From Emily, in her own words…

What educational pursuit(s) are you interested in?​

The career I am thinking about pursuing is a career in the agricultural marketing field. I want to work for an agricultural company where I can promote products, programs, and use marketing strategies. This career path would allow me to combine my passion for agriculture and interest in connecting with people and being creative.

When I started thinking about a career path, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the agricultural industry. Growing up I’ve been involved in agricultural activities and programs. Through those experiences, it made me appreciate the strong communication that comes from it, pushing me to have an interest in majoring in agricultural communications. My interest in marketing also plays a major role in my career goals. I enjoy being creative and finding new ways to do things. As marketing allows businesses to connect with others through advertising, social media, and events, these are all things that interest me. I want to be a part of that process by creating different ways a business can be engaging and informative. Another reason I am interested in agricultural marketing is due to the fact that there are so many opportunities within the field. It’s a career where I could have the opportunity to manage social media accounts, design promotional materials, coordinate events, write content, or develop advertising strategies. All these different options excite me as I will always be learning, which is something that is important to me in a long-term career.

As I start my path in agricultural communications, I hope to gain experience through internships and real-world experiences, as these could help me develop the strong skills I will need for my career. My ultimate goal is to have a career that is meaningful to me, allows me to grow, and allows me to give back to the industry that has inspired me the most.

Other Acitivites, Awards, and Community Involvement:

  • Throughout high school, I have been actively involved in school organizations, community service, and programs such as 4-H and FFA, which have helped me develop leadership, responsibility, and communication skills.
  • In school organizations I have been involved in student council, National Honor Society, golf, basketball, and softball. I have received an honor roll all four years of high school and I am graduating high school with an associates degree completed. In golf I received all conference and received the mental attitude award.
  • In community service I have volunteered at my local fire and cemetery departments. I have helped with community dinner and I put flags out every year for veterans day. I have participated in meals of hope which is a meal packing event that my FFA chapter organizes. I volunteer at my church as I serve as a torch barrier and help get services ready. I have been involved in a learning to lead program where we cleaned up local parks. I have put together a good samaritan box for younger children in need during the holidays. In my 4-H club we made blankets and cards for people in nursing homes. Lastly, as an Indiana junior beef cattle director I helped put together ringside for Riley, which was very successful as we raised funds for the children’s hospital.
  • In 4-H I have shown pigs for 10 years, cattle for 6 years, rabbits for 6 years and sheep for 2 years. I have completed projects such as photography and cake decorating. I have been the master swine showman at my county fair and have also won senior cattle showmanship. I have been in the top five for my breed in pig showmanship at the state fair for 5 years. Lastly, I have won the Indiana state fair rabbit show.
  • In FFA I have been involved in skillathon, meat judging, prepared public speaking, demonstrations, and leader of the junior high recruitment committee. In skillathon my awards include winning state and placing top 10 at the national western roundup as a team, and qualifying for the state contest for 4 straight years. I have my hoosier degree and was awarded the 4th overall with my diversified livestock proficiency at the state level.
  • I have also been involved in the Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association (IJBCA). I have had the role of Indiana finest points series director as I have helped manage the showman app and organize shows. This year I am the treasurer of the board, and I manage our finances and organize sponsorships.


What does it mean to you to receive a MDFF scholarship? ​

Receiving the MDFF scholarship means a great deal to me because it helps support my education while I pursue my goal of earning a degree in agricultural communications. Agriculture has always been an important part of my life, and I want to build a career where I can be involved in the industry and communicate its importance to others. This scholarship is helping to ease the financial part of college and allow me to focus more on my education and the opportunities that come with it.

By studying agricultural communications, I hope to work in marketing or communications for an agricultural company, helping promote products, programs, and the positive impact agriculture has on our communities. Receiving this scholarship not only supports my education financially, but it also motivates me to continue working hard toward my goals.

This scholarship will contribute to my quality of life by allowing me to focus on gaining experiences, internships, and leadership opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. It would also remind me that others believe in my goals and are willing to invest in my future. With this support, I will continue working to make a positive impact.


What do you feel will be your biggest challenge in achieving your dreams?​

One of the biggest challenges I may face in achieving my dreams is living with muscular dystrophy. While it can sometimes create physical challenges, it has also taught me perseverance, determination, and the importance of working hard for the goals I want to accomplish.

Another challenge will be continuing to push myself outside of my comfort zone as I pursue my education and future career. As I work toward a degree in agricultural communications, I will continue developing my skills, gaining experience, and taking advantage of opportunities that help me grow both personally and professionally.

Although living with muscular dystrophy may present challenges, it has also helped shape who I am today. It has taught me to stay determined, appreciate opportunities, and remain focused on my goals. These lessons will continue to motivate me as I pursue my dreams and work toward making a positive impact in the agricultural industry.

MDFF is proud to help Emily on her educational journey through being awarded an MDFF Educational Scholarship Sponsored by Busey Bank. Learn more about this scholarship and how to apply next year on our Scholarship page.