A Note from Taryn Myers, Berry College Rising Sophomore

Hey JCPC, Family, it's me Taryn Myers! You may have seen me around campus the last twelve years or so as my family joined the church soon after we moved here from Chicago back in 2014. You may recognize me as one of the sheep from the Christmas Plays, we used to do many years ago. Or even as the high schooler that would still come down from for the Children's Sermon. 

I am a 1st year student at Berry College in Rome, GA, majoring in Animal Science on the Pre-Vet track, In addition to that, my plan is to minor in Chemistry as well as Digital/Social Media. Berry has pushed me both academically and personally, especially as I’ve gotten more involved in hands-on learning with animals and agriculture. One of the things I’ve loved most about my short time here already is how it blends classroom learning with real-world experience. It’s helped me grow in confidence, responsibility, and independence, while also strengthening my faith as I learn to trust God in new situations and challenges. 

One of the classes I took toward my degree was an intro to animal science where I got to go to all of the animal units and work with sheep, horses, and cows. It did not stop there as I also got to do lab activities as well. I am in my second Biology class already as well as taking Animal Genetics.
Next Semester, I have no plans of slowing down as I am taking 17 credit hours. Tops on that list include an Animal Reproduction class, a Psychology class, and a Chemistry class. Part of my time outside of the classroom is participating in the LifeWorks Program which is a job on campus, and I was lucky to land a spot in the Dairy Farm this year. I am working on a promotion there for next year where I will hopefully become a trainer for some of the new students interested in the same things I am. I was also invited to join the staff for the Vikings Football team as an equipment manager. I am also being given a research role with one of my favorite professors in the Fall and cannot wait to get started on that.
As if I am not busy enough, in my free time I am a YoungLife leader at Model High School.  

This summer, I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to travel to Brazil through an international program where I’ll be studying and working with ruminant animals like cattle and water buffalo. If you were wondering, ruminant animals have multi-chambered stomachs which allow them to process food differently so that they can make milk. I will also learn about their nutrition as well. I’ll be there for about a month, partnering with students and professionals to learn more about agriculture in a global setting. I’m excited to experience a new culture, build relationships, and expand my knowledge—but I also know it will stretch me in ways I haven’t experienced before. 

I would truly appreciate your positive thoughts as I prepare for and go on this trip. Please pray for safe travel, good health, and the ability to adapt well to a new environment. I also ask for prayers that I would be a light to those around me, representing both my family, my school and my faith well. Lastly, pray that I would take full advantage of this opportunity and learning as much as I can and growing into the person God is calling me to be. 

In addition to that, I am asking for a little help financially. I do not want the entire burden of paying for this to fall on my parents shoulders. I have been working hard all year and saving as much as I can. I also know that there may be some unplanned expenses once I get to Brazil. Most everything is a part of the program and is paid for, with the exception of the three weekends that I will be there. All of my meals and transportation those weekends will come out of my pocket. I know that times are tight for all of us right now. If you feel led to support me financially for this trip, you can do so through the link below. Every bit truly helps, and I am so thankful for your generosity! 

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and prayers. It means more than I can say, and I’m so grateful to have a church family walking alongside me in this journey. 
 
Thank you again for being a wonderful church family!

We all row… Go Vikings!