Hello folks, here is my official introduction... as my 5th blog post. But then again, I guess I was never one to follow convention, as one of my favorite hobbies as a child was reading the World Book Encyclopedia. Unfortunately, after 5 years of post-secondary education, I have forgotten everything I learnt about zuchinni, Burundi and Shakespeare to make room for the real grown-up facts that my university profs think I need.
Those of you who have seen my previous posts would already know that I am currently studying veterinary medicine, after completing my degree in ag science (animal science, specifically). As anyone near to me can testify, I am slightly obsessed with cows and everything else that chews it's cud, because, what's not to like about a face like this?
Or this face?
Since most of my posts on here deal with agriculture, I thought I should tell you a little more about myself outside the farming world. For one, I am a huge amateur of classical music – in fact, I would have considered a career as a violinist and/or violist had I not overworked myself as a teenager and developed a repetitive strain injury. Then again, everything happens for a reason, and while I think veterinary medicine is the quasi-perfect career fit for me, part of me is still a musician at heart and I always enjoy a good recording.
On the redneck-ish side of things, I did compete as a lumberjack at the varsity level (yes, it is a varsity sport in Canada!). My big event was the single buck saw, also known as the "whip of torture" in lumberjacking circles. Unfortunately, I only discovered my lumberjacking interest a year before graduating from my undergrad degree, so that career was short-lived. However, I still have a career before me that involves (humanely) wrangling cattle, so I guess not all is lost on that side of things.
So why did I join Steemit? I first heard about it from a veteran Steemian, and it didn't take long for me to be convinced. Over all, I was looking for a good blogging platform, where I could have civilized discussions, and share the results of research that I was doing for personal interest. For instance, I am currently writing a series comparing organic and conventional foods, with the second installment (on vegetables) coming quite soon. Most of the posts I write are born out of sheer curiosity, asking myself questions about how things work, and then doing the research. That was the main motivation for doing a series on organic foods. As a professional agrologist and a vet-to-be, I know there are environmental and animal welfare issues in how we produce our food. But what are the alternatives? And are they actually as effective as marketers and journalists claim they are? What does the research say? So if I'm doing research on issues like this to better understand them, I figured I might as well share what I've found.
On a more personal note, I also have a particular interest in the social problems that men, especially young men, are facing today. Having lost my father at age 11, and being part of the one of the most feminized professions around, I am quite outspoken about the need for personal mentorship of younger men, especially young men who have no father. I am also interested in learning more about the challenges that young men face in today's education system, and trying to figure out how we can once again convince them to be active partners in their education.
Until next time, and don't forget to check out my other posts!
Alex
Photo Credits:
Miniature Galloway: http://www.miniaturecattle.com.au/cute-calves/cattle/35-site-pages/faq.html
Alpaca cria: http://www.walnutcreekalpacas.com/blog/busy-with-babies/
Single buck saw: https://www.stihlusa.com/stihl-timbersports/disciplines/single-buck/
Pictures of myself: MacDonald Campus Athletics and personal picture