By Jamee Milliken, Illinois Central College

Participants of the mentorship program at Farm Credit Illinois in Mahomet, IL

I went into the Illinois Soybean Association mentorship program expecting to learn more about local businesses within the agricultural industry and potentially find some new paths for future employment. What I got was all that and something else arguably more valuable than a new career opportunity: personal growth and enlightenment.

A little bit about me to start: I have no agricultural background. Sure, my dad was raised on a cattle farm, and my grandpa was born and raised on a family farm down south, but I never experienced any part of it. It wasn’t until I stumbled on a free class advertised in an advisor’s office that I truly started learning about agriculture. So going into this mentorship program was like diving off the deep end. I had no idea what any of these fantastic mentors were talking about except for true leadership, integrity and legacy.

I learned that true leadership is not some position in an industry but an approach to life and a mindset. You can make an impact on the people around you regardless of your title. You just need to be passionate and genuinely willing to help those around you in any way you can. Leadership isn’t about being on top; it’s about lifting everyone together and succeeding together. A true leader encourages others’ growth and is proud of their accomplishments. Many of the people I met in this mentorship program are what I’d consider true leaders. They presented themselves as a part of a whole within their company and showed passion not just for their job but for the collective impact their company had.

When I say integrity, I mean personal integrity. Be true to yourself, be passionate and be bold. Don’t be afraid to approach people and put yourself out there. Reach for what you want and grow your passions. Passion is infectious! When people feel your passion, they feel encouraged to match that energy, and it creates a domino effect. You make a bigger impact when you show you care about the goal. Whether that’s getting a job or implementing new practices in your operation, if you show your passion, others will recognize that. This is something I’ve witnessed not just during this mentorship program but within my schooling too. Had I not seen the passion firsthand, I probably wouldn’t have chosen this path. Your passion can truly make a difference in other people’s lives.

That brings me to legacy. I’ve heard the term passed around a few times within this industry, usually referring to handing down an operation to the future generations, but it means something a little different for me. Your legacy is also how you’re remembered as a person – the impact you made on those around you and in your industry. What do you leave behind in your life? It can be your family operation, new innovative ideas in your company or wise advice you wish someone had shared with you when you were younger. I believe leadership and integrity build a great legacy. These are aspects of your life that stay with you no matter where you are in life, what field you work in or who surrounds you. They help you be your very best in any situation, and that is something that I find extremely valuable.

While I did learn about the companies that graciously hosted us and their role in the agricultural industry and community, I can’t help but feel incredibly thankful that I took more from this experience than just that. Words can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for the ISA, Colleen Callahan and all the mentors for offering this incredible opportunity to everyone, myself included. It was an absolutely fantastic experience.