{"id":18027,"date":"2026-09-22T13:01:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:01:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/?p=18027"},"modified":"2026-09-22T13:01:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:01:50","slug":"from-a-little-farm-to-the-top-my-journey-in-agricultural-science-by-brea-watkins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/2026\/09\/22\/from-a-little-farm-to-the-top-my-journey-in-agricultural-science-by-brea-watkins\/","title":{"rendered":"From a Little Farm to the Top: My Journey in Agricultural Science by Brea Watkins"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs x126k92a\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-18028 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n-216x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n-737x1024.jpg 737w, https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n-768x1067.jpg 768w, https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n-1106x1536.jpg 1106w, https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/817719508_1534847635328911_2696481327475174917_n.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/>My journey in Agricultural Science is one that I never imagined would take me as far as it has. What began with simple visits with my uncle, Enrico Hunte, on the farm grew into a genuine passion for agriculture, strengthened through my years at Sir Novelle Richards Academy (SNRA), the guidance of my teachers and mentors, and the unwavering support of my mother, Wonda Hunte.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Where My Passion Began<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">My interest in agriculture started at a young age through my uncle. He would take me to the farm, where he harvested lettuce and introduced me to different aspects of farming. I remember seeing the crops growing and learning about the work that went into producing food. Those experiences sparked a curiosity in me and gave me an appreciation for agriculture beyond simply seeing it as a school subject.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">As I grew older, that curiosity developed into a passion. When I began studying Agricultural Science at SNRA, I became more interested in understanding how plants and animals grew and how different agricultural practices can affect production.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Growing Through My Academic Journey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Throughout my academic years, Agricultural Science became one of the subjects in which I consistently challenged myself. I worked hard to understand both the theoretical and practical sides of the subject. I was proud to place first in my Agricultural Science class, and in Form 4, I received the SNRA Top Student for Agricultural Science Award.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">These accomplishments encouraged me to continue pushing myself. They showed me that the effort I was putting into the subject was making a difference and motivated me to take every opportunity to learn more.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">One of the most important parts of my Agricultural Science journey was completing my School-Based Assessments (SBAs). My projects allowed me to move beyond the classroom and apply what I had learned to actual agricultural situations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">One of my investigations focused on determining the effect of spacing on weight gain in broilers and determining the appropriate spacing for broilers at Sir Novelle Richards Academy. This project allowed me to explore how management practices can influence poultry production and taught me the importance of observation, data collection and careful analysis.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">My second investigation focused on determining the response of lettuce to fertilizer application in loam soil at Sir Novelle Richards Academy. This connected closely with my early interest in lettuce farming, which made the investigation particularly meaningful to me. It gave me the opportunity to examine how fertilizer application can affect crop growth while developing practical research skills.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">The People Behind My Success<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">No journey of achievement happens alone. Two people who played an especially important role in my Agricultural Science journey were my teacher, Mrs. Lee Williams, and my mother, Wonda Hunte.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Ms. Lee-Williams was more than just my Agricultural Science teacher. She was a mentor who helped me develop my knowledge, confidence and appreciation for the subject. Her guidance throughout my academic years and especially during my SBA projects helped me understand the importance of taking my work seriously and always striving to improve.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">My mother, Wonda Hunte, has also been an important part of my journey. Her support, encouragement and belief in me helped me remain focused, especially during challenging moments. Behind every achievement is someone who encourages you to keep going, and for me, my mother has been one of those people.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Reaching the CSEC Level<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">All of these experiences eventually led to one of the proudest moments of my academic journey. After years of studying, practical work, research and preparation, I sat CSEC Agricultural Science.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">My hard work was rewarded when I was named the #1 CSEC Top Candidate in Agricultural Science (SA General) in Antigua and Barbuda for June 2025. The official CXC results show that I achieved Grade I, with A grades in Papers 1, 2 and 3, placing me first among the listed candidates in the subject.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Seeing my name at the top of that list was more than an academic achievement. For me, it represented the journey from those early days visiting my uncle&#8217;s farm, to standing in the classroom, conducting my SBA investigations, receiving recognition at SNRA, and eventually becoming a CSEC top candidate.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Looking Ahead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Agriculture has taught me much more than how to grow crops or understand livestock. It has taught me discipline, patience, responsibility, research, perseverance and the importance of practical knowledge.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">When I look back, I realize that my journey started with something very simple, a little girl visiting the farm with her uncle and watching lettuce being harvested. I did not know then where that experience would lead me.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Today, I am proud of how far I have come, grateful to the people who helped me along the way, and excited about where agriculture can take me next.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">My journey in Agricultural Science may have started on a farm, but this is only the beginning. <span class=\"html-span xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xat24cr xm2jcoa x1mpyi22 xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"xz74otr x15mokao x1ga7v0g x16uus16 xbiv7yw\" src=\"https:\/\/static.xx.fbcdn.net\/images\/emoji.php\/v9\/t69\/1\/16\/1f331.png\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf31\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My journey in Agricultural Science is one that I never imagined would take me as far as it has. What began with simple visits with my uncle, Enrico Hunte, on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news-notices"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18027"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18029,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18027\/revisions\/18029"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}