I’ll do one final blog post to recap the REU summer as a whole but first I wanted to talk about what I’ve thought about living in Ames and the idea of going to grad school
As my time in Ames comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my experience living in this town and contemplating the idea of going to grad school. With 75 credits completed and only three semesters left in my undergrad, the decision of pursuing a master’s degree is fast approaching. The option of getting a Master’s in Cyber Defense, which would align perfectly with my remaining athletic eligibility, seems like a sensible path to follow.
However, my time in Ames has also made me think about my future after school. Being away from the farm and experiencing the daily routine of office life and apartment living has made me realize that something is missing this summer. Biking past the horse barn and reminiscing about the work and experiences I left behind back home on the farm made me think about my own horses and all the enjoyment I’ve got out of them. I’ve come to realize that I need to be connected to the soil, to the land, and to the Arcadian way of living that has shaped me all my life.
This sentiment was particularly pronounced when I biked through the ISU research farms south of town. Riding through the smell of the sheep, cows, and pigs made me realize that this connection to the land and animals is an integral part of who I am, and something that I will always need to immerse myself in.
I am 20 years old. I value college but recognize it’s not the sole focus of my life. My ultimate goal is to achieve the life I envision, even if it means sacrificing getting a master’s degree, running track, and the traditional college experience. I’m committed to prioritizing my long-term dreams and living life on my terms
I must live in a certain way
There is an amazing career path out there in Ag Engineering if you want that. Then you can use skills from this summer but apply them to ag. Have a look at the achievements of Matt Darr, who spends every day working closely with John Deere (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZVmSUpYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao) or Brian Steward (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=GahIAe8AAAAJ). I could introduce you to either of them if you like.
I’m sure wherever you decide to go it will be a place that brings you true joy and comfort. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience life in ways I never imagined myself ever doing.