The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Sophia Beck, a 2024 recipient of one of the six L. Earl Smith Scholarship awards.
Sophia, the daughter of Clifford Beck and Rami Beck, is a 2023 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. She is in her first year of a Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness Management at University of Northwestern Ohio.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"My favorite aspect of college life has been interacting with others from different backgrounds but with similar interests. It's been fascinating to meet people with little-to-no experience in agriculture wanting to take a more active role in food production and regulation. Getting to know others and understand where their passion for agriculture stems from has given me a greater appreciation for this life-sustaining practice. Additionally, learning from industry leaders about various aspects of agriculture has opened my eyes to the breadth of knowledge and experience available to students who are interested enough to look and willing to try something new."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"One new interest I discovered while attending University of Northwestern Ohio came from joining the Ag Club. Part of what we do is manage the City of Lima Farmers' Market, assisting vendors in selling their products and helping visitors navigate the market. I never expected to enjoy administering a farmers' market, but because of this organization, I have a newfound interest and appreciation for the relationship between local farmers and consumers. My favorite course so far has been Agronomy, which focuses on the study of plants and soil. We've done labs to determine the optimal soil types for various crops and understand the impact of pollutants on soil health. I think it's easy for those outside looking in to forget that agriculture is a science just as much as it is an art. By studying Agronomy, I've learned so much more about how the smallest difference can yield significant results."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"My college experience has improved my academic performance and personal acumen. Being able to focus my education on what I want to do has made me more motivated to earn my degree and amass a great understanding of what will help me in my future career. I have also learned to be more independent and improved my time management skills. Having time to rest and recuperate is essential to me, and college taught me how to plan ahead, set boundaries, and follow through to ensure I have the time I need to balance my wants and needs."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen would be to stay organized. Having strong time management skills can help students successfully balance class, work, and time for rest, which is super important and will help you maintain high grades."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to travel to Europe. I have always wanted to travel outside of the country, experience life across the world, and use my free time to learn about different cultures and rest."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Sophia!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
