Self-Memoir- Katie Fitzgerald

What were the best and worst parts of Senior Project/Senior Seminar?

The best part of the senior project/seminar was all the valuable skills I
learned through the process and the people I was able to connect with along the
way. My project allowed me to connect with the next group of livestock
enthusiasts and help to start their journey off on the right foot. Senior seminar
was a great class for learning how to approach interviews and real-world
situations. The worst part of senior seminar was just the added stress it brings our
senior year.

List three things you now know after completing your Senior Project.
 I am capable of more than I realize
 My story and experiences have an impact on
younger youth in the beef project/industry
 We all have different ideas of success
 I have more people looking up to me than I ever
knew

Which aspect of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar stretched you the

most? How did you feel about and react to this challenge?

During my senior project, one of my mentee’s struggled with being

confident in himself as well as his steer was a big challenge for him. I had
to find new ways to help reassure him that he was doing a great job and
that he had come so far. It was hard to see him want to give in to his steer
that he worked so hard with but we finally got to the stage that he broke
that cycle. It was very rewarding to see my mentee break through that
barrier and excel. I was stretched by starting this program from the group
up and being in such a high authority role. I was very happy with how the
first year of the program went.
How has Senior Project/Senior Seminar changed you (skills, attitudes, work
habits, capabilities, confidence, poise, presentation, etc.)?

My senior project has made me realize I am capable of making a

difference in people’s lives. Being able to help each mentee work towards
and accomplish their goals was a humbling experience. I grew a bond with
these young kids and got to know their stories and what makes them who
they are. I was able to give back to the industry that gave me so much
growing up and I am forever grateful to be a part of their journey. Above
all I have learned to jump at every opportunity that comes my way
because you never know where it might take you.

Has this experience influenced your future plans?

This experience had reassured me of my plan to pursue a career in

the livestock industry and stay involved in this lifestyle for many years. I
did learn I would love the opportunity to be a 4-H extension coordinator if
that where my degree takes me.

What would you do differently if you had to do the whole Senior

Project/Senior Seminar process again?

If it was to redo the whole senior project/ senior seminar process

again I would just take the time to absorb the memories more. I made
some of the most amazing memories throughout this process and I wish I
would have slowed down a bit to take them in. I am the type of person
who is constantly go, go, go and doesn’t take time for themselves. In
regards to senior seminar I would take less for granted because now that
the class and school are over I wish we had more time together.

What advice do you have for next year’s seniors?

I would tell next year’s seniors don’t take your senior year for granted
because once it’s over you can’t go back. I also would say pick a project
that interests you and pushes you to learn and grow.
What grade would you give yourself for your Senior Project and what
justification do you have for that grade?

I would give myself an A for the senior project. I feel I deserve this
grade because I went above and beyond working on my project. I invested
a great deal of time, effort, and knowledge into the Beef Mentorship
Project. I take great pride in the program I built and see it changing many
younger kids’ lives. Throughout the entire process I completed all course
work to the best of my ability and showed a high level of achievement.