CANTON – There are students who are starting their college education who know exactly what career path they want to pursue, and there are those who are unsure. Ryan Spangler was one of the insecure. Studying at home until his senior year, attending college wasn't high on his list.

"I knew I wanted to do something in agriculture, but I didn't know what," said Spangler. "I went to a couple of business schools, but I didn't like where they are. Mom said she doesn't care what I do, but that I have to do something. "

That something was Spoon River College. Spangler registered in autumn 2013 with the aim of completing his studies in applied science in agricultural management. Since he came from a farming family, it seemed the logical choice, even if he wasn't overly enthusiastic. "I saw college as something I could do while trying to figure out what I wanted to do."

In the spring semester, Spangler felt the college experience differently. "I started getting into the groove and it turned out to be a lot more fun than high school." He enjoyed his classes, made new friends, and was active in PAS (Post-Secondary Agriculture Students). He had even switched from an applied science degree to a transfer degree.

Spangler's hard work in his class had also earned him an internship with Ag teacher Jeff Bash, where he worked in the college's garden classroom and sold the produce at the local farmers' market. Later, his livestock assessment skills – and his work ethic – led him to get a position as a teaching assistant in the Agriculture Department.

Spangler was beginning to see that this was another benefit of the college; Making connections could lead to future employment opportunities. When a local auctioneer and broker sought help, Bash gave Spangler the phone number and said, "Call him." Spangler called, got the job as auction assistant – and eventually office manager – and got interested in being broker himself to become.

"In Illinois, you have to be 21 years old to get a real estate license. I wasn't old enough to take the exam, but I started taking classes anyway, "said Spangler. Back then it was 2015. He was in his senior year at Spoon River, still working in the real estate office and as a teaching assistant, and is now taking those real estate courses as well.

Spangler was a licensed real estate agent until 2017, and when he showed a house he got a tip on another job opportunity. He called again and in 2018 began working as a laboratory technician and operations manager for a veterinary service specializing in pig production and research. "The hours were long and the work wasn't always nice, but she paid the bills and provided insurance."

It was important because by that time Spangler had met and married Ally, and the young couple were ready to expand their family.

During that time, Spangler had also taken online courses at Fort Hays State University. It had taken longer than planned, but in 2020 Spangler completed his Bachelor in Agribusiness Management.

In February of this year he accepted a position as Commercial / Ag Loan Officer at MidAmerica National Bank in the canton. "I was excited to get the job. Her focus is on customer service and giving something back to the community, two things that are also important to me. "

Spangler and Ally now live with daughter Memphis and son Denver on a small farm near Canton, where sheep raising is a family affair.

Spangler is only 26 years old and it wasn't long ago that he was the boy who didn't know what he wanted to do. He has some advice for others who may be going through the same struggle.

"Just do it; take the course, call, take the job. Work hard, be determined, be positive and have an open mind. Give everything you do an honest and fair chance," said Spangler, who held eight different jobs at a time, "It may not be your ideal job, but it doesn't have to be your job forever."

Spangler said he was grateful for the guidance from Bash and Jim Caudle, who were also Ag teachers during Spangler's college days. "I have great memories of our off-site labs (and four-wheeling!), The judges, and attending the Louisville Expo and the National PAS Conference. I am still in contact with people I met at these events. It turned out that college was a good choice and I feel like the circle has come full circle. "

source https://seapointrealtors.com/2021/08/09/src-alumnus-finds-success-in-agriculture/

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