Andi and TJ Belt have been connected to CAFNR since before they were even born. As third generation students at the University of Missouri, they’re following a legacy that their family created.
“Our grandpa went here and was a student in CAFNR, and both of our parents graduated with CAFNR degrees as well,” said Andi Belt, a senior studying agricultural leadership, communications and education.
Her younger brother, TJ, is a freshman studying agricultural systems technology (AST).
“It’s a whole different world now in comparison to when my parents were in college, especially with new technology being developed like precision agriculture and drones,” TJ Belt said. “It’s my first semester, so I’m just excited to learn more and see what else there is to get involved in.”
The siblings are in different phases of their college careers, but one similarity among them – and among many other students pursuing careers in agriculture – is the importance of financial aid.
“Finances are some of the biggest barriers when you think about students going to college and studying agriculture,” Andi said. “Scholarships are the main reason why a lot of us are able to go to college and pursue the things we love while being stress-free and able to have fun.”
Supporting the next generation through scholarships
The Belt siblings have both received scholarships to support their academic careers. They were recognized at CAFNR’s annual scholarship dinner on Oct. 15. They are both recipients of the Brazeale Family Scholarship Endowment. TJ also received the Curators Interscholastic Events Scholarship.
“It’s really cool that you not only get to thank your donors in person, but learn a lot more about them,” Andi said. “They also get to see what you’re doing at Mizzou and how you’re putting the money to use.
Andi Belt has been a recipient of several CAFNR scholarships in previous years, even receiving one that helped fund her study abroad trip to New Zealand.
“CAFNR does a really good job of making financial aid available, accessible, easy and enjoyable,” Andi said. “Those access points and that money are chances for us to make these experiences much more exciting, and even possible, because they’re why we’re able to go to school.”
The access to financial support is one of the main reasons TJ also decided to follow in his family’s footsteps.
“The scholarships really helped because it is more expensive to go here in comparison to some trade schools, which was where I was originally thinking about going,” he said. “It’s going to help me be able to expand on what I want to do and explore new opportunities.”
Leading a legacy of their own
With the support of their family and funding from scholarships, Andi and TJ are finding their own ways to make the most of their Mizzou experience.
“It’s nice to have those connections since we have family who went here, but it’s also an opportunity to make whatever we want out of our own experiences,” Andi said. “TJ’s experience is going to be a lot different than mine, and my experience has been much different than our parents’.”
For Andi, it has meant pursuing a career in agricultural education and taking advantage of study abroad opportunities. For TJ, it means exploring the evolving technology and opportunities within agricultural systems technology.
“I’m excited about doing something different, because I did consider going the same route as my dad and studying agronomy,” TJ said. “I’m also just excited about seeing what I can do with my career.”
Their experiences may look different, but the siblings share an appreciation for the family ties that brought them to Mizzou, and for the scholarship support that have made their college experience possible.
“It’s really cool that we get to come here and continue on the legacy of our family,” Andi said. “It’s nice to have that tradition, the family legacy and knowing that this is a place that’s been home for so long.”