This article is part of a series focusing on the grads of the ±«Óătv Class of 2020. Visit our to share in the excitement with our newest graduates.
Julia Vosman knows her own mind.
âI only applied to the Faculty of Agriculture - it was the only school I wanted to go to,â she explained.
Four years later, the Bachelor of Science â Animal Science major, is one of 202 Faculty of Agriculture students graduating this year.
âThe days were sometimes long, but the years passed so quickly,â she says. âI canât believe it.â
Agriculture is in Juliaâs blood. Growing up on a dairy farm with three older brothers and a life-long involvement in 4-H, Julia knew she was bound for the Agricultural Campus.
âI couldnât wait to take the Agriculture Class in Grade 11 at Dr. John Gillis High School,â she adds. That and a field trip to campus sealed the deal.
A passion for 4-H
Julia has spent the past 13 years in the 4-H program in Antigonish and has shown extensively, earning many top accolades, travelling the country and giving back to the younger generation.
âI tell people 4-H is my sport,â she says. âItâs definitely taught me time management, independence, a good work ethic, patience and determination.
âIt seems like only yesterday that Julia was an enthusiastic 9-year-old starting her first year in 4-H,â says Sally Van de Wiel, (Class of â93) and president of the Antigonish County 4-H Leaders Council. âYou have developed into a wonderful young woman with an incredible future with your many competencies, strong sense of community and love of agriculture.â
Julia brought these competencies to campus becoming involved on the Judging Team and College Royal all the while still showing livestock through 4-H. Her involvement led to executive positions which she held from her second to fourth year including organization of the Maritime Intercollegiate Judging Competition and College Royal.
âJulia has demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills in her executive roles on the Judging Team,â says Sarah Gatti-Yorke, Faculty support for the Dal AC Judging Team. âShe demonstrated kind and conscientious leadership skills and it has been a pleasure to teach and work with Julia.â
Juliaâs ultimate dream is to become a high school Science and Math teacher.
 â4-H will always be part of my life,â says Julia. âMy two brothers are teachers and one took over the farm. I hope to do a bit of both.â
Looking ahead, looking back
Julia plans to continue her education at St. FX in the fall and earn her BEd.
âI want to be a high school science and math teacher and would also love to teach agriculture in schools that already hold this course and encourage others that do not, to offer it to their students,â she says. âI really hope to bring more awareness of the agriculture industry into the classroom whenever I can.â
Julia also has some advice for incoming students.
âTake advantage of your time here! Believe what everyone tells you when they say that it will go by so fast,â she says. âIf you have your eye on a club, join it. If you want to explore travel opportunities, do it. You will never be disappointed. The people you meet here will be connected to you for life when you become part of the Dal AC family.â
It seems only fitting that Julia was elected Life President of the Class of 2020 by her classmates. The Life President works with the Life Secretary to ensure the interests of the Class are being observed in matters of publicity, reunions and fundraising.
Julia was also named one of three distinguished graduates by the Faculty of Agriculture. Distinguished Graduate Awards express the Facultyâs appreciation to graduating students, who have, through their time, energy, talent and leadership enriched the campus community during their studies without neglecting academic pursuits.
For Julia, her options are now limitless.