Making a good sandwich not only makes people's stomachs happy, but it also allows a 17-year-old girl to keep a roof over her head. I used to envy my friends; they used their paychecks to save up for cars, buy fun things, and to afford college someday. My paychecks went to my parents, not out of force but out of desperation. In early 2024, my family had been hit with massive fraud. Despite my parents' best efforts to get rid of it, it remains. My parents have always struggled financially and have never been money literate. To make a long financial tragedy short, my mom and dad have filed for bankruptcy twice, have massive credit card debt, and have struggled with bills for as long as I can remember. The year 2024 brought the most financial hardship to the point where my parents had to turn to their last resort for money- me. My first job at my local Subway turned into a third income for my family. What was originally going to pay for my higher education turned into a means to keep a roof over our heads. Regardless of the burden put on my shoulders, I remained focused on my future goals as a means of hope in my life. Throughout high school, I was an active member of the FFA, where I could truly grow my love of agriculture. The FFA had also inspired a love of public speaking within me. These two loves have allowed me to set my sights on my aspiration- I want to become an agricultural attorney. This career will give me the honor of protecting those in the industry I so love. It allows me to use my voice to defend the agricultural community. In fact, I want to one day own my own law firm in my home state of Oregon. That way, I can protect the agricultural community surrounded by those I’ve grown up with. However, being a lawyer requires between eight to ten years of schooling. I worked viciously, not only supporting my own household but also supporting my dreams. Between school, work, and applying for any available aid, I can proudly say that my family has become more financially stable, and I was able to pay off my first year of undergraduate expenses. Though I am proud of my accomplishment, I still have at least six to eight more years to pay off. Yet, I desire not to let my previous circumstances hold me back. As a first-generation college student, I am doing this journey with no financial support from my family and barely any advice. My college journey lies ahead of me, with every monetary piece of this adventure being on me. Though my hard work has allowed me one year of peace, I still have a heavy road ahead of me with money struggles being thrown my way. Yet, as I face these struggles, I find hope in what I will one day do. Every challenge faced will become a triumph as I one day serve the community I love. My voice will be heard in the courtroom, not as the one struggling but as the one helping those in need. And that alone makes my journey completely worth it.

IP-13 will be the death of farmers. What sounds like a bunch of random letters and numbers was a death sentence to agriculturalists in America. IP-13 was a bill introduced in my home state of Oregon that outlawed animal husbandry, the ability for farmers to get medications for their ill animals, and it would ban some recreational activities. I was a freshman when I first heard about this bill. As an active member of the FFA and someone who works on a farm, I was terrified for farmers. I didn't know what to do other than share a post on social media and pray that the bill doesn't pass. I felt powerless, I couldn't help an industry that has supported me so much. Yet, to my joy, the advocacy of farmers resulted in the bill not passing, and the agriculture industry in Oregon can keep on thriving. I was exhilarated, but that happiness only lasted so long; the older I grew, the longer the list of legal issues farmers faced grew as well. Who is going to protect the communities of farmers, fighting to feed the world? Why can't it be me? Since a young age, I have been passionate about protecting the ones I love. I'd be the small child yelling at older kids to be nice on the playground, and I've never backed down from a challenge (even when I probably should have). This has just built my confidence more and prepared me to take on a court one day. As someone who has a strong love for agriculture, deciding to become an agriculture attorney was a no-brainer. Though I am looking at roughly eight years of college, this only excites me because I will make a positive impact in the world by defending and protecting those who feed us. Through the FFA, I have written a surplus of speeches, done a plethora of research, and tried my hand at my fair share of advocacy. With each of these activities, my love for law and agriculture has only blossomed. I am enrolled in Oklahoma State University for this coming fall semester. There, I will start my journey to become an agricultural attorney. IP-13 is one of many bills that will attempt to bring down the agriculture community. However, through my higher education, I won't have to feel powerless to these bills anymore. I will be on the frontline defending those who provide our clothes and meals, serving back the love that agriculturalists give me. My goal is simple but necessary: defend the backbone of America. That way, we can continue to enjoy clothes on our backs and a nice meal on our tables.

“Imagine the nation’s ranchers, the backbone of our agriculture legacy, seeing their labor go underappreciated as overseas competitors profit from false labeling.” I delivered the line with as much passion as I could. It was the national public speaking contest after all, and I wanted my adornment to be properly conveyed. Being in front of a judge never scared me. I love talking and often seek a connection with those around me. This made me a fine candidate for the FFA public speaking contest. Not only will this contest allow me to do one of my favorite things, but it will also allow me to choose a topic that I am enthusiastic about. I chose a topic that intrigued me with the constant courtroom debate, and I believed it put agriculturalists at a disadvantage. I let my desire to defend farmers lead me into the contest. I’d be awarded first in the state and top 16 in the nation for it. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I used to go for leadership positions, like student officer at my middle school or committee chair in grade school. That way, I could be a voice for students and address problems plaguing them. Law gives me the exquisite opportunity to continue to do just that in the adult world. However, in current times, I don’t want to defend just anyone but rather the 2% of the U.S. population that nurtures the 100%. I want to be an agricultural attorney. I joined the FFA during my freshman year of high school. Through this organization, I have developed a love of agriculture and a realization of just how much agriculture has loved me. Agriculturalists provide much of our daily pleasures. Yet, they are a community that’s often overlooked and underappreciated, with many of their daily battles centered in the courtroom. The speech I did for the public speaking contest is just one example of many that they face. With the swift changes that are happening in modern times, these problems are only increasing at an alarming rate. Who is going to defend agriculturalists in their times of legal distress? This industry has always helped me thrive, so why don’t I help the industry back? I aspire to defend the American farmer. So much so that I am looking into Oklahoma State University to obtain a double major in Pre-Law and Agribusiness studies. The university has one of the best programs, which will substantially prepare me for law school. My love of agriculture and public speaking has guided me to this career of advocacy, but the only way to obtain said career is through a proper college education. College is a necessity to get the needed prerequisites for law school. Oklahoma State University has an amazing program for future lawyers like me, but also a welcoming community and many leadership opportunities. After college, I will attend an agriculture-based law school. This will prepare me to jump-start my career at a law firm until I can one day have my own. At law school, I hope to continue to provide leadership to my school community and take on a multitude of internships to help me prepare to become an attorney. Growing up around agriculture and in awe of law has only strengthened my efforts to make my aspirations happen in daily life; I'm determined to make my dreams a reality. My goal in law is simple but necessary: defend the backbone of America. That way, everyone can continue to enjoy a nice dinner with warm clothes on their back.

In November of 2022, IP-13 was introduced and intended for Oregon ballots. This bill would have criminalized animal husbandry, hunting, fishing, pest removal, and more. The legal issues of IP-13 were many and extensive, as it would have prevented people from getting food, farmers from getting their cattle antibodies when sick, and overall caused destructive impacts that could have ruined the agriculture community in the State of Oregon. Yet, Oregon farmers worked diligently to oppose this potential law, and can continue practicing agriculture without barrier. When I first learned about this legal issue, I was shocked. I have been involved in the agriculture industry extensively throughout my high school career; I work on farms and hold numerous titles in the FFA. I know how important the agriculture industry is firsthand, and yet there were still people who wanted to destroy this grand community. I'm someone who believes that everyone has goodness in them, yet I know that ill-informed and unwise decisions are made daily. The legal problem of IP-13 is a testament to that statement. It's that understanding that sealed the deal on me wanting to pursue law. Everyone needs food to eat, and the agriculture industry provides for that mission. If IP-13 had become law in Oregon, then this mission would have become impossible to complete. Livestock mortality rate would have increased, people who depend on hunting would struggle, and much more. Nonetheless, IP-13 was fought to have on the ballot, which was eye-opening and altered my perspective of how safe agriculture is in modern times. My goal for my future is to become an agricultural attorney, so that I can defend farmers myself. IP-13 is, unfortunately, one of many legal battles farmers have and will face. Consequently, this causes a need for lawyers to help defend their namestack. I strive to answer that call. IP-13 was a wake-up call that people don't always share the same love for the industry that I do, or that many will agree to a bill because they are uneducated. Through my college education at Oklahoma State University, I will build the skillset to defend against attacks on the community I so dearly love. Acts like IP-13 will come in the future, and I want to be a part of the mission to stop these legal issues in their tracks. IP-13 would have caused more legal troubles in the future, and there's potential for acts like IP-13 to be passed in the future. Yet, I know that one day, as an agriculture attorney, I can save agriculturalists' livelihoods. IP-13 changed my perspective on the world, but also gave me motivation to be the agriculture-based hero I need to be for the world. We need agriculturalists to feed us, but IP-13 has taught me that we also need good lawyers to make sure they can always feed us too.

"I couldn't have done this without you." My eyes welled with tears, and my lips turned upwards. The pride I felt was impeccable. Everyone's hard work had paid off. I remember when I first got recruited to help my FFA Marketing team last spring. Previously, I had won this very contest in my freshman year and was told to now take on the title of mentor. The team consisted of three people, two of whom had done the contest before, and the other was completely new to the shinaigan. This new member, Cailyn, was unsure at first of her ability to do well in this contest. She struggled with the doubt that she might bring her two other teammates down in the event and considered dropping it completely. I took notice of this and knew that I had to mentor this team. Through endless days of working on contest material and helping the team prepare their speech for the event, I made sure to empower Cailyn's confidence. Her potential was limitless; strong public speaking skills, a confident demeanor, and esteemed ideas. Yet, her mind was holding her back. However, my ability to empower her and her team was strong as these girls would work hard together and get the esquite state champion title that spring in the Marketing event. Seeing them with their win was more rewarding than contest I've ever won, and it empowered me to continue down a path of mentorship for not only Cailyn but anyone who needs my guidance. Through empowerment, I have made a lifelong friend out of Cailyn and seen her overcome her fears. She is now coaching her Agriculture Communications team and has chased the same path of mentorship I have, so that she can empower others just like I did for her. Empowerment to me goes beyond encouragement. Empowerment is how we break through the barriers our mind has in place for us. Cailyn told me after the event that she couldn't have done it without me. But what she truly needed was empowerment. Empowerment affects my daily life because of how much I choose to give it. My love to see others' successes guides me in my day-to-day life. The only way to see these achievements, though, is through empowering individuals to break past their doubts and try. Empowerment is a tool for me, and I choose to use it for the benefit of others. I hope that the success I help others achieve results in them using this tool to do the same for others. Empowerment defeats doubt, people just need to be willing to give a little to slay these negative thoughts.

“Imagine the nation’s ranchers, the backbone of our agriculture legacy, seeing their labor go under-appreciated as overseas competitors profit from false labeling.” I delivered the line with as much passion as I could. It was the national public speaking contest after all and I wanted my adornment to be properly conveyed. Being in front of a judge never scared me. I love talking and often seek a connection with those around me. This made me a fine candidate for the FFA public speaking contest. Not only will this contest allow me to do one of my favorite things but it will also allow me to choose a topic that I am enthusiastic about. I chose a topic that intrigued me with the constant courtroom debate and I believed it put agriculturalists at a disadvantage. I let my desire to defend farmers lead me in the contest. I’d be awarded first in the state and top 16 in the nation for it. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I used to go for leadership positions, like student officer at my middle school or committee chair in grade school. That way I could be a voice for students and address problems plaguing them. Law gives me the exquisite opportunity to continue to do just that in the adult world. However, in current times, I don’t want to defend just anyone but rather the 2% of the U.S. population that nurtures the 100%. I want to be an agricultural attorney. I joined the FFA during my freshman year of high school. Through this organization, I have developed a love of agriculture and a realization of just how much agriculture has loved me. Agriculturalists provide much of our daily pleasures. Yet, they are a community that’s often overlooked and underappreciated; with many of their daily battles centered in the courtroom. The speech I did for the public speaking contest is just one example of many that they face. Additionally, serving as both chapter and district president of the FFA has shown me just how much heart and soul individuals in agriculture put into the work. I strive to put the same love and passion into my work as they do. Yet, serving in these positions left me with questions: who is going to defend them in their times of legal distress? This industry has always helped me thrive, why don’t I help the industry back? I aspire to defend the American farmer. So much so that I am looking into Oklahoma State University to obtain a double major in Pre-Law and Agribusiness studies. The university has one of the best programs, which will substantially prepare me for law school. Afterward, I will attend an agriculture-based law school. This will prepare me to jump-start my career at a law firm until I can one day own my own. Growing up around agriculture and in awe of law has only strengthened my efforts to make my aspirations happen in daily life; however, they are only possible with the help of others. This is because the skills required to earn such a degree need to be learned; for me, they have been placed in me by the hands of farmers. Their help in making me who I am will help me become the lawyer I need to be for agriculturalists. My goal in law is simple but necessary: defend the backbone of America. That way everyone can continue to enjoy a nice dinner with warm clothes on their back.

“Imagine the nation’s ranchers, the backbone of our agriculture legacy, seeing their labor go under-appreciated as overseas competitors profit from false labeling.” I delivered the line with as much passion as I could. It was the national public speaking contest after all and I wanted my adornment to be properly conveyed. Being in front of a judge never scared me. I love talking and often seek a connection with those around me. This made me a fine candidate for the FFA public speaking contest. Not only will this contest allow me to do one of my favorite things but it will also allow me to choose a topic that I am enthusiastic about. I chose a topic that intrigued me with the constant courtroom debate and I believed it put agriculturalists at a disadvantage. I let my desire to defend farmers lead me in the contest. I’d be awarded first in the state and top 16 in the nation for it. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I used to go for leadership positions, like student officer at my middle school or committee chair in grade school. That way I could be a voice for students and address problems plaguing them. Law gives me the exquisite opportunity to continue to do just that in the adult world. However, in current times, I don’t want to defend just anyone but rather the 2% of the U.S. population that nurtures the 100%. I want to be an agricultural attorney. I joined the FFA during my freshman year of high school. Through this organization, I have developed a love of agriculture and a realization of just how much agriculture has loved me. Agriculturalists provide much of our daily pleasures. Yet, they are a community that’s often overlooked and underappreciated; with many of their daily battles centered in the courtroom. The speech I did for the public speaking contest is just one example of many that they face. Additionally, serving as both chapter and district president of the FFA has shown me just how much heart and soul individuals in agriculture put into the work. I strive to put the same love and passion into my work as they do. I want to shine my love, advocacy, and passion into the industry just like I did in both officer positions. Yet, serving in these positions left me with questions: who is going to defend them in their times of legal distress? This industry has always helped me thrive, why don’t I help the industry back? I aspire to defend the American farmer. So much so that to build my legacy as an advocate, I am looking into Oklahoma State University to obtain a double major in Pre-Law and Agribusiness studies. The university has one of the best programs, which will substantially prepare me for law school. Afterward, I will attend an agriculture-based law school. This will prepare me to jump-start my career at a law firm until I can one day own my own. Growing up around agriculture and in awe of law has only strengthened my efforts to make my aspirations happen in daily life; however, they are only possible with the help of others. I am to shine my light upon the agriculture industry steadily starting with my education to using my entrepreneurship knowledge to open my own business being my law firm. My goal in law is simple but necessary: defend the backbone of America. That way everyone can continue to enjoy a nice dinner with warm clothes on their back.

“Imagine the nation’s ranchers, the backbone of our agriculture legacy, seeing their labor go under-appreciated as overseas competitors profit from false labeling.” I delivered the line with as much passion as I could. It was the national public speaking contest after all and I wanted my passion to be properly conveyed. Being in front of a judge never scared me. I love talking and often seek a connection with those around me. This made me a fine candidate for the FFA public speaking contest. Not only will this contest allow me to do one of my favorite things but it will also allow me to choose a topic that I am passionate about. That topic is the mandatory labeling debate. I was intrigued by the constant courtroom debate about this topic and I believed it put agriculturalists at a disadvantage. I let my desire to defend farmers lead me in the contest. I’d be awarded first in the state and top 16 in the nation for it. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My school community always encouraged leadership amongst the students and I always strived to make my teachers proud. I used to go for leadership positions, like student officer at my middle school or committee chair in grade school. That way I could be a voice for students and address problems plaguing them. I always strived to stick up for the little guy and aspired to one day give powerful speeches to my peers. Even today I still seek out leadership opportunities within the FFA, as well as my school's business club (DECA) and within volunteering in the community through NHS. These desires have never left me but instead grew within me. Law gives me the exquisite opportunity to continue to do just that. However, in current times, I don’t want to defend just any little guy but rather the 2% of the U.S. population that nurtures the 100%. I want to be an agricultural attorney. I joined the FFA during my freshman year of high school. Through this amazing community of agriculture-loving individuals, I have developed a love of agriculture and a realization of just how much agriculture has loved me. Agriculturalists provide our food, clothing, and much of our daily pleasures. Yet, they are a community that’s often overlooked and underappreciated; with many of their daily battles centered in the courtroom. The speech I did for the public speaking contest is just one example of many that they face. With the population growing and agriculture advancing, these legal issues will only multiply. Who is going to defend them in their times of legal distress? This industry has always helped me thrive, why don’t I help the industry back? I aspire to defend the American farmer. So much so that I, an Oregonian, am looking into Oklahoma State University to obtain a double major in Pre-Law and Agribusiness studies. The university has one of its best programs, and it will prepare me substantially for law school. However, tuition is expensive, especially out of state. Receiving scholarships will help me make this unaffordable goal a reality. Growing up around agriculture and in awe of law has only strengthened my efforts to make my aspirations happen in daily life; however, they are only possible with the help of others. This scholarship will help me become the lawyer I need to be for agriculturalists. My goal in law is simply but undeniably necessary: defend the backbone of America. That way everyone can continue to enjoy a nice dinner with warm clothes on their back.