First, I would like to thank the Missouri JCI Senate for the honor of receiving the 2007-2008 scholarship and express my deepest gratitude. Having moved to Missouri from Wisconsin ten years ago, my family and I have been striving to keep the tradition of a small family farm. Being deeply involved in the farm I have started a small herd of my own through the help of my parents and the USDA youth loan program. The USDA youth loan program is an opportunity for youth to take out a $5,000 loan over a seven year life, at a low interest rate. This past January I completed my first loan after just two years, and have already started my second loan. I would like to eventually participate in the USDA land loan program.

Between school and home there is hardly any time left over. I am involved in organizations such as: National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, National Technical Honor Society, Foreign Cultures Club, Math and Science Club, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In my precious spare time I enjoy staying informed with politics and world events, reading, hanging out with friends, and playing tennis.

This fall I will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in animal science. Eventually, I hope to be accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine to become a certified veterinarian. Returning to the farming community of Wright County is a priority for me because I have received much encouragement and support. Thank you for your time and this honor,

My full name is Nathaniel Joseph Schuster; however, I prefer Nate. I have resided in the small town of Pilot Grove, Missouri my entire life. My father, John Schuster, is a self-employed farmer. My mother, Rita Schuster, is currently preparing to return to college to obtain a degree in education. I have three siblings. At nineteen, Andrea is the oldest and is presently attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Although a sophomore, she has been reserved a seat in MU's medical school. I have two younger brothers. Jacob, who just turned fifteen, is a freshman in high school. Luke is twelve and is enrolled in the sixth grade.

I enjoy participating in a variety of events. I play the alto saxophone and recently performed with the Missouri All-State Band. I'm currently preparing a solo to perform at District and State Music Contests. I partake in a large number of academic competitions, including quiz bowl, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE), Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS), and Science Olympiad. In addition, I volunteer as a member of National Honor Society (NHS) and at my local church.

In the fall, I will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology, I hope to attend medical school to become either an immunologist or virologist. Both careers would permit me to conduct biomedical research. My goal is to make findings that will contribute to preventing or curing disease in humans.