A special homecoming

I was in third grade when someone told me I would be Princess Kay of the Milky Way for the first time. Eleven years ago, they saw something I did not yet see in myself, and today, they are my most supportive mentors. Some of the most special moments as Princess Kay come from the opportunities where my dairy story comes full circle.

This month, I had two extra-special events when I traveled to my hometown and visited my past elementary and high schools. In addition, I attended the St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, visited Woodbury Elementary School and read to students for Farm and Food Book Week.

I kicked off the month by stepping back into my elementary school days and visiting St. Anastasia Catholic School, the school I attended from kindergarten until sixth grade. This was such a fun event to share my journey to becoming Princess Kay, hear all of the students’ questions about dairy farming and visit with my past teachers.

When I began this school visit, my fifth grade teacher surprised me with a photo from my first day of fifth grade. Showing this photo to the students as I stood before them in my crown and sash was a reminder of just how much each of them will continue to accomplish.

This goes for each of the students I have the opportunity to visit. There is something special about seeing their faces light up when they think about all the incredible things that will be accomplished as they continue to pursue their passions. As a third grader, I could not have imagined I would be Princess Kay one day but took it upon myself to continue jumping into something I was passionate about and sharing that passion with every person I met. To conclude this special school visit, the students were excited to surprise me with an ice cream social.

In the weeks that followed, I attended the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade where I joined the Minnesota State Fair mascots, Fairborne and Fairchild, to walk through the parade route. It was fun to see people come together to celebrate the unique city festival and find joy in the winter season.

Next, I virtually joined students from across Minnesota for Farm and Food Book Week to read the book “My Family’s Dairy Farm.” There are so many ways to connect with students, and this was a fun way to incorporate learning about dairy into their school day. Additionally, I went to Woodbury Elementary School and joined a third-grade class to go on a virtual farm tour and make butter. All of the students were in awe to see how quickly they could make a dairy product on their own, and they all agreed it was delicious.

Finally, I wrapped up the month by taking one more trip to my hometown to visit Hutchinson High School and celebrate National FFA Week at their all-school assembly. FFA was a driving factor for me to continue exploring my passion for agriculture and sharing my story with others throughout high school. In high school, I knew being surrounded by people who had a shared love for agriculture would fuel my desire to advocate for the community I am proud to be a part of. Heading back to my high school to speak in front of the current student body was a reminder of the opportunities I was presented and took to lead me down the path I am on today.

I continue to enjoy staying busy in my role as Princess Kay and appreciate the reminders of how my dairy story changes. Stepping back into my elementary days of wanting to work on a farm to a high school student who found my true passion for sharing agriculture with those around me allowed me to reflect on how present opportunities shape our future. As Princess Kay, a college student and a passionate advocate, these reminders encourage me to make the most of every opportunity and always strive for joy and fulfillment in the future.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Rachel Visser, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Rachel grew up in Hutchinson, Minnesota working on a neighboring dairy farm. She attends the University of Minnesota double majoring in Agricultural Food and Business Management and Agricultural Communications and Marketing. Her favorite dairy food is cheese sticks. Her parents are Barry and Shannon Visser. Princess Kay is active doing school visits and events representing dairy farmers, and sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods at appearances across Minnesota.