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Marissa Baker - A Well-Rounded Leader
by Katrina Waters
Marissa Baker was not raised on a hog farm, but that has not kept her from becoming a leader in the swine industry. In 2001 she was elected to serve on the National Junior Swine Association’s board of directors, and in 2002 she was named vice president of the nation’s fastest growing junior livestock association.
Baker, a 20-year-old from Cable, Ohio, says she ran for the board to meet industry leaders and other swine enthusiasts.
Addie Dixon, 11, North Lewisburg, Ohio, says Baker has introduced her to other NJSA members.
“Marissa helps me meet new people,” Dixon says. “She encourages me to get to know some of the people I show against.”
Baker says she has enjoyed watching all of the kids have fun and make friends in the association. She says it has been exciting to watch the membership continue to grow and encourages younger members to consider running for the board of directors.
“It is a great learning experience and a time of your life you will always remember,” Baker says. “If you want to run for the board, just continue working hard and get to know as many people as you possibly can.”
Baker, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science from The Ohio State University, plans on entering nursing school in the fall of 2004. She wants to become a registered nurse and eventually work at Children’s Hospital.
She says participating in the NJSA has helped her gain skills that will benefit her throughout life, such as the ability to talk to people she does not know. She has also been able to travel to many new places throughout the country. This year, Baker especially enjoyed flying out to help with the NJSA Western Regional in Bakersfield, Calif.
“The Barnyard Olympics in California was great,” she says. “And it was really fun riding with Grant Grebner in Los Angeles traffic.”
Matt Funderburgh , a junior animal science major at The Ohio State University, says he has known Baker since he was a freshman in high school. He says her upbeat attitude has helped her become a great leader in the NJSA.
“Marissa truly enjoys helping out in the NJSA,” he says. “She goes at things to get them done and she is not afraid to take control of the situation.”
Dixon says Baker is always willing to assist people in need.
“She’s good at helping people,” Dixon says. “She even helps me with my school reports.”
Baker says she has had fun serving the NJSA for the past two years, even though it has been challenging at times.
“It’s really difficult to balance school, work, NJSA and all of the other activities I do,” she says, “but it is worth it when you get to see your friends at NJSA events.”
Baker encourages younger members to attend as many NJSA events as they can and have fun.
“Make the most of the short time you have,” she says.
Baker, who is involved in Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority and Saddle & Sirloin at The Ohio State University, received her American FFA Degree at the 2001 National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.
Funderburgh says even though Baker is active in many organizations like these, she is an excellent leader in all of them.
“She is hard-working and will do what it takes to succeed,” he says. “She has been put in leadership roles for a reason.”
As Baker prepares to step down from the board in July, she leaves with memories of annual meetings, pillow fights and a great group of friends.
“Anytime someone asks me what the best part of the NJSA is, I tell them it’s getting to see my friends,” she says. “It’s all about being with your friends.”
