additionally, whether it be in high school or college, the people that you meet could be your friends for a lifetime! Getting out and active can help you find your people, your friends, and your network. Getting involved will make your time more memorable and so much more fun.

Be nice to yourself!

I have a huge problem with forgetting to mark myself into my calendar. I am constantly going from event to event and doing homework. However, I’ve had to learn to add myself to my calendar. Whether that is to go on a walk, or watch a movie/show, or just sit in silence for 30 minutes. Whatever it is, pencil yourself in. It is important! Additionally, cut yourself some slack. You don’t always have to strive to be THE best, strive to be YOUR best. Nobody is perfect. Even if they seem to be, everyone has their flaws. Additionally, follow not only your gut, but also your heart and your brain. Things around you are going to be constantly changing wherever you go, but so will you. You’re going to change and grow into something that might surprise you. Change is hard and it’s not going to happen overnight, so be patient with yourself.

How to choose your next move.

This one is mainly for high schoolers, but others may find some benefit in it. I remember being asked in high school what I plan to do after I graduate. Sometimes I knew that answer and sometimes I didn’t, and that’s okay. It’s perfectly fine to not know what’s next! You don’t have to have your whole life planned out before your 20, not even before your 30. Life changes, plans change, stuff happens! There is so much more that is next like, community college, 4-year universities, tech and trade school, apprenticeships, cosmetology school, and much much more. For me at least, I knew I wanted to move on to higher education. Additionally, I changed my career path numerous times, and that’s okay. Do what makes you happy because your decisions are what you have to live with the rest of your life.

Another piece of this puzzle is the where. Where is the next move? Is it a community college less than 30 minutes from your house or a university 1,000 miles away from home? My tip to people is go where it feels like home. I grew up close to several prominent schools like Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and Illinois State University, to name a few. Personally, these just weren’t the places for me. They didn’t feel like home. Additionally, going away gave me the opportunity to experience something new, something that I wouldn’t have if I would have stayed near home. Look at your interests, your needs, what you want out of your education, and where your education could possibly take you. Go on campus visits, talk to faculty and staff, talk to the students, get a feel for how it really is. If you can, spend the night or shadow a student. These are the best indicators for whether or not it is the right place for you.

Take every opportunity and experience that you’re given.

Another helpful tip that I can give you is to take every opportunity that you’re given and don’t take a single minute of it for granted. Have faith in yourself and believe that you can do it. Before you know it that opportunity could be gone and you’re going to be sitting there regretting it. You know how I know this, because I have taken several opportunities and experiences for granted. Looking back, I wish that I wouldn’t have been so scared or that I wouldn’t have doubted myself so much. Don’t be scared of failure, chase your dreams and don’t let anything stand in your way. It’s the experiences along the way that make the best memories. Just stop and take it in before it’s all gone. If you don’t you’re going to look back and wish that you did.

Rock your word!

This is an activity that I learned about back in high school and let me tell you it has gotten me through so rough times. I actually learned about it from my Ag teacher and FFA Advisor during our summer officer retreat and training. My Ag teacher sat us down and told us to reflect on a word that we needed to work on. She then had us pick a rock and told us to write our word on it and decorate it. She then made us look up the definition. We then went around in a circle and told everyone our word, the definition of the word, and why we chose that word. The word that I chose was BOLD. I didn’t feel like I was standing up to my fullest potential. I felt like a grey highlighter. Every year since then I have chosen a word for myself. So far my words have been: BOLD, UNSTOPPABLE, BELIEVE, and BREATHE. I challenge you to rock your word.

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The quote that I want to leave you with is this…

“If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L means First Attempt In Learning.

End is not the end, in fact E.N.D means, Effort Never Dies.

If you get NO as an answer, remember N.O. means Next Opportunity.

Change your mindset!”

-Unknown

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In summary, believe in yourself. Do your best and if you become overwhelmed, take a step back. Take those stressful weeks one day at a time. Maybe even try looking at challenges from a different perspective. Another thing, get involved within your school and community. This will allow you to meet new people, network, gain more experience, and have fun while doing so. In addition, don’t pass up opportunities and experiences because of fear. You don’t know if you’ll succeed unless you try. Also, when choosing your next move consider what you want. Look at your wants, needs, and values when making decisions. Lastly, rock your word!

Hello my name is Emma Carmien and I am currently a Junior at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, obtaining my bachelors in Agricultural Business. I am involved on campus with Sigma Alpha – Professional Agricultural Sorority, CFFA/PAS/Aged Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and on the Ag Vocator recruitment team. Thank you taking the time to read my blog post!

Seeing Double: What I’ve Learned From Being a Twin

I’ve known her for my whole life. Well, all but the first 15 minutes. Micah, my twin sister. And before you wonder, no we don’t look alike. At least, I don’t see it. I couldn’t imagine what my life would have looked like if I had grown up without her. Lonely for sure. But she shaped me to be the person I am today, whether she knows it or not. Maybe this is my thank you letter to her.

Growing up with a twin is much like you’d expect. Always having someone to play with, constantly bickering, and always being asked if we can read each others mind. I always had someone to help me team up on our much larger younger brother. But, I think my favorite part is having double the clothes to pick from.

We are complete opposites. I never had to worry about people mixing us up. Although, it’s upsetting I could never switch classrooms in elementary and pretend to be her like I’ve always wanted to. Micah’s about 5 inches shorter, doesn’t play sports, and more similar to my mom, while I am a spitting image of my dad. She’s patient when I bounce around the house, likes to chill out when I’m always surrounded by people, and she takes life a little more seriously. I have a tendency to steal her clothes without asking but she lets things go easily. Micah’s not a huge fan of the dirt, while I am one to spend my time outdoors. But, I like it this way. I like that we aren’t similar like people would expect. The things she’s taught me are things I could have never learned on my own.

“A sister is both your mirror – and your opposite.”

—Elizabeth Fishel.

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  Me, Keaton (our younger brother), and Micah. All pic creds: Robyn Mitchell

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  Micah and I at my volleyball game.

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  Us making a speech at our older sister’s wedding.

Micah shows me how to put my faith over my fear. She takes the risks despite the consequences and I admire her for that. Micah has a lot of patience. Ever since we were kids I had to drive the barbie jeep while she rode passenger and I was always the teacher while she was the student. She never complained. She was never mad at me but was kind. Micah’s a forgiving person and never holds grudges.

We spent a lot of time together but now we spend a lot of time apart. Micah goes to University of Northern Iowa, about 3 ½ hours away. We don’t have to talk everyday for me to know she’s my best friend. I couldn’t get rid of her even if I wanted to. I hope to be the person Micah’s always been; faithful, patient, forgiving. I may be taller and 15 minutes older, but I’ve always looked up to her. Everyone tells me they’ve always wanted a twin but I was lucky enough to actually have one.

Photo creds: WIU Photo Production Center

Meet the author

Hi, I am Mariah Mitchell. I am a junior at Western Illinois University majoring in Agricultural Science with a minor in Plant Breeding. I am from small town, Wapello, Iowa. At WIU I am involved in volleyball, Sigma Alpha, SAAC, and FCA. I didn’t grow up on a farm but I see my future somewhere in the agricultural industry.

10 Things To Never Say To A Soldier

A Guide for Civilians By: Lori Woods

My unit pictured in Guatemala.

My name is SPC Woods. I have enjoyed my time in the military. I have traveled, and met people I would have never done otherwise. If you do have any serious inquiries about joining the Army I would love to share my experience. I tend to keep it straight, like my recruiter did with me. The Army isn’t sunshine and rainbows; but we are pretty great. While reading this remember it is a satire blog. If you don’t understand a joke ask a service member.

I. I would have joined but….

No one really wants to have to sit and fake a smile while you come up with whatever excuse you use to explain not having joined. It’s okay that you didn’t, we wish we hadn’t either.

II. What is a battle buddy?

Honestly, what do you think a battle buddy is? The explanation is in the name. Next.

III. Why do you make your bed with hospital corners?

Everything we do in the military down to the smallest task is meant to instill the idea of discipline and pride in all we do.

IV. Why don’t you just cut across the grass?

The wha- you mean the sergeant majors grass?!

Respect is drilled into all soldiers in training, to include respect for the appearance of our military installation. Can you imagine how ugly our grass would look if hundreds of soldiers were stomping across it all day, every day?

V. I bet you get paid a lot right?

Did you know that the starting annual income for an enlisted soldier is less than a garbage man? No I don’t get paid a lot, and won’t until I’ve been in for a while and make rank. Stay in school, kids.

My best battles while stationed at Fort Sam Houston; on my graduation day.

VI. When will you be home after drill/your duty day?

We are not on our time pretty much ever. Our close of business time changes 10 times in a day, we don’t know when we’re going home. Stop asking.

VII. Are you on orders? Where are you going?

Have you heard of OPSEC? (Operations Security)

We can’t tell you! Not because we don’t want to, but what if you’re an undercover terrorist?

VIII. Is it hard being away from family and friends?

This has two parts;

Yes. Imagine being pulled from your daily routine and put into a high stress environment where you don’t have any control of anything your day consists of. Would it be hard for you?

No, because your battle buddies become your best friends and your squad becomes your family.

After traveling to Guatemala, we became best buds.

IX. Are you a hero?

Most of us are mopping the concrete in the rain dude. Not everyone in the military is getting deployed or sniping Osama bin Laden.

This can be a trigger for someone, a lot of the time the things soldiers do that could make others view them as a hero are things they are not proud of. Or they have lost fellow comrades to complete the mission deeming them a hero.

X. What are your thoughts on President Trump?

Everyone has an opinion on the president, regardless of who it may be at the time. As soldiers we are not supposed to deface the reputation of our commander in chief or do things to make it seem that we may be treasonous in any way. Not that we all hate Trump, but it is better to be safe than sorry when asking certain questions.

Official military head shot.

My name is Lori Woods and I am senior Agriculture Science major at Western Illinois University. I am a member of Sigma Alpha. (Sisters in Agriculture) I am the Treasurer of Ag Council and a member of WIU Collegiate Farm Bureau. After graduation I have an internship with Corteva where I am excited to expand my agronomy knowledge. In the Army I am an E-4 (Specialist) 68-A; Biomedical Equipment Specialist.

Women In Agriculture, a 5th Generation Farmer

By Kaitlyn Roberts

It’s not uncommon to hear someone use the phrase, “this is a man’s world,” when referring to women in the workforce. I believe that in this day and age, that statement really doesn’t apply to the Ag industry. I have attended three schools in my college career and in the Ag science programs I was a part of, a large portion of students studying pre-veterinary medicine were girls. In fact, in most Ag programs, you’ll find a large percentage of girls in most every classroom.

“In 2012, there were 969,672 women farmers in the United States, and 14 present of the nations 2.1 million farmers had a female principle operator.”

-National Agricultural Library- US Department of Agriculture

I grew up in a small town, I am the youngest of four children with three older brothers, and I am the only child in my family pursuing an Ag degree. I have seven cousins on my dad’s side, and 17 second cousins. Many of my young cousins are filling in my footsteps showing cattle, wearing the blue and gold jacket, and hopefully in the future, studying agriculture. My great great great grandfather purchased our family farm in the 1860’s after returning from the civil war, and I am the fifth generation to operate it.

Left: Feeding a newborn calf colostrum. Top right: Checking cows in the pasture. Bottom right: Giving the girls some love in the calving barn.

When I applied for my first internship at the University of Illinois Beef Research farm, I was sure I would not get the job. Some of the tasks included operating machinery like tractors and skid steers, and required skills applying to repairing fence, equipment, and tending to the cows. I told myself, there is no way they are going to hire me over a boy applying for this job, they will think I am not qualified. I was wrong, after working for this farm for over a year, I learned that a majority of the interns they hired were actually girls, including the agronomy farm. I was faced with the same fears when I applied for my second internship at a dairy farm. This operation had similar requirements, and there was not a single female that worked on this farm before I started. Sure enough I got the job, and after meeting the owners of the operation I was trusted with the task of managing over 200 weaned calves. This job meant I was responsible for seeing that the barn was regularly cleaned and bedded, the calves had hay, feed and clean water. Most importantly, I treated all sick calves and arranged vaccination days and moving in of new calves. This position eventually broadened to me spending most of my time managing an additional few hundred head of calves on milk, keeping them healthy and fed, and seeing them through until they left our facility.

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Left: In 2017 I was awarded my American FFA Degree. Right: In 2018 at the National PAS Conference I placed 1st in the Career Progress category of Agricultural Processing and Biotechnology.

Looking back from my last semester before I receive my bachelors degree, I have met a lot of inspirational women who are shaping the future of agriculture. In this industry it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. It only matters that you are the right person for the job. Hard working, dedicated, giving and kind are traits that most any agriculturalist you meet will possess. The Ag sector makes up only two percent of the nation, but in it holds the men and women who work day and night to feed and clothe our neighbor. I am proud to be the daughter of a farmer, and a woman in agriculture.

Photo Credit: Mikie Engel Photography

Thank you for reading my story. My name is Kaitlyn Roberts, I am from Augusta, IL and I will be graduating from WIU this May with a Bachelors of Agriculture Science and a minor in Animal Science. I currently own a small group of my own cattle and hope to one day become the principle operator of my family’s cattle operation. After graduation I will be starting my new position with ADM as a Commercial Feed Sales Coordinator. I hope that this blog will inspire all women to run after their dreams, and never let gender stigma hold them back from greatness.

The Opportunities You Don't Know Exist

By Courtney Thorman

Thinking about my college experience as a graduating high school senior, I had no intentions of being as involved as I am, or having accomplished and participated in the things I have. Throughout my junior year of this school year I have been: President/Treasurer of Collegiate FFA (CFFA), President/Ag in the Classroom Co-Chair of Collegiate Farm Bureau (CFB), Ag Mech Vice President of Expo Operations, Ag Council Reporter and banquet chair, and an active member of Sigma Alpha. That doesn’t include my two-part time jobs I balance, with a third part time job during harvest season and managing the normal day to day experiences a college student is supposed to have. Looking back, I wonder “How did I end up here with all these opportunities?” when I had no intentions of this kind of responsibility starting as a freshman. Phases. That’s how. I’ll take you through my journey, and as you read, think about your experiences as a college student or about someone you may know who is in college right now.

Phase 1

2018 Greenhand Conference Wrap Up Picture. Photo credits Sarah Seitz.

As a freshman the in Ag Ed department, it was kind of expected of me to join the CFFA/AgEd/PAS club. Here, we are able to develop ourselves as future agriculture teachers by hearing presentations from various professionals in the education field. We also plan and host District 3 Greenhand Conference every fall, which is attended by 25+ schools and averages 300 first year FFA members. In the spring, we host other Career Development Events (CDEs) and competitions as well as Aggie Olympics for our fellow clubs. From this club, I found Collegiate Farm Bureau. Here we are able to listen to more industry leaders, provide snack bags to farmers during harvest season, and tour local businesses. Between these two, clubs I was excited for all the opportunities I was getting. Through hometown connections, I found Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority, my second semester. After an eight-week process, I was finally a sister. At this point in life, I had a typical class load, 3 clubs, and a part time job on campus.

Phase 2

With freshman year rounding out, I was elected for a 4th club as the CFFA representative in Ag Council. This meant, starting my sophomore year in the Fall of 2018, I now had meetings every Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday. At the end of the summer, I also picked up another part time job as a Merchandiser for Sara Lee (the bread company) which required eight or more hours a week/weekend, depending on holidays, and occasional drives out of town. Throughout my fall semester, I had a lab with a sorority sister who was responsible for all the 150+ vendors for the largest student run Farm Expo in the nation that WIU’s Ag Mech Club is fortunate enough to host. Man, I thought she was crazy and every time she told me to join or that I should do it (what she does), I told her “No. I’m good. I got enough going on and could not imagine that kind of responsibility. Good luck though!” It took one meeting, and a couple encouraging conversations from her and a couple others and by Spring Break of 2018, I was the Vice President of Expo Operations, the biggest and most time consuming responsibility of the show. While the club only met once a month, from the moment I got in the office, I was in there three hours on a slow week, ten on a busy and then all my free time when the February 2019 show got closer. As sophomore year came to a close, elections came closer, meaning more responsibilities.

Our Balloon Twist artist wrapped up show weekend by giving me his hat. Photo Credits to Jana Knupp

Phase 3

Elections came and went. While two of my responsibilities were changed at the end of fall semester 2019, my junior year I’ve held or am currently in the positions stated at the beginning: President/Treasurer CFFA, President/Ag in the Classroom Co-Chair of CFB, Ag Mech Vice President of Expo Operations, Ag Council Reporter and banquet chair, and an active member of Sigma Alpha. I was meeting every Monday Tuesday and Wednesday each week and Thursday were always the extra events of the week. Being the sane person I felt, I decided I could handle a third job part time helping at WGM grain elevator during harvest working an additional 14 hours a week. If I wasn’t doing homework, I was working on all my stuff for vendors constantly, working minutes for the next upcoming meeting and getting a hold of anyone and everyone for something.

What should you get out of my story?

Without a doubt, you surely know someone in college right now. When you see them, have you asked about what they are up to besides classes? Have they told you about their extra-curricular activities, or do they say “good” and move on? Taking on the responsibilities I had throughout this last school year was a lot, and I knew that going in and accepting all these positions. I knew, at some point, I’d get burnt out, but at the same time, I had this one year. Do it all. Tackle everything I could if I wanted it and do it whole heartedly and rely on those around me to help work through it all. I did this knowing my senior year (Fall of 2020-Spring 2021), I have a semester to relax, just be a member of clubs I want to be in, enjoy college, and then, in the spring, I will be at a high school, student teaching, putting sole focus on becoming the best teacher I can. I loved every chance I’ve been given this school year and wish I would have an entire year left so I could continue on, but those following behind will do amazing things with each and every club and event.

All 17 Ag organizations adopted 22 angel tree kids and went shopping before we let out for the winter break. Photo credits to Andy Baker

Being as active as I was is definitely not for everyone. Usually, being in just a couple can do it for most. But if you don’t put yourself in the situation to be involved, you won’t have opportunities to take a hold of and run with. I hardly knew what the Farm Expo was and I even grew up in Macomb, and I wound up running the show. If you are currently in college, have you found a buddy and gone to the club you wanted to join? If you have, great, but now I encourage you to make sure you are in a second. Be willing to get outside that comfort zone of yours, be willing to fail, but then learn, fix the problem and move on. If you haven’t joined, why not? You have no clue what they could do for you if you never go or what you could be doing for that club if you joined. They could be needing something you have to offer; you just need to take that first step of going. If you aren’t in college but know someone in it, be nosy and ask them how their experiences have been. What cool things have they got to do or be a part of because of it? All colleges have clubs and organizations for just about anything regardless of your major. Seek them out and make your story worth telling.

Photo by Lauren Sims Photography

Thank you for reading about my experiences. My name is Courtney Thorman and I am currently a junior at WIU majoring in Ag Education to become a high school Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor. I grew up in Macomb and have been so lucky to have such strong support from my large extended family and the community. I have truly loved the college experience I have been given. I hope this blog helped provide insight for those that will experience college and see the many opportunities it can provide.