Authored by Lydia Rogers, Illinois Central College Student

When I first applied to the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) mentorship program, I expected to learn a bit more about agriculture, maybe visit a few businesses, and connect with other students. What I did not expect was to come away with a completely renewed outlook on the agriculture industry—and a whole new set of career possibilities I had never even considered before. This program was not just educational but also impactful in many ways, and I am incredibly grateful to IL Soy for providing this opportunity to students like me.

Coming into the mentorship, I already had a strong background in agriculture. I grew up raising livestock and was heavily involved in 4-H for 10 years. I also raised and showed my own goats and competed with both goats and pigs at the state and national levels. At Illinois Central College, I was a member of the livestock judging team, so I was no stranger to the ag world. What made this experience so impactful, though, was how it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and exposed me to areas of the industry I had never encountered.

One of the things I appreciated most about the ISA mentorship program was how inclusive it was. Students came from all kinds of backgrounds, some from cities, and others from farms, and yet we all shared the common goal of learning and growing. It was refreshing to see the ag industry through different lenses and to learn alongside people with such diverse perspectives. I also think having a diverse group really sets the scene for what you could encounter in your future career and improves your communication skills immensely.

Tour and presentation at Beck’s Hybrids (Photo provided by Illinois Soybean Association)

The site visits were easily one of the most exciting parts of the program. They gave us a firsthand look at what a day in the life looks like across a range of careers. One visit that really stood out to me was our trip to Beck’s Hybrids. Meeting David Ringger and seeing him in action was inspiring. His ability to connect with customers and build trust through strong personal relationships showed me that sales in agriculture are not just about numbers, but about people. Beck’s also introduced us to careers in crop research, another area I had not explored before. I left that visit seriously considering the idea of working for a company like Beck’s, where supporting farmers and cultivating long-term relationships is just as important as delivering results.

Another visit that made a big impression on me was to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Edwards. Before that day, I honestly did not know much about what NRCS did. However, after walking through a farmer’s field and seeing how our mentor, Dan Sahm, had helped the farmer implement conservation practices to reduce erosion and improve soil health, I was intrigued by the job. I loved the problem-solving aspect of that work, and the way it combined science, strategy, and a desire to help others. It was incredible to see how someone in that role could make such an impact on both the land and the people who depend on it.

Through every stop on our journey, one thing became clear: There is no “one path” in agriculture. There are so many roles that all contribute to the bigger picture. The ISA mentorship program not only showed me what those roles are, but also helped me understand where I might fit in. It gave me understanding, confidence, and most importantly, it added fuel to the fire for my passion in the ag industry.

Visit to NRCS during the ISA Mentorship Program (Photo provided by Colleen Callahan Consultancy)

I cannot emphasize enough how valuable this program has been—not only for me, but for every student involved. Whether we were experienced in agriculture or just beginning to explore it, we all left with a deeper appreciation for the industry and the people who keep it moving forward.

I truly hope that ISA continues this mentorship program and even expands it to more schools and communities. There are so many young people out there who would benefit from the kind of insight, education, and inspiration this program provides. It’s not just about showing students what is out there, but also about helping them discover where they belong, and how they can make a difference.

Thank you to the Illinois Soybean Association for believing in us and investing in the next generation of ag professionals. Your support gave me a clearer sense of direction and helped me see that agriculture is so much more than what I grew up with—it’s full of opportunities waiting to be explored.