So, we find the first of my journal entries for the new learning journey I am embarking on. After the visit in April, I was invited to spend the morning in the Agricultural Engineering space, at a local college. This was to see what other students will be there, and whether you like the idea of the course you have chosen. It was a straight up ideal, with the time spent between three different outcomes.
Number One: A Walk and Talk
This involved taking a look at the grounds of the college, at least where agricultural engineering was concerned. We looked at the fields for grazing and some acres of produce. Much of what was spoken about was to show what would be involved in the average day, with further potential situations and endevours.
Number Two: The Break-Down
We were taked with taking the carb and head off of a small engine. There was the use of some nice tools and some impressive, orange, work gloves, too! This went well, with the engine being left incomplete by the previous user. Still, I stripped it down and then set about rebuilding it. This was an enjoyable task, but I must confess that my anxiety was playing havoc. It was really just a confidence thing!
Number Three: Tractor-Time
Fun really got started when each of us got to spend time manouving an old Massey-Ferguson 230. There were no mirrors, no roof, no accelerator pedal and no clue how to start it! This was sorted with some practice and fiddling, but it worked like old style trucks. Clutch and brake, lift and move in gear! This was also with a trailer…I shalln’t mention how my reversing went!
In-Summary:
All in all, this was a good start. I am now waiting to hear whether I will start at the lower level, for the first year. It’s an extra twelve months, but it is also a grounding that I am not oblivious to finding an anchor to. I guess this will be a ‘Time-Will-Tell,’ moment. The next entry will be in late August, when enrollment happens…unless I post about the course I end up on.
