What I Did

During winter break of the ‘22-’23 school year, I worked on the Ponder family farm and performed various tasks for the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and goats based on their needs. Specifically, I fed, bathed, trimmed hooves, vaccinated, and performed ultrasounds. While on the farm, I also set fence posts, cleaned barns, operated utility vehicles, and assisted in transporting a few animals, using a trailer, to a Christmas Play they were involved in. In addition to the hands-on experience, I read educational articles and books, watched training videos, and attended meetings and animal science seminars. Throughout this experience, I developed a close relationship with the Ponders, who graciously allowed me to work on their land and assist with their animals.

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What I Learned

The biggest takeaway is we can learn from anything and everything we experience. When opportunities come our way, we should not be afraid to pursue something just because it is atypical to our routine or seems unrelated to our intended life plan. Animal science, agriculture, and working on a farm are not in and of themselves related to the chemical engineering field. However, I learned far more than expected by stepping outside my comfort zone and simply engaging with the Ponder family. From gaining life advice to sharing conversations about business, handling finances, and managing properties, I generated a breadth of knowledge I otherwise would not have. 

 

How It Impacted Me

​This experience broadened my worldview and made me a more informed global citizen scholar. I can leverage this wide-ranging involvement to improve my understanding of different people from different environments. On another level, I aged out of the 4-H program at the end of 2022 after 14 years of involvement. While 4-H is much more than agriculture, it remains a vital component of the program, and many people involved, including some I know, have an agricultural background. In this regard, it provided insight into a way of life I had never experienced before. Overall, it served as a break from my college life routine and rewarded me with new friendships I will strengthen throughout my life.