Farm Kid & First Generation College Student

So many things have helped to define me, define my character, and my outlook on life.

As a first generation college student, my story is unique. My mother and father married in 1967, my mom dropped out of high school to marry my dad, have my older brother, and start a life together on a family owned dairy farm. I am the 2nd child of David (Dave) and Victoria (Vicki) Becker. I was born 2 years and 1 day after my big brother, Shawn. My siblings include: Shawn, Jimm - younger bother by 3 1/2 years, no it is not a misspelling "Jimm" is correct, and Alison or just "Al" born in 1986 after my big brother had graduated high school and I was a senior! We left our parents home alone too much!

A bit about my parents...things have not always been easy for them. They are truly loving and giving people, with their faults just like the rest of us, but they have big hearts and love each other - unconditionally. My parents taught me how to "be married", stay married, and commit to another person. I am lucky, my parents have never separated and have been married since April 8, 1967!

My childhood memories include working in the barn, learning to cook with my grandmother, and endless long summer hours hanging out in my tree fort. I love the fact that I am farm kid. I did not always feel this way, but as I grow older and reflect on the experiences that my life afforded me I am even more proud to proclaim my "farm kid" status.

In my farm life - I learned to work hard, to work as part of team, and to do the best job that I could. I learned that my "job" mattered.

Over the next few months, my goal is to reflect and do research on what it means to be a farm kid. What is it has meant to me personally, to be a farm kid. And lastly, what it means to our country as a whole. I am a minority. A shrinking minority. There are so few of us farm kids left! What will it mean for the future of the Agriculture industry and our culture collectively.

Ending 2009

What a busy year and I cannot believe that it is coming to end.

Teaching at Ithaca College has been a great experience. I loved my classes this fall - what a wonderful group of students. They were inquisitive, interesting, and creative. A real joy to teach.

My plan of 2010 is to continue my teaching and also integrate more professional work. The two compliment each other. Blending them and integrating is my goal and mission for 2010.

I am very proud of the work that I did for Michelle George and her Early Settler store and website. She was happy with it and it is bringing new customers into her store. A good win!

A final goal is to blog more often and integrate my work and teaching into my blog - to stay connected and engaged as well as be "engaging".

Here's to a wonderful 2009 and a warm welcome to the new 2010!