Dairy princess reflects on 2013-2014 reign
Dear editor:
As my year of being the Schuylkill County Dairy Princess draws to a close, I begin to think of how I felt exactly a year ago, before I began my reign. I was nervous, excited and did not know quite how I was going to successfully juggle full-time college and dairy princess activities.
I felt unsure as to how well I could accomplish both tasks. I thought, "As long as I try to do my best, I can count myself successful." However, something my sister, a past Schuylkill County Dairy Princess, told me during my first month changed my mind and propelled me forward throughout the year.
When I go to dairy promotions, I introduce myself as a full-time student majoring in secondary mathematics education. Most people I talk to wonder at this choice because it is obviously NOT agriculture.
Here is where my motivational phrase hits home.
My sister, Tori Feidt, asked me, "Maddie, you are leaving the farm. How are you going to give back to our parents and grandparents for what they have done for you?"
I was stumped. My family has given me a wonderful background on working hard, helping family no matter the cost and loving what you do. How was I going to repay them?
With this advice tucked neatly in the back of my mind, I set forth trying to be the best dairy princess I could be. I wanted to talk to everyone I met about my family's farm and the benefits dairy farms provide to their communities. I only have one year to accomplish this, so why not make the most of it?
My goal this year was to leave a lasting impression about the wonders of the dairy farm.
Being a dairy princess has allowed me to meet extraordinary people, including Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture, George Greig, tour the capitol, spend time with farm girls just like me, and meet countless members of my community who have given me encouragement and taught me the power of getting to know your neighbors.
Was I busy this year? Yes. Did I have to work extra hard for my grades? Yes. Do I regret being a dairy princess? NO! I loved every minute of serving Schuylkill County's dairy farmers and farm families and hope I have left a lasting impression on my community.
I want to thank my family for providing encouragement and helping me throughout the year, my team for their wonderful support, and of course, my dairy cows for starting this whole process!
Madeline Daubert,
2013-2014 Schuylkill County Dairy Princess
