Lydia Printz, Sophomore Agricultural Science and Technology major
1. What got you interested in this area of study?
I chose to be an Agricultural Science and Technology major because it allows me to gain knowledge in every aspect of agriculture versus just plants or animals. It also helps me gain the knowledge I need for my dream job, having a sustainable and organic farm of my own. I hope to use my future farm to be a part of community supported agriculture through my own market on my property. I also want to implement a work program for the less fortunate and the war veterans of my community, providing them with a second chance, money, food, and a job. That is my ultimate career goal, but to work up to the money to afford these aspirations, I would like to become employed with the Department of Natural Resources or the USDA in a position that allows me to work outside and hands on with other farmers.
2. What scholarship have you received and how has it impacted your time at UMD?
I have received scholarships from the Southern States for $800 per year for 4 years, Manassas Grove for $1200 per year for 4 years, and the Vansville Farmers Club for $1,000 per year for 3 years. These scholarships have helped alleviate costs for my books and my room and board. If it were not for scholarships, I would have to drop out of college or take out federal loans and face debt upon graduation. Scholarships allow me to save back the money I earn at my summer job for unexpected costs or when scholarships fall short for me for a semester.
3. What are some other activities/organizations are you involved in at UMD?
I am an active sister of Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority and I serve as the Ag Day Committee Chair Head for the sorority. I am also Sigma Alpha’s Ag Council Representative. Another agriculturally based organization that I am a part of is Block and Bridle and this year I am serving as the club’s swine coach for Ag Day. I am also an active member of Primmanum Honor Society.
4. From your own experience, why are scholarships/donations so important?
I come from a low-middle class family and because of that, I have had to find my own way through college. My parents cannot afford to help me pay for my college education, and because I have only been able to work a summer job for the past few years, I rely almost solely on scholarships and donations to afford my dream of earning a college degree. It is because of the generous support of organizations, foundations, and independent donors that I will be the first in my family to earn a college degree.
Gabrielle Cory, Freshman anticipated Agriculture Education major
1. What got you interested in this area of study?
I became interested in this area of study when I participated in the Miss Maryland Agriculture Program through Maryland Farm Bureau. It was through that experience that I realized the importance of education in agriculture and I found it was a passion of mine. My dream job would to be a 4-H educator or agriculture education teacher in my county. I would love to give back to the county that has given so much to me through my 4-H and Farm Bureau experiences.
2. What scholarship have you received and how has it impacted your time at UMD?
I received the Southern States and Southern States Cooperative Scholarships. They total $10,000 over 4 years. So far, I have used the scholarships to cover my tuition. It has impacted my time here at UMD as I have been able to have the flexibility to explore different areas in the college and realize that I wanted to change my major within the college.
3. What are some other activities/organizations are you involved in at UMD?
I am a member of Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority. I am a member of UMD's Block and Bridle Club. I am the Block and Bride club rep for Ag Council.
4. From your own experience, why are scholarships/donations so important?
Scholarships and donations allow students to reach their goals and make their dreams realities. The generosity of scholarship donors is all worth it when a student can successfully network, achieve, and reach their full potential.
On March 3, you can help students like Lydia and Gabrielle reach their dreams on #GivingDayUMD by donating directly to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at go.umd.edu/gdag.
