Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people, I often heard that no one would make it out of our county. Most of the people I know have graduated and found work nearby, not far from where they grew up. However, I have always aspired to be different. My determination to succeed surpasses the limitations of this small-town upbringing. I am convinced that achieving my goals will require significant effort and sacrifice. Ultimately, the satisfaction of success will make it all worthwhile. My ambition is to contribute to the agricultural community and I am confident that I can turn this dream into reality. I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business to further my love for all aspects of crop cultivation, tractors, fertilizer, and equipment management. Growing up surrounded by fields of corn and beans, I have always been intrigued by the production process. Riding in tractors with my Papa is a cherished childhood pastime. The memories of those experiences are deeply rooted in me. This passion for agriculture is an integral part of who I am and will always remain with me. I think trade school is a better match for my industrious sense of work ethic. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. This stems to one of the people I admire, my Papa. Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with trade school I can do that more efficiently. I live alone with my Nana, another person I have to mention because I admire her so deeply as well. I am so thankful for her and all of her hard work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part-time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part-time job, school work, and applying for schools can sometimes become a hassle. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help me pursue a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. I believe that I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my commitment to wanting to support agriculture and the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people, I often heard that no one would make it out of our county. Most of the people I know have graduated and found work nearby, not far from where they grew up. However, I have always aspired to be different. My determination to succeed surpasses the limitations of this small-town upbringing. I am convinced that achieving my goals will require significant effort and sacrifice. Ultimately, the satisfaction of success will make it all worthwhile. My ambition is to contribute to the agricultural community and I am confident that I can turn this dream into reality. I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business to further my love for all aspects of crop cultivation, tractors, fertilizer, and equipment management. Growing up surrounded by fields of corn and beans, I have always been intrigued by the production process. Having resources to further my knowledge about the passion I have such a strong love for is very important to me. I have gathered so much information from not only growing up on the farm but also working on one the past two summers. My stepdad also is in the agricultural industry so he tells me about all of the business side of the industry. This passion for agriculture is an integral part of who I am and will always remain with me. My industrious sense of work ethic makes me prefer hands-on work more. This is the best way I seem to learn. This stems from one of the people I admire, my Papa. Papa always taught me when I was younger, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and the people who live within it. I live alone with my Nana, I am so thankful for her and all of the hard work she has put in to provide for us. We only live off of both of our part-time salaries so a budget plays a huge role in my education. I am trying my hardest to apply for scholarships to earn money to fund my college funds. First, I want to attend a two-year college. I think financially it will be the best option for me. It will still be a lot of money to withhold coming up with but won't be as much as a four-year college. While still in high school, juggling a part-time job, school work, and applying for schools can sometimes become a hassle. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help me pursue a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. I believe that I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my commitment to wanting to support agriculture and the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seeds, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for allowing students to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

To me, success is defeating all odds possible to become the person that you want to be. Ever since I was little I have wanted nothing more than to be successful. At this time I didn't have a good understanding as to what success meant. I now know that success is working hard for the things that you have. My passion for agriculture I know will be a financial burden to me in the start because to pay for school. I live alone with my grandma and is to benefit communities and the economy as a whole. I've grown up around the agricultural community my whole life. This has helped me gain a wide understanding of the field as a whole. I live alone with my Nana, another person I have to mention because I admire her so deeply as well. I am so thankful for her and all of the hard work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part-time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part-time job, school work, and applying for schools can sometimes become a hassle. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help me pursue a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business to further my love for all aspects of crop cultivation, tractors, fertilizer, and equipment management. Growing up surrounded by fields of corn and beans, I have always been intrigued by the production process. Riding in tractors with my Papa is a cherished childhood pastime. This passion for agriculture is an integral part of who I am and will always remain with me. My industrious sense of work ethic stems to my love to be hands-on with my work. This stems from one of the people I admire, my Papa. Papa always taught me when I was younger, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. An instance I felt very emotionally weak was when I wanted to know who my biological father was. As any curious child who’s never even known that he ceased to exist. As a mother, you would want to protect your child from any and everything and my mom didn't think I'd understand. Not until I was ten did find out that my dad who had been raising me was not actually my dad. It took me years to finally realize how I could have never known my biological father was a person and my life would have been just as good. I overcame this with a lot of tears, heartbreak, and confusion. I accepted this with time because my dad does not have my blood, but doesn't make him love me any less. I believe that I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my ambition to succeed despite all odds. I want nothing more than to support agriculture and the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seeds, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship.

To me, success is defeating all odds possible to become the person that you want to be. Ever since I was little I have wanted nothing more than to be successful. At this time I didn't have a good understanding as to what success meant. I now know that success is working hard for the things that you have. Blood, sweat, and tears I think make someone grow into a humble character that makes you appreciate the things you have a little more. Being seventeen in high school it is so easy to fall into the trap of the party life and all things that come as a teenager. I have never been this way though. I've always been the type to go to work on the weekend rather than go out. Most of my peers want to stay in the same small-town roots that have been implanted into all of us. I can't blame them for wanting to be in familiar surroundings but I have always wanted to go out and see what the world has to offer. I believe this will bring me an abundance of success using my passion for agriculture to benefit communities and the economy as a whole. I've grown up around the agricultural community my whole life. This has helped me gain a wide understanding of the field as a whole. Success is not something I believe will come easy but it will take a lot of work.

From a very young age, I had to develop an understanding of hardships and the world. It all started when I was about eight years old. My parents were already divorced and I was moving more than I should. I felt I had no stability. My mom had an alcohol addiction, and I was somehow caught in between all of the ways it reshaped her. At first, I did not seem to understand but as I got older I soon realized why it was so easy to give into the addiction. Alcohol ruins people. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes. I couldn’t understand why it was chosen over me but I could see what it did. It makes a person so completely absent from themselves that I wanted nothing more than to distance myself from it. I still loved my mom, she never harmed me physically yet it was my feelings that did. When I was ten I ended up finding out for myself that my “dad” was not my biological father. I had speculations and I eventually asked if this was true. This started a whole other plethora of problems for me at this young age. I felt like my entire life up to that point was a false reality. I could not grasp how this lie was drug along for many years. After I had met my biological father I quickly understood why he was kept a secret but why choose drugs over your kids? That is something I will still never understand and has caused me to have a lot of trust issues throughout my early pre-teen to teenage years. The rocky relationship with my mother and then "not knowing" my biological father started to affect my relationship with people and myself. I wanted to know who my biological father was as any curious child would who’s never even known that he ceased to exist. It was a mistake but they say curiosity kills the cat. My mom was just protecting me but that was part of the problem. As a mother, you would want to protect your child from anything. My mom didn't think I'd understand. My mind grew up quickly so that helped me gain a better understanding of my surroundings. It took me years to finally realize how I could have never known he was a person and my life would have been just as good. In the real reality, my biological father wanted to be in my life but he was not allowed and that was for the better. Around the age of twelve, my mom went to rehab. I was staying with my stepdad who I count as my real father since he raised me. I was getting into trouble and falling into depression as it was eating me alive. I felt no one cared. I still was not a bad kid though. My grades were still great, I still played sports and went to church. Deep inside of me, nothing was okay though, I felt I had no one. The mentality of "my mom is gone so I'll do what I want now" consumed me. My principal at school made me see a health coach every month. Although I never wanted to see her, I knew that she cared. I did not want to make the effort to go into detail about how I felt. I took the step to try a real counselor but it was no use to me. Years went by, Mom was out of rehab, I wasn't in trouble as much, and the world just kept spinning. Every hardship I’ve gone through I’ve overcome. Until then, I fell into a deep depression around December of 2022. I was so lost in my life because of constant things going wrong. Mom had been sober for a year at this point but that wasn’t the problem anymore. It was me vs me. I continued to talk to the mental health coach and ended up stopping. I moved schools my junior year for a life reset. I got into huge trouble for the last time and my mom made me move in with her completely. This was the hardest thing I had to overcome. I did not think I'd make it out alive. I was trading everything I've ever known for a better opportunity to grow as a person. This was the best decision that was ever made for me. I screamed, I cried, I yelled for something good to happen. It felt so long and strung out but eventually, I found my place. I met so many amazing people along the way. Bonds were created with people I would have never crossed paths with before. I am now seventeen and have overcome everything I didn’t think I would survive. Mental health is one of the most serious topics in today's age. Depression was an overcoming season that came over my life and I am thankful to God that I now do better with coping with my emotions. As a human with raw emotions, this does not mean I still don’t get sad or very distraught. My mom is now coming up on four years of sobriety and our relationship isn’t perfect but it’s mended. I now have a more positive mindset about my life and my future. I have many goals that I really want to succeed in. I am very familiar with agriculture and have a huge passion for it. With that being said I want to go into college for Agricultural Business. I have always loved to help people and others around me and with this profession I can do so while doing something I love. I am thankful to have the opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for creating this scholarship to spread awareness of the wide spectrum of mental health.

Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people, I often heard that no one would make it out of our county. Most of the people I know have graduated and found work nearby, not far from where they grew up. However, I have always aspired to be different. My determination to succeed surpasses the limitations of this small-town upbringing. I am convinced that achieving my goals will require significant effort and sacrifice. Ultimately, the satisfaction of success will make it all worthwhile. My ambition is to contribute to the agricultural community and I am confident that I can turn this dream into reality. I am passionate about pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business to further my love for all aspects of crop cultivation, tractors, fertilizer, and equipment management. Growing up surrounded by fields of corn and beans, I have always been intrigued by the production process. Riding in tractors with my Papa is a cherished childhood pastime. The memories of those experiences are deeply rooted in me. This passion for agriculture is an integral part of who I am and will always remain with me. I think trade school is a better match for my industrious sense of work ethic. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. This stems to one of the people I admire, my Papa. Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with trade school I can do that more efficiently. I live alone with my Nana, another person I have to mention because I admire her so deeply as well. I am so thankful for her and all of her hard work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part-time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part-time job, school work, and applying for schools can sometimes become a hassle. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help me pursue a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. I believe that I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my commitment to wanting to support agriculture and the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

My top three Billie Eilish songs are "TV," "When the Party's Over," and "What Was I Made For." These songs resonate with me deeply because of their haunting and emotional melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and unique production. "TV" has a dark but yet ethereal quality that captivates me every time I listen to it. "When the Party's Over" is a raw and vulnerable ballad that speaks to the complexities of relationships and the pain of letting go. "What Was I Made For" is a bold track that showcases Billie's side of vulnerability. Every time I listen to, "TV", I cry but yet it is still my favorite. Billie really captures the true meaning of sadness and not wanting to communicate sometimes because of hurt. I just got out of a serious relationship so now more than ever do these lyrics hit me ever so deeply. I've sat and wandered about the plans we made and every time I hear that specific lyric of, "What about the plans we made," it makes me cry every time. That's one reason why I love it, not because I cry but because Billie shows true and raw emotion lyrically. "When The Party's Over," I feel to me really resonates within me because when I first heard the song I was so young. I was about twelve years old and going through a lot at this time. This was a song I would run to when I was alone at night time. I'll never forget how alone I felt at these times and had nothing but music to comfort me. This is something that I could never really seem to forget and why music is such an important aspect of my life to this day. Lastly, "What Was I Made For", truly resonates within me because even when I felt like I had a grasp on my life sometimes hardships took the reins. Lyrically I felt attached to this song because I felt like with every word spoken correlated to something within my life. I felt very out of place and with no purpose at the time. The song just really stuck to me when I could relate to the lyrics. "I don't know how to feel," it says in the song and every time I heard it, I did not know what I was feeling either. Overall, these songs resonate with me because they evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression with their powerful storytelling and musicality. With each lyric, each note, each cord, and each tune I consider these songs masterpieces. They perfectly portray situations of heartbreak, feeling lost in the world, and sadness. These are all emotions I began to feel at a young age which is upsetting but true. Listening to music became a coping mechanism for me. All of these songs resonate inside my soul by helping me through my tough situations I did not think I would push through.

My name is Alyssa Thompson, I am from a small town called Essex, Missouri. Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people all I have ever heard is that no one will make it out of this county. Most of everyone I know has graduated and found work around here not too far from where they grew up, but I have always wanted to be different. My drive for success is far beyond these small town roots implanted in me. I believe that it will take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me to reach my goals. In the end of it all, the joy of succeeding will pay off. I want to help others in the agricultural community. This is a dream I believe I will make a reality. I want a degree in Agricultural Business to pursue my passion for the love of all things crops, tractors, fertilizer and equipment management. Growing up around fields of corn and beans, I’ve always become curious to learn about the production aspect of it all. When I was younger I always enjoyed riding in tractors too. I would get so excited when Papa would say we can go riding in the field. It will always be a core memory I could never forget. This is one thing that is in my roots and will continue to be with me forever. I think trade school is a better match for my industrious sense of work ethic. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. My Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. Going into a trade school I know that it won’t be easy, but anything that is truly great never comes easy. Having a sense of working hard and then achieving tops taking the easy route. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with trade school I can do that more efficiently. This is another reason I want to attend trade school because I want education but at a faster rate. Financially trade school would be the best option for me. I live alone with my Nana. I am so thankful for her and all of the work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part time job, school work, and applying for schools can become a hassle at times. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help give me a boost in pursuing a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

My name is Alyssa Thompson, I am from a small town called Essex, Missouri. Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people all I have ever heard is that no one will make it out of this county. Most of everyone I know has graduated and found work around here not too far from where they grew up, but I have always wanted to be different. My drive for success is far beyond these small town roots implanted in me. I believe that it will take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me to reach my goals. In the end of it all, the joy of succeeding will pay off. I want to help others in the agricultural community. This is a dream I believe I will make a reality. I want a degree in Agricultural Business to pursue my passion for the love of all things crops, tractors, fertilizer and equipment management. Growing up around fields of corn and beans, I’ve always become curious to learn about the production aspect of it all. When I was younger I always enjoyed riding in tractors too. I would get so excited when Papa would say we can go riding in the field. It will always be a core memory I could never forget. This is one thing that is in my roots and will continue to be with me forever. I have a strong sense of community and doing what I can to help others around me. I have always wanted to pursue a career that not only impacts others but the economy too. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. My Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. Going into a trade school I know that it won’t be easy, but anything that is truly great never comes easy. Having a sense of working hard and then achieving tops taking the easy route. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with trade school I can do that more efficiently. I live alone with my Nana. I am so thankful for her and all of the work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part time job, school work, and applying for schools can become a hassle at times. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help give me a boost in pursuing a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

LeBron Raymone James aka King James is the absolute GOAT. Many agree to disagree with that statement and argue that Kobe or Micheal Jordan beat him, but it isn't true. Growing up playing basketball outside and inside school I've learned a lot about the sport. I kept up with NBA and college stats on the regular. Learned new defensive and offensive moves against my opponents when we used to play 3v3's at the park. I would always tell everyone who my favorite player was. In 2003 as some may call him LeGoat, entered the NBA to the Cavs. OG LeBron was so good everyone was discovering him and his step back was too good. He started gaining popularity and when I was older enough to start discovering a passion for basketball he instantly caught my eye. I'll never forget the draft when he switched to Miami Heat in 2010. It was crazy. LeBron just starting getting better and better. Some agree to disagree that Miami Heat LeBron was his best phase. He won two championships with this team and only one each with the Cavs and Lakers. LeBrons' vast achievements were inspiring to me and pushed me to do better. I wanted to learn his signature side step so badly so I practiced. Every day in the gym I practiced. I watch his highlights over and over to get it just right until I actually did. It's not plain to see how hard LeBron has worked to get where he is today. He has made it so far down the line in the NBA reporters and other teams can see how much of competition he has made himself to be. He wants to win. You can't go into a game so competitive as basketball especially in the NBA and not have the strive to want to win. That's one thing LeBron and I have in common. LeBron has won four NBA MVP awards, has the four championship rings, two gold and bronze Olympic medals. He also passed up MJ and holds the most consecutive games scoring and that is every game he has ever played. That is a big achievement to have in the NBA industry. LeBron is a very dedicated guy and put his heart and soul into the game and that is something I look up to. He puts blood, sweat, and tears on and off the court and that is something someone with big character does. In conclusion, LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. He deserves more awards and I am sure he will get more along the way of his career. I am happy to see him still playing and I know he is happy to be able to play with his son, Bronny. The Lakers drafted Bronny and I know that will be awesome to have active father-son duo in NBA history. Overall, LeBron is a great and hardworking player and I am looking forward to watching this NBA season.

My name is Alyssa Thompson, I am from a small town called Essex, Missouri. Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people all I have ever heard is that no one will make it out of this small town. Most of everyone I know has graduated and found work around here not too far from where they grew up, but I have always wanted to be different. My drive for success is far beyond these small town roots implanted in me. I believe that it will take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me to reach my goals. In the end of it all, the joy of succeeding will pay off. I want to help others in the agricultural community. This is a dream I believe I will make a reality. I want a degree in Agricultural Business to pursue my passion for the love of all things crops, tractors, fertilizer and equipment management. Growing up around fields of corn and beans, I’ve always become curious to learn about the production aspect of it all. When I was younger I always enjoyed riding in tractors too. I would get so excited when Papa would say we can go riding in the field. It will always be a core memory I could never forget. This is one thing that is in my roots and will continue to be with me forever. I think that pursuing a degree in college is a better match for my industrious sense of work ethic. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. My Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. Going into a college I know that it won’t be easy, but anything that is truly great never comes easy. Having a sense of working hard and then achieving tops taking the easy route. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with college l I can do that more efficiently. Financially I live in a low income household. I live alone with my Nana. I am so thankful for her and all of the work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part time job, school work, and applying for schools can become a hassle at times. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help give me a boost in pursuing a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

Alyssa Thompson October 3, 2024 I Now Lay in My Bed Being a teenager. I wanted it so bad when I was a pre-teen. Then it came. Love, heartbreak, happiness, and depression. Every flowing emotion that could all happen in a span of a week. I wish I could have gone back in time and told my 12 year old self to slow down. Being a small child doesn’t last forever but neither does my teenage years. Now that I am seventeen years old and have insight, I’d rather time slow down. I’ll never forget the first time I listened to Olivia Rodrigos’ GUTS album. I remember exactly where I was. In my bed, in my room, upset about the same dumb mistakes I shouldn’t have made to begin with. I felt so off put with myself and didn’t feel very satisfied with anything. I was at a new school I had never been to before and I was just not happy. My actions. I moved because of MY ACTIONS. Regret. Guilt. Distastefulness. Every thought couldn’t have been a good one. I heard the album came out and I wiped my tears to give each and every song a listen. I loved them all but one song. This ONE song. I really seemed to resonate with it. This song is called,“Making the Bed”. When I listened to this song it hit me like a ton of bricks. Every next sentence seemed to hit harder than the one before it. I felt exactly like Olivia within each lyric that came. The lyric that I heard, “And I'm playin' the victim so well in my head, But it's me who's been making the bed,” shattered me. My jaw absolutely dropped. This was me at this moment. I was feeling so sorry for myself for every single action I had that came with consequences. In reality I made my bed so now I must lie in it. The way I heard this song was that Olivia made mistakes and she “made her bed,” a metaphorical bed that is, so she must lie in it and deal with the consequences. In the end this is what I must do. Every mistake I’ve ever made has seemed to come with a consequence. I push my limits but why? I thought to myself that this is enough. I have made my bed, now I must lie in it. A pity party gets me where? No where. So I stood up out of bed and wiped all of my tears away. I listened to that song on repeat until I learned every word. I now ALWAYS lie in my bed that I made.

Alyssa Thompson September 18, 2024 What Trade School Means to Me My name is Alyssa Thompson, I am from a small town called Essex, Missouri. Growing up in a small town with a population of 336 people all I have ever heard is that no one will make it out of this county. Most of everyone I know has graduated and found work around here not too far from where they grew up, but I have always wanted to be different. My drive for success is far beyond these small town roots implanted in me. I believe that it will take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me to reach my goals. In the end of it all, the joy of succeeding will pay off. I want to help others in the agricultural community. This is a dream I believe I will make a reality. I want a degree in Agricultural Business to pursue my passion for the love of all things crops, tractors, fertilizer and equipment management. Growing up around fields of corn and beans, I’ve always become curious to learn about the production aspect of it all. When I was younger I always enjoyed riding in tractors too. I would get so excited when Papa would say we can go riding in the field. It will always be a core memory I could never forget. This is one thing that is in my roots and will continue to be with me forever. I think trade school is a better match for my industrious sense of work ethic. I like to be hands-on with my work, it’s the best way I seem to learn. My Papa always taught me when I was younger that, “If you don’t get your hands dirty then you're not doing it right”, and that just became a huge part of me. Going into a trade school I know that it won’t be easy, but anything that is truly great never comes easy. Having a sense of working hard and then achieving tops taking the easy route. I am ready to be out in the world pursuing a career that will benefit the country and with trade school I can do that more efficiently. This is another reason I want to attend trade school because I want education but at a faster rate. Financially trade school would be the best option for me. I live alone with my Nana. I am so thankful for her and all of the work she has put in to provide for us. Nana only has a part time job so I do my best to do my part in the house, but it is a struggle keeping up sometimes. While still in high school, juggling a part time job, school work, and applying for schools can become a hassle at times. This scholarship will not only help me short term but for the rest of my life. It will help give me a boost in pursuing a career that will keep the agricultural industry alive and boost the economy. With climate change agriculture is something that will always be needed but slowly by the years is sadly declining. By doing my part in the field and selling parts, seed, and fertilizer to farmers in need, I can do my part in helping the economy grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to write this essay for this scholarship. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to apply to boost their education and futures’ for success.

Alyssa Thompson September 19,2024 I Now Lay in My Bed Being a teenager. I wanted it so bad when I was a pre-teen. Then it came. Love, heartbreak, happiness, and depression. Every flowing emotion that could all happen in a span of a week. I wish I could have gone back in time and told my 12 year old self to slow down. Being a small child doesn’t last forever but neither does my teenage years. Now that I am seventeen years old and have insight, I’d rather time slow down. I’ll never forget the first time I listened to Olivia Rodrigos’ GUTS album. I remember exactly where I was. In my bed, in my room, upset about the same dumb mistakes I shouldn’t have made to begin with. I felt so off put with myself and didn’t feel very satisfied with anything. I was at a new school I had never been to before and I was just not happy. My actions. I moved because of MY ACTIONS. Regret. Guilt. Distastefulness. Every thought couldn’t have been a good one. I heard the album came out and I wiped my tears to give each and every song a listen. I loved them all but one song. This ONE song. I really seemed to resonate with it. This song is called,“Making the Bed”. When I listened to this song it hit me like a ton of bricks. Every next sentence seemed to hit harder than the one before it. I felt exactly like Olivia within each lyric that came. The lyric that I heard, “And I'm playin' the victim so well in my head, But it's me who's been making the bed,” shattered me. My jaw absolutely dropped. This was me at this moment. I was feeling so sorry for myself for every single action I had that came with consequences. In reality I made my bed so now I must lie in it. The way I heard this song was that Olivia made mistakes and she “made her bed,” a metaphorical bed that is, so she must lie in it and deal with the consequences. In the end this is what I must do. Every mistake I’ve ever made has seemed to come with a consequence. I push my limits but why? I thought to myself that this is enough. I have made my bed, now I must lie in it. A pity party gets me where? No where. So I stood up out of bed and wiped all of my tears away. I listened to that song on repeat until I learned every word. I now ALWAYS lie in my bed that I made.