Growing Futures: Kitty’s Journey to Leadership
At Marion Polk Food Share’s Youth Farm, growth isn’t just about the crops that spring from the ground, but also about the Youth Farmers like Kitty who cultivate their futures alongside the vegetables. As a returning participant who has blossomed into a Crew Leader, Kitty’s story is a vivid illustration of personal and professional development fostered by the nurturing environment of the Youth Farm.
Kitty’s first experience at the Youth Farm was transformative, setting the tone for her continued involvement. “The people and the community that we have here, I remember being here last year. I met a lot of cool people, and I still talk to them,” she reflects with warmth. The camaraderie and connections made in the previous year were pivotal, with a former Crew Leader, Cooper, leaving a lasting impression that motivated her return. “A previous Crew Leader, Cooper, really motivated me to come back because of the friendships I made here,” Kitty recalls, highlighting the impact of mentorship and peer relationships that extend beyond the farm’s boundaries.
Now as a Crew Leader herself, Kitty’s days are filled with responsibility and learning. She starts early, preparing for the day’s tasks, which might include anything from transplanting young plant shoots to leading team reflections. “In the morning, Crew Leaders come around 7:30 am and we will go through what we need to go through,” she explains. The reflections at day’s end enrich the experience, providing a moment for everyone to share their thoughts and learn from each other.
The role has also allowed Kitty to develop new skills and confidence, particularly in public. “Being confident and talking to a big group of people, I’ve never really done that before and it’s something I’ve struggled to get comfortable with,” she shares. This newfound confidence is something she carries into her school life, where she is actively involved in various clubs, and into the Farm’s produce distributions where her professionalism shines as the youth farmers interact with the public.
Kitty’s growth through the Youth Farm program also extends into her academic and potential career paths. With a burgeoning interest in agriculture sparked by her hands-on experiences, she envisions a future enriched by the lessons learned at the farm. “Agriculture is something I really enjoy. I really like watching vegetables grow and being a part of that process,” she shares, contemplating her direct impact on the growth cycle.
Moreover, Kitty sees her role as an opportunity to advocate for the program and engage others. When asked about the most rewarding aspects of the experience, she enthuses, “Probably just talking about it with my friends and my teachers. I really enjoy my time here and get a chance to recruit people.” This role as an ambassador for the farm not only enhances her leadership skills but also allows her to share her passion and perhaps inspire others to join.
As Kitty continues to grow, so too does her understanding of the importance of her work—feeding her community while feeding her soul. “I feel like my efforts count,” she states, a simple yet profound acknowledgment of her valuable contribution to the farm and to her community.
Kitty’s journey at the Youth Farm embodies the essence of growth, illustrating how nurturing environments can transform personal challenges into opportunities for leadership and lifelong learning.
Marion Polk Food Share would like to thank AgWest Farm Credit, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Juan Young Trust, Esther Schuette Gerstacker and Carl Gerstacker Fund of the Midland Area Community Foundation, Salem Foundation, The Herbert A. Templeton Foundation, funding through Trust Management Services LLC and community members like you for supporting the Youth Farm.
