I have come to appreciate my agricultural education immensely.

Studying agricultural communications at a renowned university such as Iowa State comes with plenty of academic obstacles. Many of these endeavors have provided me with experience in both the agricultural and communications industries. Nonetheless, I, along with my other agricultural colleagues, am preparing for a much larger restriction that will come with our agricultural credentials upon graduation.

Our world today is full of infamy and misinterpretation, which can be seen when observing mass media and other communication platforms. These stigmas tend to circle around the topics of politics, weather epidemics, and global events. However, agriculture is also a topic of discussion, as it relates back to each of the examples I utilized previously.

From an agriculturalist perspective, I understand that it is also on my shoulders to assist the public with perceptions of the agricultural industry. That statement is what I am bound and determined to do after I graduate from Iowa State.

Don't think I am the only student who embodies drive and passion for this industry, either.

I'm here to tell you that there are plenty of agricultural students (not just at Iowa State, by the way) who are going to keep this industry growing. After coming to Iowa State, my devotion for changing negative stigmas and becoming a voice for agriculture has grown. I know that these problems will not be resolved overnight; however, I have a strong inclination that if agriculturalists stick together, we will be able to change the world.

Now, I'm not saying that every single person on this planet needs to know each little detail about agriculture; but instead, it's important to discuss the educational value for the consumers that benefit from this industry. I have participated in numerous classes that discussed the importance of education and creating a positive farmer-consumer relationship. I also believe that there is so much value in obtaining agricultural knowledge as a consumer.

I desire a world that embraces agriculture and what farmers provide for us EVERY DAY!

I also know that we will never live in a world where agriculture isn't misrepresented; however, if I am able to better educate our consumers, I will be satisfied as an agricultural advocate.

The message that I'm trying to convey is that I plan to utilize my educational opportunities to appropriately promote agriculture. Knowing that I am not alone in this endeavor makes it that much more special. I am grateful to have family, friends, professors, and employers to help me along this journey through the agricultural industry.