Week 6: The Halfway Point

“Some may say I’m ‘outSTANDING’ in my field”

We all have those New Year’s Resolutions that sound absolutely excellent in the beginning, but then fall short after February. Unfortunately, my goal to write a blog post every month in 2016 falls into that category. For those that know me: you know that I definitely never run out of things to say- but I do run out of time to write everything out in a blog post.

So, I’m going to work on that.

Today marks five weeks and two days at my second internship with Monsanto Hawaii. Last summer, my internship was more of a ‘field-based’ position. I was doing soybean and corn research, gathering all kinds of data, and trying to get enough sleep each night to stay awake during the next day. However, this year I’m focusing more on exactly where my passions lie… AGvocating.

So far this summer, I have taken charge of Monsanto Hawaii’s Instagram account, visited two neighbor islands, and created countless connections across the company. Sure, not wearing high visibility and work boots every SINGLE day has its perks, but being able to communicate Monsanto’s values to the public is a job that I’ve only dreamed of.

New FB cover photo, taken by yours truly.

All of the Oahu interns posing by one of the best views on site

Our weekly ‘Aloha Friday’-type post

Truthfully, I actually fell in love with the island of Molokai

And of course, a trip to Molokai wouldn’t be any fun without some SUP

I’ve always known that the vast majority of the population doesn’t understand what Monsanto does, or how the agricultural industry works to feed the growing population. However, I didn’t know HOW bad it was until I was given access as a moderator on the Monsanto Hawaii Facebook page. Not only are there so many people that hate the company… but there’s a huge number of people who hate the majority of the industry, too.

A lot of the negative media the industry gets has a lot to do with either misinterpretation or misunderstanding. We get a lot of comments about our chemical use on the islands, even though Monsanto Hawaii uses less than 1% of all Restricted Use Pesticides sold in the state. I’ve read countless comments about our ‘lack of support for local or organic farmers’, when actually… we lease over 600 acres of land on Oahu to local farmers, some of them using organic methods to grow food for local restaurants. On top of that, a lot of people do not know that Monsanto owns a large vegetable seed company, SEMINIS, which supplies vegetable and fruit seeds to conventional and organic farmers all over the state.

For you, visual learners

So, of course, a lot of our social media efforts revolve around transparency. We invite endless ‘anti-agriculture activists’ to take a tour of our farm… though few ever do. We answer questions and point people in the right direction of resources, as well as provide educational media for people to learn about insects, plants, or sustainability.

What I’ve learned is that no matter how hard we try, there will always be people who don’t like you or what you do. My absolute favorite quote that I live by is: “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” from Dita Von Teese. I don’t think I could find anything more truthful. No matter how hard we try, there’s always going to be people that will hate Monsanto. Does that mean we give up? No. It means that there will always be an abundance of opportunities to educate people and change opinions. Not every battle will be a success, but I’d be damned if I didn’t try.

Fuji makes great weekend company

My Sorority Doesn’t Label Me

When most people hear the term ‘sorority girl’, they wouldn’t pick me out of a crowd. I’m tall, loud, opinionated, and sometimes a little too “country bumpkin” for my own good. When I first told my parents I was thinking about rushing Sigma Alpha, I don’t even think they believed me.

However, these past three years in an agriculturally themed sorority have proven to be the best decision I have made since coming to Oregon State. Don’t get me wrong, not every experience has been positive. I’ve learned how to work with people who have different personalities and morals than I do. I’ve learned a lot about conflict management. If someone tells you that being in a sorority is full of happiness, glitter, and sunshine… they’re lying to you.

But, in the past three years, I have gained true friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I have been able to join a group of women who accept me for who I am. I’ve gained a better sense of how to balance school, a job, and a sorority. Communication, community service, leadership, and professional development are just a few of the key features of being a Sigma Alpha.

These experiences, positive or negative, have prepared me for ‘real life’ situations I know I am going to face in the future. I’m not going to get along with everyone I come across. I’m going to be faced with challenges that I don’t feel comfortable with. Sigma Alpha has been exposing me to situations like these, where I exercise management processes to help me figure out what to do, since I joined in my freshman year.  

I came across this movement on Facebook from the Delta Gamma Sorority at Ohio University that discusses the sorority stereotype. People who are not involved in Greek life do not understand the importance of the Greek letters I wear on my chest. No matter what my chapter’s reputation on campus is, I will proudly represent my letters because they have helped shape me to who I am today.

I don’t care if other houses look at my sorority and think that we are a ‘wanna be’ house. I chose these letters for the same reason you might have chosen yours: to be a part of something greater.

With that being said, being in a sorority doesn’t label me. I’m not a stereotype. I’m going to school to be a professional woman in the agricultural industry, and Sigma Alpha has provided me with the toolkit in order to accomplish that goal.

New Year, New Goals

It’s been a while since my last blog post. I mean, a WHILE. Truth is, I’ve been going 100 miles per hour and have had roughly five minutes of free time in the past few months. New Year’s Resolution: to blog more often.

Anyway, a lot has happened in these past few months. I moved back to Oregon from my summer in Hawaii, managed to survive another internship (this time in Salem), and completed my 3^rd Fall Term at Oregon State University.

Myself and fellow AGvocate, Lauren LaGrande of Maxwell, CA pose with Benny the Beaver in front of OSU’s Strand Agriculture Hall

The most exciting part about this busy time, though, is being able to find a way to intertwine doing what I love (AGvocating) into my daily routine and activities. Obviously, Facebook is a great place to share articles and opinion pieces to my family and friends. But, I always want to reach out to more people than those who already put up with me almost everyday.

I have been able to go to many different events and share my opinion on Monsanto, GM crops, cattle ranching, and many other agricultural topics. A few months ago, I was able to be a part of an OSU student group that traveled to Pullman, WA to ‘Celebrate Agriculture’ at a NWFC tailgater. Even though our football team got their butts handed to them… WSU and OSU students were able to mingle with alumni and supporters to talk about, share, and celebrate agriculture. I mean, how awesome is that?

“They may have beat our football team, but we have their soil… So who’s the real winner?! MissoulaFloods” –Dustin Welters

After multiple conversations over the months about what it was like to work for Monsanto, I began to realize just how bad the perception of the company is on my [liberal] campus. People generally believe that “biotechnology” means “Monsanto”, and “big agriculture” is “evil agriculture”. Most people do not understand plants get sick just like we do, and need additional nutrients… just like we do.

I always run into people who believe that organic farming will save our existence. Don’t get me wrong, organic farming most definitely has its place in the agricultural industry. Will we solve world hunger with organic farming? NO. Will we feed our growing population? NO. Will it help improve our soil quality and reduce our carbon footprint? YES. Personally, I see the benefits of organic farming to our environment. But, when it comes to the issue of feeding the world on shrinking amounts of land, I side with conventional agriculture. I do not have issues with organic farmers, I have issues with organic farmers who try to tell my family and friends that we are farming the wrong way, or that we are harming the land that we are stewards of.

It amazes me how some people do not understand how much farmers really DO care about the land we farm and ranch on. Without the land that God gave us, we would have no food, fiber, or fuel. The land and environment that farmers and ranchers care for is the land that they survive on, how they make their living.

I have come across some interesting viewpoints and conversations ever since I started my ‘AGvocating’ journey in the past year, and I expect to come across many more throughout my lifetime. Agricultural education is something I see our world in need of, and I will not rest until I have made a difference. Now, if only I could find a job that would let me reach out (or argue) with people to teach about these topics everyday…

Expected Graduation: Spring 2017 😉

 

FFA and 4-H: Redesigning the Future of Agriculture

FARMER: (n) a person who grows enough food to feed a growing population; a steward of the land. See: agriculturalist, agronomist, rancher, sustainability.

When you think of the word ‘farmer’, what do you think of? Is it the cartoon character Old MacDonald in his overalls and straw hat? Your grandpa and his dirty hands, coming home from a long day in a tractor? Or is it even yourself, growing a garden in your backyard?

While the agricultural industry relies on people like farmers to grow goods for consumers, farmers are only a small fraction of the people who are involved in agriculture.

My grandfather owned land and grew an alfalfa, tomato, and wheat rotation in the heart of Woodland, California. When none of his kids wanted to take over the farm when it came time to retire, our family decided to sell the land. Driving through Woodland now, where our farm once stood is now an apartment complex.

My grandfather’s kids all grew up to be real estate agents, contractors, doctors, or equine massage therapists. I consider myself to be 2 generations removed form our family farm. This means I am not a traditional ‘farmer’, but I do consider myself an agriculturalist.

Although my father didn’t drive a combine all day, I still consider my life to revolve around agriculture. I understood what it took to grow crops and livestock for market value to make a living. It was because of my family history and the environment in which I grew up in that I decided to study Agricultural Science at Oregon State University and ended up here at Monsanto for the summer.

I grew up with horses, goats, cows, llamas, and chickens in my backyard. I started 4-H at the young age of 8 years old, and continued to remain active until this past summer, at the age of 20. I started FFA in the 8^th grade, and continued through the first year of college in the Collegiate FFA Club.

Looking back on my childhood, it was 4-H and FFA that truly prepared me to become a leader and excel in my endeavors. 4-H taught me to sew, cook, raise pygmy goats, and even sparked my interest in training dogs. I took this interest to the next level and joined Yuba Sutter 4-H Guide Dog Puppy Raisers, where my family and I have raised 10 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind out of San Rafael, California. This experience brought me a foundation of public speaking skills, communication skills, as well as a strong sense of responsibility.

My FFA Jacket at the end of my senior year, showing off my State Degree. On the inside is where I kept all my other pins.

Off to my LAST full-dress event, with my beloved Jeep ‘Calvin’ in the background

It was not until I joined FFA where I learned how to tap into these skills and use them in my everyday life. From countless meetings, leadership trainings, leadership events, state conferences, and public speaking contests I was able to truly grow into a future leader.

FFA stands for ‘Future Farmers of America’, which can be a bit deceiving. Most people would assume that we are crazy; who would want to get into a corduroy jacket when it’s 100 degrees outside, heels and nylons just to… give a speech? How do speeches even correlate with farming?

The truth is, the Future Farmers of America does so much more than teach adolescents about agriculture and farming. The main purpose of this organization is to grow agricultural leaders, to communicate agriculture to the public, and to prepare the future generation to lead and succeed. I can attest to this.

My 1st place Opening/Closing Ceremony team

Had I not decided to be the first Marysville FFA member to join in 8^th grade instead of 9^th, I would not have gotten the full impact of this organization. I got thrown into leadership events, conferences, and not to mention long drives in the Marysville FFA truck with my beloved advisor to go weigh animals before county fair. Little did I know, the summer I joined FFA was the summer that would change my life and prepare me to take on many challenges in order to grow into the leader I am today.

10 PM Taco Bell drive through with Kohlby and the best advisor ever, Mrs. Magill, in the brand new ag department truck

FFA has prepared me to become an Ambassador for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, join my sorority Sigma Alpha, and land an internship with Monsanto as a sophomore in college. I may not be coming home every summer to plow fields and harvest tomatoes, but I am making an impact in the agricultural industry in my own way.

And that is something to be proud of.

My mom, Wendy Roarty-Jenks, CA FFA State Secretary 1984-1985 (Look at that hair!)

First 2 Weeks in Paradise

Holy cow. 2 weeks have already gone by? What?

These 2 weeks have been the most action packed, fun filled I’ve had in quite a while. Between starting a new job, getting settled in, and getting used to $8 milk… I sure do appreciate my weekends of doing nothing.

But really, $8 for milk! (For all my dairy friends back home)

My lovely greeting at the airport when I first arrived.

I’ll start things off with this: I LOVE MY JOB. Even though the first few days were full of introductions and meeting tons of new people (I still can’t remember everyone’s name), there was never a dull moment. I learned so much in the first few days that it was amazing I retained any of it. What I did retain though, is that everyone is so nice. I felt like I had been there for a year by the end of my first day.

Casual ‘first day of my internship’ selfie.

YES, the red dirt ROCKS

Summary of my first day: tour after tour, after tour, after tour.

The atmosphere that the Monsanto employees give off is incredible. Everyone wants to be there. They all say “good morning!” every single morning. We start off each day with a morning turnout, which reminds me a lot of 4-H camp. We all get together, we go over safety tips for the day, get our daily assignments, and then get let go. The jobs that everyone does are so independent. It’s awesome.

See? Told you.

So official, first big girl job!

I cannot even stress how big the word ‘safety’ is for Monsanto. We are required to wear high visibility, safety glasses, and ID tags everywhere we go. I can’t remember what the alliance program is called, but basically, Monsanto has this agreement with OSHA that utilizes safety requirements that are above and beyond OSHA’s basic requirements. Sometimes it is a hassle, but I always feel safe and as if someone is watching out for me. Hardly anybody ever gets hurt, reducing the amount of farm accidents.

Getting into a routine has been very nice for me. At school, it was very unpredictable when I would ACTUALLY go to bed. Here, I’m in bed by 8:30 PM, up by 4:30 AM. I workout in the morning, eat breakfast and feed Fuji, then I’m at work and ready to go by 7 AM. Because everyone gets here so early and it gets so hot outside, the workday is over by 3:30 PM, giving me generous evenings to spend at home (or nap, until I go to bed).

Kailua beach, representing the best sorority ever!

Sunday afternoon drives are the best way to wind down.

Living in ‘paradise’ has been something to get used to. It is HUMID. I’m used to heat, being from California. But 90 degrees and 50% humidity is insanity. I have come to a solution for the days that I’m at home or going to the beach: tank tops, shorts, and sunscreen. That’s honestly all that I wear, unless I’m at work. If I’m at work, the normal attire is a neon long sleeve shirt, jeans, and 15 pound work boots. Never have I appreciated a glass of cold water more than when I come inside from counting soybean stands (or tanning, on the weekend ☺ ).

Go Beavs!

Taking soybean stand counts in my super attractive neon shirt and work books.

Planting treated soybeans for one of my trials, with my trusty WECO hat.

View from one of the fields I was taking samples in.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier. And neither could my Aunt and her dog. Fuji and I go on walks to the beach all the time, and on Sunday mornings we meet up with the neighborhood dogs for a romp at the park.

Fuji is slowly becoming more of a beach dog.

I am so excited with where my projects are going to take me. I have a great outlet for advocacy and public relations with this company, and I am going to take full advantage of it. I love my job, company, and home life. What more could a girl ask for?

Oh! And, only 18 more days until my family arrives to visit. I’m not homesick, but I could definitely use some quality beach time with Momma Jenks and the rest of the Jenks Crew.

Sweet, Sweet Summertime

As I finish my last final exam of my Sophomore year at Oregon State University, I can’t help but become excited yet completely and utterly stressed for the next few weeks. Here’s why:

1. I have to pack ALL of my stuff to fit into a storage unit. And believe me, coming from a girl who loves clothing (and shoes, and everything), that won’t be easy.

2. I have to MOVE all of my stuff into said storage unit. Thank goodness for the help of my dad and brother, because they’ll be doing most of the work anyway.

3. I get to listen to my brother complain about everything on move-out day. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my brother. But, he is probably the laziest, most stubborn people in the world. Love ya, Parker!

Parker and I at his first OSU football game.

Parker and our 10th Guide Dog Puppy, Bouquet. Hard to think that he’s younger than me when you look at him!

4. I get to see my puppies back at home, and spend a few days with my Momma Jenks. Sometimes I joke that the only reason I come home is to cuddle my dogs, get pedicures with my mom, and enjoy the sunset over the Sutter Buttes.

…literally, snuggle.

My mom and dad: AKA, my support system and the sole reasons I have been able to achieve greatness.

Not much is better when this is the view from your backyard.

5. I’M MOVING TO HAWAII. Exciting and stressful all at once. I’m going to be reunited with my absolute favorite ‘second home’ in the world, as well as move in with my Auntie and her dog, Fuji. But at the same time, that means MOVING. AGAIN. I’m the kind of person who does best with a routine, so getting into a ‘new normal’ is going to be a challenge for me.

Fuji, a Career Changed Guide Dog for the Blind puppy that I raised back in high school, enjoying life in Hawaii.

6. I’m starting a new job with one of the best agricultural companies in the world. Again, exciting, yet stressful at the same time. I have to work my BUTT off this summer, because making a lasting impression with Monsanto serves in the best interest for my future career. But, having to be at work by 7 AM doesn’t sound too fun…

I am so incredibly excited for this summer. Sure, it’s going to be hard living so far away from all of my friends for 3 months. I will get ‘FOMO’ (Fear Of Missing Out) a lot this summer, but I’m going to make new friends and have blast in Hawaii. I’ll be working with corn and soybeans, while getting a top notch student research experience.

The stress will be worth it, I know it. But, getting through these next few weeks are going to REALLY test my patience…. coming from that hyper-organized classmate that uses a color-coding system for labeling different activities in her planner.

Blogging? What’s that?

I’ve never written a blog post before. Well, I take that back. I wrote a ‘pretend’ blog post for one of my classes about an agricultural issue. I ended up getting a D on the paper.

So, I’m gonna try this whole ‘blogging’ thing, and see where it takes me.

Recently, two of my really good friends started blogs, too. I guess it’s the thing to do! (I promise, I didn’t copy them…)

This summer, I’m interning for a very large agricultural company that doesn’t get a lot of good press. However, being able to work for the so called “Big, Bad, MONSANTO” will be an amazing opportunity for an Ag Science/Crop Science student. I’ll be doing a lot of research around corn and soybeans, learning about Thrip and Ear Rot, as well as pollination and breeding. Not to mention, I’ll be spending my summer in Hawaii and living with my Auntie and her dog…. So I guess it won’t be that bad.

This blog was originally designed to tell family and friends about my summer adventures. However, if I end up enjoying the ‘blog life’, I might continue blogging about my adventures of school, activities, and growing up (as scary as that sounds).

So, sit back and enjoy my adventures as I learn and grow throughout the upcoming months. Oh, and be ready for many, many beach pictures!

Fuji and I on the beaches of Hawaii.