Amanda Bates
Agriculture on the Horizon: It is Time to Take Charge!
In 1862, after Congress approved the Morrill Act, which “Provided for donation of public land to the states for the purpose of funding higher education, whose leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanical arts.” The roots of one of the most notable Universities, Texas A&M Texarkana, is being over looked today. Agriculture is plunging forward and leaving Texas A&M Texarkana behind.
Times have changed and will continue to change but agriculture will stand firm because it is the basis for living. College in general provides such a thorough outlook on the business world, but this college does not offer the opportunity for students to look at the business world from an agricultural standpoint. Here is my proposal: This college has the resources, an envied location and reaches out to all student forms of life. We are located in a part of Texas that is surrounded by agriculture and by students and families who make their living or want to make their living from agriculture. The college should at least give students the opportunity to take some agriculture courses and explore those areas of education in which this economy will soon thrive on. There are so many different courses that can be offered, such as: Agriculture Leadership, Farm Business, Animal Science and many more. The opportunities are endless. A collegiate FFA Chapter coupled with these agriculture courses, would ensure success and progress. Our ways of life in this community and the surrounding communities revolve around agriculture, it puts food on the table and clothes on our backs. Whether people realize it or not agriculture is the only thing that will provide life and a promising future for ourselves and our loved ones.
Students, we have the opportunity to excel and take the lead in this matter. Allowing students to take agriculture classes here at Texas A&M Texarkana will not only empower the passionate students to pursue an agricultural future, but will also sanction this community and the surrounding ones a hearty and healthy life. Let’s take a stand and address this urgent matter! If interested in helping or learning about this opportunity please contact Amanda Bates via e-mail at: CSO0809@gmail.com Hope to hear from you soon!