Personally, growing up, math was always my least favorite subject. I used to think it was very boring. For a long time, I saw it as nothing more than numbers, formulas, and equations that had little connection to my everyday life. I struggled to understand its purpose beyond the classroom, and because of that, it felt frustrating and uninteresting. Until recently, I didn’t realize how much math extends beyond solving problems on paper. I hadn’t yet learned how to take mathematical concepts and apply them to real-world situations and practical skills. Once I began to see those connections, my perspective completely changed. Now, I appreciate math in a way I never did before. I’ve come to understand that it exists everywhere—in the way we manage money, measure time, build structures, analyze patterns, and make decisions. It plays a role in both simple daily tasks and complex problem-solving. Recognizing its presence in everyday life has made math feel more meaningful and even enjoyable. Today, I can honestly say that I love math because it is not just a subject—it is a fundamental part of how the world works. It impacts my daily life on the daily from how much time I take getting ready in the morning, how many calories are in what I eat, what gas will give me the correct mileage, and how many hours I sleep at night.

I am from southern Ohio, where agriculture is a way of life for my family. As a fifth-generation farmer, we raise livestock and grow row crops. Growing up on the farm, I learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and dedication. I saw firsthand the commitment required to care for animals, manage land, and produce food that supports families across the country. These experiences have instilled in me a deep respect for agriculture and those who make it possible. My family has long been involved with the Shorthorn cattle breed, which has become a central part of my life. I am passionate about the breed and work to improve my herd through careful breeding and management. Raising cattle has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of continuous improvement, both for my animals and myself. One of my greatest honors was being crowned the 2024 Ohio Shorthorn Lassie Queen. This title allowed me to represent Shorthorn breeders and junior members across Ohio. I traveled to shows and agricultural events around the country, connecting with breeders and industry professionals. Most recently, I was crowned the 2026 National Shorthorn Lassie, which allows me to represent the breed nationally. This role has helped me build meaningful connections and broaden my understanding of the agricultural industry’s diversity and impact. Being involved with the Shorthorn breed has also helped me develop leadership skills. Representing the breed requires strong communication, public speaking, and adaptability. I’ve learned to engage with people of all ages, answer questions about agriculture, and serve as a role model for younger members. One inspiring experience was meeting Dr. Lyda Garcia, a meat science professor at The Ohio State University. Her work in meat science opened my eyes to the science behind food production and inspired me to explore this field further. At school, I proudly embrace being "one of the ag kids" and enjoy educating my peers about agriculture. Many people don’t realize how much effort goes into producing food, and these conversations have motivated me to advocate for agriculture and bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Because of these experiences, I plan to attend The Ohio State University to major in agricultural studies, focusing on meat science and animal embryology. I hope to help people understand how food is produced and the science behind it. Through research and education, I want to build consumer trust in agriculture and promote responsible food production. My interest in animal embryology also connects to my passion for cattle breeding. I aim to use advanced reproductive technologies to improve genetics, not just in my herd but for breeders across the country. By combining traditional agricultural values with modern scientific advancements, I believe we can improve livestock quality, efficiency, and sustainability for future generations. Agriculture has provided me with countless opportunities and a sense of purpose. From working on the farm to representing the Shorthorn breed, every experience has shaped who I am. I’m proud of my family’s legacy and am committed to continuing it while advancing the agricultural industry through education, research, and leadership.

Sabrina Carpenter is an artist whose work has left an indelible mark on me, both musically and personally. As a fan, I am drawn not only to her immense talent but also to her authenticity and the way she’s navigated her career. From her early days as a Disney Channel star to becoming a full-fledged pop artist and songwriter, Sabrina has evolved in a way that resonates with fans like me on a deep level. Her journey, her art, and her public persona have all had a significant impact on how I view self-expression, resilience, and personal growth. Her authenticity is something that has really impacted me. In an era where social media often forces celebrities to maintain a carefully curated image, Sabrina stands out for her genuine presence and honesty. She doesn't hide behind a facade; instead, she’s open about her growth, her struggles, and her triumphs. She’s spoken openly about the pressure of growing up in the public eye, and her openness in interviews and on social media reminds me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. This rawness and reliability are qualities that make her music and persona so much more than just entertainment—they make her a role model. For someone like me, navigating the complexities of identity and self-worth, Sabrina’s transparency about her own journey offers comfort and reassurance.

Growing up on a fifth-generation farm in southern Ohio, my family's agricultural journey has greatly influenced my educational and career goals. Agriculture isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. From raising livestock to growing row crops, I’ve learned the values of hard work, dedication, and responsibility from a young age. My family's commitment to farming has shaped my work ethic and ignited my passion for the agricultural industry, particularly livestock management and breeding. My entrepreneurial journey began with my family's involvement in the Shorthorn cattle breed, which has been a cornerstone of our farm for generations. Through this breed, I’ve learned the value of careful breeding, management, and continuous improvement. This hands-on experience with livestock management fueled my desire to pursue advanced studies in animal science, with a particular focus on meat science and animal embryology. I aim to use this knowledge to improve livestock quality and efficiency, both on our farm and within the broader agricultural community. In addition to our farm's work with Shorthorns, I have been privileged to represent the breed as the 2024 Ohio Shorthorn Lassie Queen and most recently as the 2026 National Shorthorn Lassie. These leadership roles have given me the opportunity to connect with breeders and industry professionals across the country, further expanding my knowledge of agricultural practices. Traveling to agricultural events has broadened my perspective on how diverse and impactful the industry is, and it has inspired me to help bridge the gap between producers and consumers. One particularly inspiring moment came when I met Dr. Lyda Garcia, a meat science professor at The Ohio State University. Her passion for advancing food production through research and education sparked my interest in meat science and has motivated me to explore a career that combines scientific discovery with livestock management. This conversation, along with my experiences in the agricultural community, helped me realize the importance of education and research in improving the agricultural industry. My entrepreneurial goals are driven by a desire to blend traditional agricultural practices with modern scientific advancements. I plan to attend The Ohio State University to major in agricultural studies, focusing on meat science and animal embryology. By combining advanced reproductive technologies with traditional breeding practices, I hope to improve genetics and sustainability in livestock production, both on our farm and for breeders nationwide. My family’s entrepreneurial journey in agriculture has taught me the value of continuous improvement, leadership, and innovation. It’s inspired me to pursue a career that combines my passion for livestock with scientific research and education. Through my studies, I hope to strengthen consumer trust in agriculture, promote responsible food production, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the industry.

I am from southern Ohio, where agriculture is a way of life for my family. As a fifth-generation farmer, we raise livestock and grow row crops. Growing up on the farm, I learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and dedication. I saw firsthand the commitment required to care for animals, manage land, and produce food that supports families across the country. These experiences have instilled in me a deep respect for agriculture and those who make it possible. My family has long been involved with the Shorthorn cattle breed, which has become a central part of my life. I am passionate about the breed and work to improve my herd through careful breeding and management. Raising cattle has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of continuous improvement, both for my animals and myself. One of my greatest honors was being crowned the 2024 Ohio Shorthorn Lassie Queen. This title allowed me to represent Shorthorn breeders and junior members across Ohio. I traveled to shows and agricultural events around the country, connecting with breeders and industry professionals. Most recently, I was crowned the 2026 National Shorthorn Lassie, which allows me to represent the breed nationally. This role has helped me build meaningful connections and broaden my understanding of the agricultural industry’s diversity and impact. Being involved with the Shorthorn breed has also helped me develop leadership skills. Representing the breed requires strong communication, public speaking, and adaptability. I’ve learned to engage with people of all ages, answer questions about agriculture, and serve as a role model for younger members. One inspiring experience was meeting Dr. Lyda Garcia, a meat science professor at The Ohio State University. Her work in meat science opened my eyes to the science behind food production and inspired me to explore this field further. At school, I proudly embrace being "one of the ag kids" and enjoy educating my peers about agriculture. Many people don’t realize how much effort goes into producing food, and these conversations have motivated me to advocate for agriculture and bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Because of these experiences, I plan to attend The Ohio State University to major in agricultural studies, focusing on meat science and animal embryology. I hope to help people understand how food is produced and the science behind it. Through research and education, I want to build consumer trust in agriculture and promote responsible food production. My interest in animal embryology also connects to my passion for cattle breeding. I aim to use advanced reproductive technologies to improve genetics, not just in my herd but for breeders across the country. By combining traditional agricultural values with modern scientific advancements, I believe we can improve livestock quality, efficiency, and sustainability for future generations. Agriculture has provided me with countless opportunities and a sense of purpose. From working on the farm to representing the Shorthorn breed, every experience has shaped who I am. I’m proud of my family’s legacy and am committed to continuing it while advancing the agricultural industry through education, research, and leadership.

Community service is extremely important to me. For the past five years, I have volunteered more than 300 hours each year. I have been a member of the Pairs & Spares 4-H Club for 12 years and currently serve as its president after holding several other offices. I am also a member of the Shooting Aces 4-H Club, where I have held leadership roles as well. I volunteer at Court Street Ministries, send cards to patients at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and to veterans, and served as a volunteer mentor at the Inspirher Girls Leadership Foundation retreat. I have helped organize food, clothing, pet, and hygiene drives, as well as assist in delivering and serving Thanksgiving meals. I enjoy helping others in my community. I have sponsored children, rehabilitation patients, and nursing home residents for Christmas, and I regularly help elderly community members with household and daily chores. I volunteer at events such as the county fair clean-up day, Youth Fair Board activities, general project judging, Cloverbud Graduation and Show and Tell, Peewee Showmanship, the Gallipolis FFA Kiddie Tractor Pull, and Scout award ceremonies. I have also held several livestock royalty titles and served as the Livestock Queen in 2023, where I congratulated exhibitors in the show ring. My volunteer work also includes serving at the Ohio State Fair Cattlemen's Association Steak Barn, Gallia Soil and Water Conservation Camp, Gallia County Ag Awareness Day, Gallia County Clover bud Day Camp, and the youth fishing derby. I have volunteered as a youth soccer coach at O.O. McIntyre Park and helped with youth wrestling practices and football youth camps. I also volunteer at community events such as First Friday, the Bob Evans Farm Festival, the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival, and the Gallipolis in Lights 5K Run. I have picked up trash around town with the football team, volunteered at the Santa House for Gallipolis in Lights, and sang Christmas carols at both the official park lighting and the Holzer Hospital tree lighting. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer outside my local community. While attending Shorthorn Junior Nationals in Nebraska, I participated in making blankets that were donated to the Crossroads Homeless Shelter in Grand Island. During the National FFA Days of Service, I helped clean and beautify White River State Park in Indianapolis. I am also a Red Cross volunteer and have collected pop tabs and donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Mental health awareness is another cause that is important to me. Along with my family, I have helped raise funds and participated in suicide prevention and awareness fundraisers and walks. Through a fair shirt support fundraiser, I also helped raise money for Court Street Ministries and for the Gallia County Junior Fair Pen Project, which will provide new, safe, and functional livestock pens for animals and exhibitors.