So this is how it begins in nearly every blog...My name is Samantha Sessamen and I am completing my senior year at Penn State University where I will be finishing my degree in Agricultural & Extension Education. In these next few paragraphs, you will learn a bit about my history and how I got to where I am today.
As a little girl, I never imagined that my life would be where it is today. Being born in New York City, I can t,ell you that I was far from a country girl. Halfway through elementary school, I moved to the rural town of Tyrone, Pennsylvania.
Shortly after arriving to central PA, I was introduced to the 4-H program. My father introduced me to showing lambs and goats in 4-H, and that is where I found my passion. I loved working with animals and even shadowed a veterinarian throughout middle school and high school. I even joined a 4-H horse club where I competed in various events from production to hunt seat riding.
Once I reached high school, I joined the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter. I was immediately involved in CDE's such as Public Speaking, Ag Mechanics, and Soil Judging. I had no less than two SAE projects at one time and had as many as four at once; they included: market lamb, market goat, sheep production, off-farm employment, rabbit production, and market rabbit. I was intrigued by the FFA Organization and worked my up from Treasurer to Vice-President to President. I enjoyed every minute of my membership; even received my Keystone (state) Degree and American Degree along the way.
Throughout high school, I really was passionate about animal science and was able to pursue some of my projects. I purchased my very first pair of registered Tunis Ewes from a retiring breeder in Bedford County. I then went out and bought a registered Tunis Ram from Maple Hollow Farm a few months later. I loved my little Tunis herd and eventually grew it by adding a few more ewes and throwing in some Suffolk ewes to breed for my market lamb projects. Sadly, as soon as I started going to college, I was struggling to dedicate myself enough to my flock, so I was forced to sell my sheep.
However, I was able to attend a few local rabbit shows in my area, and I decided to become a registered member through the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). I have had rabbits for years, but it was not until 2012 when I decided to get serious in showing and breeding. I had a herd of New Zealand and Californian rabbits, and decided to play around with which breeds I actually liked. The New Zealand rabbit was my first love as they are the classic meat rabbit; they are great mothers and I love the look of a slick looking commercial rabbit. I sold my Californians and played around with many other breeds (however I kept my New Zealands along the way) from Holland Lops to Mini Rex to English Lops to Belgian Hares and Checkered Giants. I have been blessed to be able to exhibit and show my rabbits anywhere from Pennsylvania to New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and even Texas from the local to the National Convention.
Now that I am coming upon my student teaching, I am selling my rabbits (except for one) to lessen the load on my family at home who helps me care for them while I am at school. Although I am very sad to sell my rabbits, I know that there is only a short time left between myself and graduation, so I can get back with my lagomorphs!
Today, I have started my own 4-H club where I am the head project leader for the Blair County Bounding Bunnies 4-H Club. My goal is to be involved with 4-H and Extension for the rest of my life; it is my passion. My ultimate goal is to educate the leaders of tomorrow in agriculture. With the foundation that Penn State and those involved in Agricultural & Extension Education, I believe that I am well on my way to being prepared to take on anything placed in front of me.
I am excited to be preparing myself in student teaching at Derry Area High School under the instruction of Roy Campbell during spring of 2016. I hope you continue to join me with this blog throughout this journey
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