A Worthy Investment

When I was little, my Meme would pay my brother, sister, and I to do little chores around the house -  sweep the porch, get the laundry off the line, water her flowers. When we finished the chores, we would report back to her and she would reward us with anywhere from fifty cents to a dollar (I know… high rollers). I remember being so excited to dig our empty jelly jars (a farm kid's version of a piggy bank) out from where we hid them in Meme's pantry and put our pay in them.

My brother, sister and I back in the day of saving money in old jelly jars.

However, what we did with the money after it started accumulating varied among the three of us. Once Marshall and I saved just enough money to buy a candy bar, we were ready to go to Deno’s to pick out some sweets. My sister, the youngest and perhaps the thriftiest, was the exact opposite. Madison would get out her jar sometimes just to count and organize her money. Once she was satisfied or her jar was overflowing, whichever came first, she would ask whatever adult was around to take her to the bank so she could put the money in her savings account.

As weird as this might seem for a six year old, Madison knew that saving her money meant that she could later invest it in something that would mean a lot more to her than a candy bar.

As I prepare for the first annual Virginia AGvocates Speech and Essay Scholarship contests,  I’ve been reflecting more on the concept of investing in youth. I have been the beneficiary of many scholarships, but since this program started I am now realizing just how much time, money and effort it takes to get a scholarship program off the ground. Grant writing for VDACS funding started last December, building a network of program supporters is ongoing, and drafting rules, regulations, and rubrics has been a learning experience in itself.

Time, like Madison and her money, should be spent wisely. I am so passionate about Virginia AGvocates because it is an investment in the future of the agricultural industry here in Virginia. Through these scholarship contests, students will have to research agricultural issues, interview industry leaders, and critically think about the importance of advocating for agriculture. This not only promotes agricultural education, but develops strong future leaders that can proudly represents an industry that affects each and every person.

I’d consider that a worthy investment.