Growing up on my family’s farm in Alabama, agriculture has always been central to my life. While I love working with animals and the land, the people are what matter most. My family, friends, and neighbors are farmers, which instilled in me a deep respect for this community.This summer, I had the opportunity to work as a credit intern at CoBank’s regional banking center in Louisville, KY, where I was able to align my values with a meaningful purpose. A common phrase around the office was, “We serve the underserved in capital markets,” and I was ecstatic to find a sector that not only resonated with my core values but also allowed me to apply my skills to support the agriculture community. The potential to help strengthen U.S. agriculture through lending is what draws me towards a career in the ag finance sector.During my internship, I developed my attention to detail through Excel data analysis, managing a portfolio of five Tennessee cooperatives. I also advanced my public speaking and communication skills by presenting a project on the impact of renewable diesel and electric semi-trucks on grain and farm supply cooperatives.Currently, I am an Agriculture Economics senior at Mississippi State University, and I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) following graduation. If you’re also passionate about serving the agriculture industry through lending, I’d love to connect!