Career Program: Farm Operations
Originally From: Manawa
Current Residence: Manawa
Age: 20
Attended FVTC: Fall 2020-present
Why did you choose the Farm Operations career program?
Since I was a little boy growing up on my family farm, I have always had a passion for farming. As I grew older, my passion grew into a lifestyle, and now is a part of me that can never be replaced. I am pursuing my dream of one day owning the farm by furthering my education at Fox Valley Technical College.
What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding?
One of the things that interests me the most in this career field is the rewarding process of planting, growing and harvesting crops. Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the world and is slowly becoming a dying art. I take pride in the opportunity to provide for this world.
Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College?
I chose Fox Valley Technical College because of the convenience of working around my schedule. The Farm Operation program allows me to learn during the offseason of farming. They managed this by starting classes in late fall, almost after harvest, and ending them in the spring just before spring planting. Classes are also only three days a week which still gives us four days out of the week to work at our jobs.
How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?
This program has opened my eyes to all aspects of farming and has given me a solid foundation and new ideas to bring back to the farm. Anyone can grab a hammer and start nailing boards together, but without the blueprints and a foundation, it’s hard to build something great. I’ve also made a lot of great friends. The students you meet are the people you can always go to if you have questions or need opinions on what to do in your career field.
What type of job do you expect to find after graduation?
With hard work and dedication, anyone can find any job they want; there is a job for everyone but it’s not always going to find you. I can’t expect anything in this world today, but I know that with my hard work and new education, I am set up to go as far as I want in my career field of farming. Even if the family farm doesn’t pan out, I know that I have enough education in livestock, agronomy and financing to advance in any agriculture-based career and have no worries that wherever I might go I have the foundation to be successful.
In one sentence, what’s your best advice for someone who’s not sure they’re ready for college?
My best advice for someone that may not be ready for college is to first find what makes them happy. College is always available but not needed without a purpose.
