Fundraiser for College Education
Donation protected
Dear friends,
This past year at Green Mountain College has been exceptional! It has provided me with a base to hone in on my skills and passions, as well as recognize the areas of myself that need improvement and I’ve been diligently working towards achieving my highest potential. I've delved deep into the Sustainable Agriculture program, holding a work-study position on the farm throughout the year, and am now employed full-time with five other students to run the farm during the busiest season of the year. I’ve also been a volunteer at the local cooperative market, which provides fresh, local, organic foods and other products to the Poultney community. While it is not a paid position it is a great place to practice my hard work ethic (I usually volunteer 4 to 6 hours a week) and build community with the other workers. Immersing myself in the farming and food community of this area has helped me to grow and realize more of my potential, as well as learn about what great work others have been doing. These experiences have led me to ask myself, "Where can I make the most impact in the world?"
Lately I’ve become passionate about preventing and diverting food waste. Even in a "sustainable" food system, there is a huge amount of organic matter being thrown away, which not only has an environmental impact but also contributes to food insecurity. At present I am the “High-Tunnel Overseer” at the farm and am doing my best to eliminate seedling waste by keeping a close eye on all the plants, feeding excess to our flock of chickens, and keeping the system organized as a whole. "Lean farming" is all about smoothness and efficiency. It's been wonderful to discover and gain confidence in my organizational, leadership, and dedication skills which can all be applied to my full-time work at Green Mountain College's campus farm as well as other projects and job opportunities that arise. Another area that I'd like to continue exploring is empowerment through health and well-being. After experiencing many years of poor self-care and battling mental illness, I am discovering the power of the divine feminine and hope to bring this to others at GMC and beyond. I hope to tie food, culture, community, and wellness together in the movement towards a better world.
Financial statements for the coming school year have arrived and I've been offered even more financial assistance than last year! I took out loans for my freshman year and will likely have to continue to do so to complete my education with a 4 year degree, which is my highest goal. Last year, I spent approximately $15,000 on my education and additional money for food and other necessities cost about $200 per month. I've worked hard to keep my expenditures to a minimum by visiting the campus food shelf where I was able to take "past-date" foods that would have otherwise been tossed out, and made trips to the campus "free store". This coming year of school will cost me at least $10,000, not including my other life expenses. I’m considering purchasing a used car which would provide me with opportunities which have been inaccessible with a bike. A car could cost up to $3,000 for the next year, not including gas and maintenance. I plan to seek paid employment to help with my financial burdens. The co-op where I volunteer may have open positions in the fall, and I’m guaranteed work-study employment (81 hours of paid work per semester) on campus. I want to build community and learn as much as possible during these 4 years at college so that I’m prepared to enter the working world and make a difference. For me going to college is less about the diploma and more about the experience and the connections I’m making. In the coming year I aim to delve into the world of art and culture, continue my work with sustainable farming and food systems, become more engaged in campus activities and events and build my social networks.
The experience I’ve gained this past year at Green Mountain College wouldn't have been possible without your love and support, which I am so grateful for. I’m learning to ask for help and admit that I cannot live in complete independence and need support from others. So here I am, reaching out again to the fantastic and generous community of Moraga Gardens Farm and beyond. Thank you again for everything you have done for me. I've never felt so supported by a community in my life.
I send you love, peace, and blessings and would enjoy seeing photos of the farm and being updated on what’s happening in your lives.
Katie Barber
c/o Green Mountain College
3 Brennan Circle
Poultney, Vermont 05764
Mail Box #37
Cell #: (925) [phone redacted]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ katiebarbz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ katie_farms/
Facilitating seedling sales at the high tunnels.
Delivering seedlings to the co-op in the Solar Truck!
The Rainbow Acre at Cerridwen Farm.
This past year at Green Mountain College has been exceptional! It has provided me with a base to hone in on my skills and passions, as well as recognize the areas of myself that need improvement and I’ve been diligently working towards achieving my highest potential. I've delved deep into the Sustainable Agriculture program, holding a work-study position on the farm throughout the year, and am now employed full-time with five other students to run the farm during the busiest season of the year. I’ve also been a volunteer at the local cooperative market, which provides fresh, local, organic foods and other products to the Poultney community. While it is not a paid position it is a great place to practice my hard work ethic (I usually volunteer 4 to 6 hours a week) and build community with the other workers. Immersing myself in the farming and food community of this area has helped me to grow and realize more of my potential, as well as learn about what great work others have been doing. These experiences have led me to ask myself, "Where can I make the most impact in the world?"
Lately I’ve become passionate about preventing and diverting food waste. Even in a "sustainable" food system, there is a huge amount of organic matter being thrown away, which not only has an environmental impact but also contributes to food insecurity. At present I am the “High-Tunnel Overseer” at the farm and am doing my best to eliminate seedling waste by keeping a close eye on all the plants, feeding excess to our flock of chickens, and keeping the system organized as a whole. "Lean farming" is all about smoothness and efficiency. It's been wonderful to discover and gain confidence in my organizational, leadership, and dedication skills which can all be applied to my full-time work at Green Mountain College's campus farm as well as other projects and job opportunities that arise. Another area that I'd like to continue exploring is empowerment through health and well-being. After experiencing many years of poor self-care and battling mental illness, I am discovering the power of the divine feminine and hope to bring this to others at GMC and beyond. I hope to tie food, culture, community, and wellness together in the movement towards a better world.
Financial statements for the coming school year have arrived and I've been offered even more financial assistance than last year! I took out loans for my freshman year and will likely have to continue to do so to complete my education with a 4 year degree, which is my highest goal. Last year, I spent approximately $15,000 on my education and additional money for food and other necessities cost about $200 per month. I've worked hard to keep my expenditures to a minimum by visiting the campus food shelf where I was able to take "past-date" foods that would have otherwise been tossed out, and made trips to the campus "free store". This coming year of school will cost me at least $10,000, not including my other life expenses. I’m considering purchasing a used car which would provide me with opportunities which have been inaccessible with a bike. A car could cost up to $3,000 for the next year, not including gas and maintenance. I plan to seek paid employment to help with my financial burdens. The co-op where I volunteer may have open positions in the fall, and I’m guaranteed work-study employment (81 hours of paid work per semester) on campus. I want to build community and learn as much as possible during these 4 years at college so that I’m prepared to enter the working world and make a difference. For me going to college is less about the diploma and more about the experience and the connections I’m making. In the coming year I aim to delve into the world of art and culture, continue my work with sustainable farming and food systems, become more engaged in campus activities and events and build my social networks.
The experience I’ve gained this past year at Green Mountain College wouldn't have been possible without your love and support, which I am so grateful for. I’m learning to ask for help and admit that I cannot live in complete independence and need support from others. So here I am, reaching out again to the fantastic and generous community of Moraga Gardens Farm and beyond. Thank you again for everything you have done for me. I've never felt so supported by a community in my life.
I send you love, peace, and blessings and would enjoy seeing photos of the farm and being updated on what’s happening in your lives.
Katie Barber
c/o Green Mountain College
3 Brennan Circle
Poultney, Vermont 05764
Mail Box #37
Cell #: (925) [phone redacted]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ katiebarbz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ katie_farms/
Facilitating seedling sales at the high tunnels.Delivering seedlings to the co-op in the Solar Truck!The Rainbow Acre at Cerridwen Farm.Organizer
Katie Barber
Organizer
Orinda, CA