Growing Our Future Aaron Alejandro

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Dr. Grandin shares her journey as a severely autistic child and the support she received from mentors and teachers throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing different kinds of thinking, such as visual, pattern-based, and verbal thinking. Dr. Grandin discusses her work in designing livestock handling facilities and developing animal welfare auditing programs for major companies. She highlights the need for hands-on shop classes and the value of technical intelligence in fields like engineering and mechanical innovation. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. Overall, the episode offers insights into Dr. Grandin's unique perspective and the power of embracing diverse ways of thinking.
Story Notes:
Understanding AutismDifferent Kinds of ThinkingImportance of Hands-On Education
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In this episode, Aaron interviews Kay Allison Crews, Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher (CPP-T) and Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). Kay has been serving the FFA as their parliamentarian both in Texas and nationally for several years. Aaron introduces Kay as the subject matter expert behind the scenes, and the audience gets to learn about her pathway to becoming a parliamentarian. In the podcast, Kay talks about the credentials she carries, including the professional registered parliamentarian credential, which she obtained by demonstrating her skills before a small group of her peers. Aaron asks Kay what she is grateful for, and she shares that she is grateful for her health, education, and great friends. Aaron also expresses his appreciation for family, friends, and his job. The podcast offers insight into a career opportunity and an education in parliamentary procedures.


Kay also emphasized the importance of parliamentary procedure skills in today's world, as decisions are constantly being made in meetings. She highlighted that having a good command of parliamentary procedure and understanding the basics of democracy could give individuals a competitive edge in the job market, particularly for those seeking to become involved in student government, boards, and committees. Kay also shared her personal experience of learning parliamentary procedure as a freshman in high school and how it has benefited her throughout her professional career. Although some people may find parliamentary procedure boring, it is a unique and valuable skill that can be useful in a variety of industries, including labor unions, political parties, and even elevator repair organizations. Kay believes that young people should consider learning parliamentary procedure as it can equip them with the skills needed to make effective decisions and run meetings efficiently.


Story Notes:


Learning Parliamentary ProcedureCompetitive Edge in the Job MarketCareer Opportunity in Parliamentary Procedure

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The Growing Our Future podcast welcomes Russell Graves, a professional photographer who shares his experiences and insights about his career. Host Aaron Alejandro introduces Russell as an international superstar in the photography world and begins by asking him what he is grateful for today. Russell expresses his gratitude for his health, family, and being an American. He is also happy about spending a few days in the great outdoors.


Russell shares background and how he started his journey as a photographer in high school. He talks about his rural upbringing in Texas, where he fell in love with photography by capturing pictures of the rural lifestyle and nature that surrounded him. He further explains his early successes in photography and his dream of becoming a magazine photographer. Russell also talks about his career path, where he became an ag science teacher before pursuing photography professionally. Aaron commended Russell for his incredible work in bringing the beauty of the great outdoors to people's screens and encouraging others to spend more time outside.


Russell is a successful photographer, writer, and teacher, who grew up in rural Texas with a strong work ethic and supportive family. He started his photography career in his late teens, and after earning a degree in agriculture education, he became a highly respected agriscience teacher and photographer in Texas. He left teaching in 2009 to focus on photography full-time and has since led photographic workshops and created content for magazines, advertising campaigns, television projects, and books. Russell has been recognized as one of the top photographers in Texas and is known for his ability to connect people and places through his stories. He is also a successful businessman and has helped develop rural areas in Texas. Despite his many accomplishments, he values his relationships with family and friends above all else.



Story Notes:


The Love with PhotographyConnecting People Through ArtValue Relationships with Family and Friends Above All Else.
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Chairman Bryan Daniel, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, to discuss his journey to leadership and the importance of helping young people find success. Bryan grew up in the FFA and has now gone on to make a significant impact in his position, and Aaron is honored to have him on the show. They discuss the power of gratitude and being thankful for the opportunities that allow them to make a difference in the lives of others. The conversation also delves into the essence of leadership and the importance of planting trees under whose shades you may never sit. Overall, the episode aims to inspire listeners to plant seeds of greatness that will make their lives, Texas, and the country better.


Story Notes:


Time, Talent, Treasure, and Testimony Are Essential to Helping Young People Find Success.A Grateful Attitude Can Rejuvenate and Inspire Individuals to Keep Going.Leadership Is About Making a Difference in the Lives of Others

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Director and Chief Operations Officer, and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to agriculture and young people. Tune in as Aaron and Si talk about the essence of leadership, Si's FFA journey, and how to make yourself exceptional.


Si Cook is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Farm Bureau. He has a degree in agriculture education and has worked in the agriculture industry for over 25 years. Si is a former FFA member and has a deep-rooted passion for young people and agriculture. 



Story Notes:


What Si is grateful forSi's FFA journeyTaking chancesSymbolism of the FFA jacketHow FFA prepares students for the futureMaking yourself exceptional

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On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Host Aaron Alejandro introduced Dr. Lyda G. Garcia,Associate Professor, Meat Science and Extension Meat Specialist at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Dr. Lyda discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr.Lyda was surrounded by a strong Hispanic culture that instilled the values of hard work, education, and giving back. Her parents, with their respective third grade and master's education, were her first role models in perseverance and determination. 


Dr.Lyda's educational journey began with her enrollment in her first agriculture class in high school. From there she earned a full ride scholarship to Clarendon College to judge livestock, and continued her education at Texas Tech University. She eventually earned a Master's degree at West Texas A&M University, where she coached the meat judging team and collected beef carcass data for the Food and Drug Administration, ranchers, and other companies.


It was at the Southwestern Contest that Dr. David Griffin from Texas A&M University encouraged Dr. Lyda to pursue a PhD. She followed his advice, and eventually found herself at the Ohio State University. She now teaches and guides students in their academic journey, sharing her own experiences with them and encouraging them to reach their dreams.



Story Notes:


Planting the Right SeedsEncouragement Life Lessons Future BrighterPh.D. OpportunitySharing Experience and Expertise

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