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Stephens, who graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics, earned a prestigious Marshall Scholarship which allows him to do two years of post-graduate study at Cambridge University in England. In winning this scholarship, he competed against more than 800 American students for one of 40 scholarships. Stephens had earlier won the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for Public Service which will help fund his law school education when he returns from England. The Truman Scholarship is a three-year award for 70 - 80 college juniors. Recipients receive $10,000 per year, including the last year of undergraduate and two years of post-graduate studies. Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership potential, social commitment, and communication skills. Development of the skills necessary to compete for such notable scholarships began years ago for Stephens. There, he learned how to make tough decisions at a young age. "I used to play baseball," Stephens said. "But, in junior high school, I decided to become involved in FFA instead. I knew I couldn't do both well and figured that I had more potential to succeed with FFA." Besides, he'd grown up with agriculture education - both of his parents, Shirley and Mike, teach it at Chickasha High School. Active in other organizations such as student council and National Honor Society, Stephens found FFA to be an organization that gave him a solid foundation for the future. "I was raised in an agricultural environment. My family has a small acreage and cattle operation," Stephens said. "I was active in FFA for the four years in high school. That's where I first started to develop self confidence and to set some career goals. And, that's where I first developed an interest in my major." Through FFA, he learned about goal-setting, public speaking, competition, persistence and good sportsmanship. "I remember my first goal was to qualify for the state speech contest my freshman year. That didn't happen. But, I did work hard and qualify the next three years," he said. Stephens took that same ambitious attitude to OSU and graduated with honors. He plans to enter Cambridge University this fall with the Marshall Scholarship, which provides funding at any British institution. There, he will study land economy, an academic program that combines agricultural economics, law, environmental policy and natural resources. When he returns to the U.S., Stephens says that he plans to apply to law school, using the Truman Scholarship, and eventually becoming involved in Oklahoma's agricultural industry on either a state or national level. Stephens already has some experience working with the state legislature. Last spring, he took a semester off from school to participate in an OSU internship with the Oklahoma Senate and House agriculture committees. "I really enjoyed being a part of the policy process and observing the concepts of leadership in Oklahoma. It's important that society gains awareness of the need to produce a safe and wholesome food supply and to protect the environment around us," he said. A drive to succeed combined with a solid foundation built during Stephens youth, continues to support him. "People should never underestimate their potential," says Stephens. "Work hard. Set goals. If you don't achieve your goal, continue to work hard." |
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| posted 1/4/2001 |
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Chris
Stephens, a Chickasha native who gave up baseball in junior high
for the career and technology student organization