By Emma Wilson
Growing up immersed in my family farm, agriculture was all I knew and all I wanted to know more about. Like any fresh out of college grad, I take every opportunity in front of me to continue growing my networking, writing and overall communications skills to be the best professional and person possible. That’s when I became drawn to the AAEA organization and the famous Ag Media Summit.
Although I attended the 2017 summit as a student, the 2018 Ag Media Summit in Scottsdale was my first time attending as a professional and it was a whole new experience. I knew so many people attending from past internship experiences to friends attending from Iowa State University, I enjoyed reconnecting with past co-workers and students I get to watch live out their own dreams.
Everyone wants to talk to you, get to know you and learn about your job-that’s what the ag community is all about. Being a member of AAEA is being a member of big family that longs to share their passions with one another. It’s not a competition between each other but more how we can help one another succeed.
Having a high respect for personal development, my favorite session at the conference was a panelist of successful writers and editors who gave advice on how to manage your career. The following is a quote the panel shared that gives me inspiration. This simple quote now sits on sticky note next to my computer where I see it every day, driving me to work hard and strive for success.
“If you image less, then less will be what you undoubtedly deserve. Don’t stop until you get what you love. Work as hard as you can. Imagine immensities. Don’t compromise and don’t waste time. In order to strive for a remarkable life, you have to decide that you want one. Start now. Not twenty years from now. Not thirty years from now. Not two weeks from now. Now. -Robert Frost
I can’t thank the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation and Alltech for making this opportunity possible. Their contributions and thoughtfulness will never go unnoticed and is incredibly appreciated. I look forward to staying involved in AAEA and give back to the organizations that have given me so much.