aak4061
New member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2012
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
Hello all,
Below is a copy of my graduate school personal statement. I have never been a great writer, therefore I would greatly appreciate it if you could briefly read through it and give me some tips/comments or corrections. I know it's a bit long, but perhaps some of you will find it interesting.
Many thanks!
Over the next 50 years, we will have to produce as much food as we have in the previous 10,000 years combined. This is a statement I stumbled upon roughly one year ago on Bayer Agriculture’s website. Sitting before my computer screen reading this statement, my mind simply could not comprehend such a daunting task. I have always understood the importance of agriculture to civilization, but from that moment forward I realized just how much more important agriculture would be in the future. It also became apparent to me how important it will be to advance agricultural knowledge and technology so that we can produce enough food and fiber for the world’s growing population. I would like to be part of the advancement of agriculture, which is why I would like to further my knowledge of plant science by applying to a master’s program with research in agronomy at the University of Delaware.
My knowledge and understanding of plant production agriculture stems from my childhood. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a rural part of Maryland, where family farms range in size from just a few acres to more than 10,000; raising everything from cows to alpacas, and corn to blueberries. It is strange though, I did not grow up on a farm, nor has anyone in my immediate family; so how I ended up with such a deep passion for agriculture is something I cannot completely explain. As a child I always enjoyed being outside and playing in the dirt. When I got to high school, I still enjoyed being outside and playing in the dirt; therefore I thought it would be a good idea to take some agriculture classes. “Ag class” quickly became my favorite class in school, and I believe that my high school ag classes laid the foundation for my appreciation and knowledge of agriculture. As I was exposed to everything from basic animal and plant biology, to greenhouse production, to welding and mechanics, I quickly began to realize how complex, interesting, and encompassing the field of agriculture is. In conjunction with ag classes in high school, I became involved in the National FFA Organization. The FFA took my interest for agriculture to the next level as it allowed me to network with individuals in the local agricultural community.
As my high school years dwindled, it was obvious to me that I wanted to pursue an agricultural degree in college. However, I seriously considered other career paths, such as architecture or engineering—something office-oriented for the simple fact that it would be less physically demanding. The field of agriculture is not the most “handicapped friendly” field of work for someone like myself who has a physical disability. I can remember having this conversation with my father, and he was stunned when I informed him that I was leaning towards a degree outside of agriculture. He was surprised because he knew that I was truly passionate about agriculture, and he urged me to pursue it in my education and as a career. My father taught me to never allow my disability get in the way of my dreams and goals. Thanks to my father’s encouragement, and my family’s support, I decided to follow my passion and applied to the University of Delaware’s plant science program. To my relief and delight, I was accepted to UD, and I am glad that I decided to pursue a degree in agriculture. I would be lying if I were to say that it has been all easy, my disability has been an obstacle at times, but never a barrier. Given some time, along with a little improvisation, I find a way to work in the greenhouse, scout fields, and operate farm equipment, just as well as anyone else would.
Throughout my undergraduate career at UD I have worked very hard to achieve good grades and become more involved in the College and agricultural community. My membership in UD Collegiate FFA and the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity has allowed me to volunteer and participate in many activities, causes, functions, and events in both the College and the surrounding agriculture community. Examples include: UD Ag Day, Agribility, Ag Issues Forum, and the Delaware Secretary Scholars Program hosted by Ed Kee, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary Scholars Program was particularly interesting, as it consisted of multiple trips to various locations throughout Delaware to highlight Delaware’s diversity in the agriculture industry. Mr. Kee organized the trip so that agriculture students could get hands-on experience and exposure to Delaware agriculture, rather than just reading about it in a textbook. As we toured Delaware, we stopped at places such as vegetable farms, chicken farms, dairy farms, grain farms, state forests, and even fish farms. At each stop, we got the opportunity to chat with the farmers, and as we talked, we all seemed to share and communicate the same ideas and concerns about production agriculture. This was particularly gratifying for me because it was further reassurance that I was in the correct field of work.
Below is a copy of my graduate school personal statement. I have never been a great writer, therefore I would greatly appreciate it if you could briefly read through it and give me some tips/comments or corrections. I know it's a bit long, but perhaps some of you will find it interesting.
Many thanks!
Over the next 50 years, we will have to produce as much food as we have in the previous 10,000 years combined. This is a statement I stumbled upon roughly one year ago on Bayer Agriculture’s website. Sitting before my computer screen reading this statement, my mind simply could not comprehend such a daunting task. I have always understood the importance of agriculture to civilization, but from that moment forward I realized just how much more important agriculture would be in the future. It also became apparent to me how important it will be to advance agricultural knowledge and technology so that we can produce enough food and fiber for the world’s growing population. I would like to be part of the advancement of agriculture, which is why I would like to further my knowledge of plant science by applying to a master’s program with research in agronomy at the University of Delaware.
My knowledge and understanding of plant production agriculture stems from my childhood. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a rural part of Maryland, where family farms range in size from just a few acres to more than 10,000; raising everything from cows to alpacas, and corn to blueberries. It is strange though, I did not grow up on a farm, nor has anyone in my immediate family; so how I ended up with such a deep passion for agriculture is something I cannot completely explain. As a child I always enjoyed being outside and playing in the dirt. When I got to high school, I still enjoyed being outside and playing in the dirt; therefore I thought it would be a good idea to take some agriculture classes. “Ag class” quickly became my favorite class in school, and I believe that my high school ag classes laid the foundation for my appreciation and knowledge of agriculture. As I was exposed to everything from basic animal and plant biology, to greenhouse production, to welding and mechanics, I quickly began to realize how complex, interesting, and encompassing the field of agriculture is. In conjunction with ag classes in high school, I became involved in the National FFA Organization. The FFA took my interest for agriculture to the next level as it allowed me to network with individuals in the local agricultural community.
As my high school years dwindled, it was obvious to me that I wanted to pursue an agricultural degree in college. However, I seriously considered other career paths, such as architecture or engineering—something office-oriented for the simple fact that it would be less physically demanding. The field of agriculture is not the most “handicapped friendly” field of work for someone like myself who has a physical disability. I can remember having this conversation with my father, and he was stunned when I informed him that I was leaning towards a degree outside of agriculture. He was surprised because he knew that I was truly passionate about agriculture, and he urged me to pursue it in my education and as a career. My father taught me to never allow my disability get in the way of my dreams and goals. Thanks to my father’s encouragement, and my family’s support, I decided to follow my passion and applied to the University of Delaware’s plant science program. To my relief and delight, I was accepted to UD, and I am glad that I decided to pursue a degree in agriculture. I would be lying if I were to say that it has been all easy, my disability has been an obstacle at times, but never a barrier. Given some time, along with a little improvisation, I find a way to work in the greenhouse, scout fields, and operate farm equipment, just as well as anyone else would.
Throughout my undergraduate career at UD I have worked very hard to achieve good grades and become more involved in the College and agricultural community. My membership in UD Collegiate FFA and the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity has allowed me to volunteer and participate in many activities, causes, functions, and events in both the College and the surrounding agriculture community. Examples include: UD Ag Day, Agribility, Ag Issues Forum, and the Delaware Secretary Scholars Program hosted by Ed Kee, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary Scholars Program was particularly interesting, as it consisted of multiple trips to various locations throughout Delaware to highlight Delaware’s diversity in the agriculture industry. Mr. Kee organized the trip so that agriculture students could get hands-on experience and exposure to Delaware agriculture, rather than just reading about it in a textbook. As we toured Delaware, we stopped at places such as vegetable farms, chicken farms, dairy farms, grain farms, state forests, and even fish farms. At each stop, we got the opportunity to chat with the farmers, and as we talked, we all seemed to share and communicate the same ideas and concerns about production agriculture. This was particularly gratifying for me because it was further reassurance that I was in the correct field of work.