plishment I cannot get from doing anything else . This is why I love agriculture ,” shares the confident young farmer .
He adds : “ I learned a lot from Doug and from NAS . I not only learned how to become a farmer , an entrepreneur , and handle business , I also learned the value of hard work , a strong work ethic , perseverance , and leadership skills . It was not always easy . I would sell a dozen eggs for $ 5.00 and I was only making $ 1.00 on them . And then sometimes chickens would get sick and I would lose them . But I did not give up . I knew what I wanted to do , and I wanted to make it work no matter what . I persevered and considered everything to be useful experience .”
n Ian Shanholtz “ I found a new purpose ”
NAS is more than just a school , it is also a hub and platform where people meet and connect . Many of its students have found job opportunities through the different programs offered at NAS . Ian Shanholtz , for example , met with Legacy Farms , where he is now a board member and a mentor .
Owner of Shanholtz Farm and Gardens near Hillsboro , Ian Shanholz first met with Legacy Farms , during NAS ’ s programs “ Saturday on The Farm ” and the “ Mentors Development Training Program .” Legacy Farms is a nonprofit that offers apprenticeship-style learning and job opportunities in a neurodiverse community of individuals preparing for college , learning a trade , or seeking internships to further their education .
“ I have been in the industry for years now , but I am always looking to learn . This is why I chose to enroll in some of NAS ’ s programs and be involved in the Loudoun Country Market . NAS is also a great platform to meet other people in the industry . This is how a lot of people got job opportunities , summer internships and collaboration opportunities . I am so grateful I met with the people from Legacy Farms . I really fit in , being neurodiverse myself . I feel that I am really making a difference mentoring those kids . I have found a new purpose , and I am thriving ,” Ian enthusiastically shares .
NAS supports Legacy Farm ’ s mission by providing them with a plot of land in the vineyard at Fabbioli Cellars for their flower garden that supplies small businesses such as , Old Soul Flower Company , the Northern Virginia Flower Co-op , custom-grown peppers and okra for Peter Piper ’ s Peppers , and Loudoun Country Market .
n Christina Andreyko “ One step closer to my dreams ”
Christina Andreyko is very passionate about Animal husbandry . She enrolled in the New Ag ’ s School “ Think Outside ” program to learn more about agriculture and to have the opportunity of working on a farm with animals . After successfully completing the program , she earned the opportunity to have a job placement at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park in Leesburg .
“ This program has been a great opportunity and stepping stone for me . I knew I wanted to work with animals , but I did not know where or how to be able to do it . When I heard about the New Ag ’ s School program for young adults and aspiring farmers , I immediately asked my mom to enroll me . It was a great experience . I got to develop my personal skills , learn new things , and meet other high schoolers with the same passion as me . We learned a lot of technical skills , but also developed a good work ethic and communication skills . We also learned to work as a team ,” says Christina .
Working at Temple Hall , Christina says , brought her one step closer to her dreams , and she really enjoys working with animals . “ This opportunity would not have been possible without NAS . And I am also now even more certain that this is what I want to do as a career . I feel that an exposure to agriculture is really important . It ’ s a way to discover the many opportunities available in this sector , but also to get a taste of it , so that you know if it is really what you want to do .”
For more information about The New School and its programs , visit newagschool . org or send an email at info @ newagschool . org . You can also find NAS on Facebook : @ NewAgSchool .
A native of Mauritius , an island off the coast of Africa , Jenilaine Moonean-Fabbioli is an award-winning journalist and international lecturer . In 2018 she moved to the U . S . and calls Loudoun County home . After working in the media industry for more than a decade , she reoriented her career in the human and workforce development sector . A woman of many passions , Jenilaine dedicates her free time to singing , traveling and time with her family .
24 wander I fall • winter 2021