WOODBURY — Her first step onto the bus came with all the wonders in the world. A young girl sets out all the way to Indianapolis, three states away, to discover what she is really made of. In this moment Christa Freel’s face pressed up against the bus window, thinking about what will come at FFA Nationals, a site where the nation’s top agriculture students compete.

“That ride was truly the start of everything,” Freel said. Freel will once again make the journey to Indianapolis this month as a senior. “I remember, little me, scared because I didn’t want to let my team down, but it turned out to be one of the most glorious moments of my life.” 

In this moment, then a sophomore, Freel walked into Lucas Oil Stadium starstruck by how many people were truly a part of FFA. This would be something she had never dreamed of experiencing before. But little did people know this scene lit a flame in a passionate young girl.

“I had no clue what to expect at Nationals, but when I got there, all I saw was a sea of blue jackets,” Freel remembered. 

Freel earned her spot on the trip by her team winning states for the Conduct CDE. At Nationals, surrounded by her team, eagerly waiting for the results, they were awarded bronze. 

“We all held each other’s hands and prayed for the best; I remember feeling the sweat on my hands,” Freel said.  “After seeing this group of passionate people gathered in laughter and smiles, I knew I had to come back the following year.” 

Freel: A Student Who “Takes Every Opportunity” 

As Freel navigates her final year at Nonnewaug High School, she welcomes a reflective and exciting transition. Serving as the Woodbury FFA treasurer, she has earned numerous awards for her work with cows and goats, highlighting her dedication and passion for agriculture.

This year brings a bittersweet end to a chapter filled with achievements and cherished memories. With the thought of leaving behind the familiar barn and show rings pulls at her heart, Freel eagerly anticipates the new opportunities that await beyond high school.

“My parents always taught me that you need to work hard for what you want,” Freel said. “So I knew I had to take the leap and try something that would scare me.”

Pursuing a career in animal health demands a lot of determination and a commitment for gaining extensive knowledge, and it’s a challenge not everyone is built for. However, Freel shows she is not deterred by this challenge. 

“All the opportunities are there for all students, but it is up to the student to take the initiative to grasp those opportunities,” Kathleen Gorman, Ag Production instructor added. Gorman has seen Freel’s growth throughout her four-year relationship at NHS. “Christa takes every opportunity laid before her with an enthusiasm and joy that will serve her in meeting real-world expectations of the career path she’s passionate about.”

What she once thought was just going to be a school turned into a safe space where she can almost always be found: at home in NHS’ agriculture production barn with campus’ animals. 

“Being part of Woodbury FFA shaped who I am —it’s where I found my voice, my strength, and my second family,” Freel said. “I have fallen into a trance; I always find myself back at school with the animals I adore.” 

For someone who has spent their four years of high school, proving themselves to teachers, and growing connections with the animals there, it can be a bittersweet feeling when realizing this isn’t forever. 

“The connection I’ve built with Ms. Gorman and Ms. [Marisa] Bedron is one most students dream of having with their ag teachers. I am beyond thankful for the opportunities they have given me, our connection will never be forgotten.” Freel commented. “The animals without a doubt will be a hard goodbye, but I know deep down I will always find my way back to them.”

Being a senior and looking back on all that has been accomplished, it would take Freel hours to think about everything she has achieved.

“From placing in shows and winning Grand Champion Showman for goat shows to showing my own baby (cow) for the Holstein Association,” Freel reflected on everything she has accomplished at Nonnewaug. “I already feel like an old soul because of how much I could say about showing animals.” 

Freel: When The World Stopped Turning

What was supposed to be a happy day welcoming new life into the world, turned out to be a rough day she would never forget. The junior was enjoying lunch when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. Curious, she looks to see Bedron had messaged her that Keepsake (goat) was kidding (giving birth). 

“I was beyond excited to finally put my knowledge to the test,” Freel recalled. “It was my first time assisting with a goat kidding, I’ve never moved so fast in my life to get to something.” 

Bedron, one of Freel’s mentors during this moment, knew she could lean on Christa during this stressful time. 

“Christa did an outstanding job that day. She stayed calm and focused throughout the entire process, which is one of the most important skills to have in any animal birthing situation,” Bedron recalled. “What really stood out to me was how attentive and observant she was, she recognized what support was needed, responded quickly, and followed instructions without hesitation.”

In this moment, Freel’s confidence and skills within animals were on full display. Her instructors took notice.

“She also showed real confidence in handling the newborns, and making sure they were safe, dry and standing, while also keeping an eye on Keepsake’s comfort,” Bedron added. 

Entering the large lab seeing Gorman and Bedron in the pen with Keepsake, as soon as she got there, she immediately felt something off. 

“I felt like my chest fell through my stomach,” Freel said. “I had no idea what was going to come of that moment.” 

In the dim light of the large lab, Keepsake, the strong mother goat, gave birth to Nessi, a very lively little girl. But then there was a second, a boy, that laid still and silent, Freel’s heart shattered.

Her first time assisting in the wonder of birth had quickly turned from happiness to heartbreak. She realized the painful reality of how giving life can equally bring sorrow, as the experience left a permanent mark on her soul, intertwining the beauty of life with the pain of loss.

“This experience was difficult, but was a profound teacher. It showed me the depth of life’s emotional spectrum, from loss to hope,” Freel reflected. “It’s a reminder that vulnerability is part of being connected to the world.”

Though it was a rough start to what should have been a beautiful beginning, Freel is pleased that she could still welcome at least one adorable, filled with life, baby goat. A moment in her life she will never forget and always live with. 

Freel: Carrying “Compassion into the Vet World”

Throughout high school, Freel’s passion for animal life and health has only grown more intense, fueled by her extraordinary amount of lessons and experiences. Her deep love for animals and drive to serve them, has led her to want to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. With this goal in mind, Freel is determined to attend college and gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in the lives of the animals she cherishes.

“I have no doubt Christa will thrive after graduation. She’s leaving with a strong foundation, not just in agricultural knowledge, but also in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork,” Gorman said. “More importantly, she’s developed a work ethic and sense of purpose that will carry her far, no matter what direction she takes. I believe she will use what she’s learned here as a launchpad to build a successful and meaningful future.”

With Freel’s determination in finding the best school for animal science, she has been looking into many different colleges such as Virginia Tech and NC State. 

“NC has a very good program for animal science, it sets you up for future animal careers but Virginia Tech feels more like home, it is a smaller campus and a 3 plus 1 program that helps get you into vet school sooner.”

Freel remains undecided between the colleges, Virginia Tech and NC State, each offering distinct advantages. With her mentors encouragement and a heart full of passion, she knows that either will be the right choice to get her closer to her future career in veterinary care. Confident in her ability to make a significant impact, she looks forward to the exciting journey ahead with hope and determination.

”There are students who work hard, and then there are students like Christa- who work with heart,” Gorman said. “She has a gift for seeing the soul in every animal she meets, and I know she’ll carry that compassion into the vet world.”