Stories
Handwritten. Honest. Honored.
It stood out like a water puddle in California. In the stack of the day’s mail was a handwritten envelope. Not printed to look handwritten; but gloriously imperfect, sans alignment and uniform letter size. It was a thank-you note from Christian Good, the winner of the Wayne Bollum Memorial Scholarship, administered by the National Agri-Marketing Association. His note revealed a resounding reminder that future leaders are on their game. It was also assurance that we’re in good hands for the long term.
A Macon, Mississippi, native, Christian is majoring in 
agribusiness management with a minor in business administration and economics at Mississippi State University. These studies are natural. As early as second grade, Christian traded candy, food, pencils, even prizes he won for something of more value – “most of the time for a few dollars,” he says.
Ever aware of the need for more dollars, Christian’s thank-you note mentioned that this scholarship benefitted him and his family. The latter is the inspiration that helps him set and achieve goals.
“My father, Phillip, instilled the importance of faith while teaching me the ins and outs of agricultural business and entrepreneurship,” Christian says. “My mother, Janelle, showed me the importance of networking and serving others. My sister, Abby, demonstrates the positive impact a true friend has on someone’s life. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
He’s going strong and in the midst of an internship with Bunge, an agribusiness and food company. Before summer ends, Christian will have worked in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri. He’ll have participated in jobs from safety audits to market hedging to exports.
Yet, his story remains the same and solid.
“I’m a sixth-generation farmer with big goals and ambitions,” Christian says. “My family and faith are the most important things in my life. I hope to make a difference in others’ lives through agriculture and business.
“Demand for agricultural products is growing with the increasing world population. Markets are becoming more connected. More countries are opening to commodity trade. The challenge to ending hunger is to create the supply to meet the demand. For a business professional, this is the opportunity to succeed in this industry.”
Christian’s note underscores his honesty and appreciation for being honored. It is fitting, as well. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Wayne Bollum and have a handwritten note he sent me in the 1990s. I had the honor of working with others who knew him to help establish this memorial scholarship.
It is a tribute to Wayne that Christian’s story will be the first in a series that helps ensure agriculture’s future remains in good hands. His story will not be the last.
20 Comments
Marilyn Louise Cummins
August 6, 2015Great column — and a great letter. Inspiring!
Rick Purnell
August 6, 2015Thank you, Marilyn.
Janet Olviares
August 6, 2015Great story.
Rick Purnell
August 6, 2015Thanks, Janet.
Pam Witzig
August 6, 2015Bravo.
And good for him. A hand-written note is definitely a standout these days. Refreshing.
Rick Purnell
August 6, 2015Standing out is good. Thanks, Pam.
Ron Goble
August 6, 2015Christian is a breath of fresh air. He’s living up to his name and gives us old-timers a reason for great hope in the future with young man like Christian. It was a great column Rick and thanks for sharing it.
Rick Purnell
August 6, 2015Christian is a great kid. We’re in good hands. Thanks for your note, Ron.
Jim Whitt
August 6, 2015Great story, Rick. It reminded me of Becky Teeter who was a great sender of handwritten cards. And yes, it does stand out like a mud puddle in California! Christian sounds like a purpose-driven young man to me.
Rick Purnell
August 6, 2015Timing is ironic, Jim and I thought of you and Becky when I was finishing this. Christian is definitely a “balcony person.” Thank you for reading and sharing.
Shelly Sitton
August 6, 2015So thankful to have such a great young man receive the scholarship in Wayne’s honor. Thanks for sharing, Rick!
Rick Purnell
August 7, 2015Thank you, Shelly: Great seeing you last week.
Adriane Charlton
August 6, 2015I love reading your newsletter–thank you for sharing your heart and talent.
Rick Purnell
August 7, 2015Thank you, Leigh!
Karen Brasher
August 7, 2015Thank you for writing such an excellent story on Mississippi State University student Christian Good. Thank you for supporting the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
Rick Purnell
August 7, 2015Thank you for reading, Karen. Appreciate ti.
Steve Mercer
August 7, 2015Rick, thanks for sharing this. Christian is right. American markets are impressive and can be sustained in the long term…but the growth opportunity is outside the United States, in markets that need and welcome the abundance of our agriculture. I hope he continues to make international marketing a part of his career.
Rick Purnell
August 7, 2015Very welcome, Steve. Thanks for reading.
Russ Garner
August 7, 2015Glad to personally know this family! Proud of Christian!
Rick Purnell
August 7, 2015Thank you Mr. Garner!