KINGSVILLE (December 20, 2022) — Two students from the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Kingsville recently attended the Texas FFA Foundation Legislative LEAD program where they learned best practices to be effective in the legislative process as representatives of agriculture science teachers.
Those chosen to go were Amberly Zaragoza, an animal science graduate and graduate student in plant and soil science; and Delilah Bernal, a senior majoring in agriculture education with a minor in animal science.
“Attending events like this is important because it helps us to connect with others,” said Zaragoza, a San Antonio native. “One thing I am big on is networking and attending events is a great way to do that. I encourage every student to attend events like this.”
She said the most important part of the program for her was getting to know who represents her in the legislature and getting involved. “The event was focused on showing us how government works and how agriculture is effected by it.”
Bernal, who is from Edcouch-Elsa, said the three things she took away from the program were “grow your connections, advocate for what you believe in and inform yourself properly.
“My favorite part was getting to know the group of people who attended. We all had different backgrounds and yet we were there for the same reasons, to educate ourselves about how the government works,” Bernal said.
“I believe it is important not only for students to attend events like this, but it also is important for anyone who has doubts or wants to be informed properly on how the government works,” she said.
“These two students were selected for this opportunity because they have demonstrated a sincere interest in advancing and promoting agriculture issues and agricultural education in Texas,” said Dr. Shad Nelson, dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Both are eager learners and ambassadors for the college and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
“Our hope was for our students to get to know key legislative individuals and become better informed on legislative processes and how to be life-long advocates for agricultural education in Texas,” he added. “The voice of South Texans and Javelina Nation graduates matter. Our students and alumni can play a huge role in promoting the importance that agriculture science and ag education does at the K-12 and collegiate level as it builds people with high character and strong communities.”
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