Bueing’s Future Blossoms at UMO
MOUNT OLIVE- Every day, University of Mount Olive (UMO) student Haley Bueing gets to see first-hand the future of agriculture. As an agriculture education major, she plans to share her knowledge and experience with the next generation.
A native of Eastover, NC, Bueing was an active member of her high school’s FFA chapter. She was a chapter officer and competed in events at the state and national levels.
Bueing’s father was in the U.S. Army while she was growing up, and she was always proud of him for his service. Unfortunately, her life changed forever when he passed away in 2014.
“When my father passed, I was a junior in high school, and a big part of me stopped caring about anything at that point,” Bueing shared. However, her teachers inspired her to remember what she was passionate about and to stay active with the FFA. “My agriculture advisors pushed me to realize my potential and to never give up,” she said.
The encouragement from her own agriculture teachers inspired Bueing to pursue a degree in agriculture education. “I decided I wanted to have that kind of impact on someone else’s life,” she said. “I want to help young people realize their worth, and help them see that they have the ability to succeed, regardless of their home life. Having an outlet like FFA, can truly be life-transforming. I know this from my own experience.”
Bueing enrolled at UMO in the fall of 2016. She is part of UMO’s Collegiate FFA and Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers organizations. “My favorite memories at UMO have been based around my FFA involvement,” she said. Additionally, she volunteers with her local 4-H club, assisting with events and judging.
Bueing has experienced a successful academic career since attending UMO. She has received merit scholarships each semester and was awarded an American FFA Degree, which is given to less than one percent of FFA members. She has persisted in her college journey, although it has been challenging. “Things haven’t been the easiest for me since my dad passed, and my mother also has health problems,” Bueing said. “I have had to push myself and provide myself with the determination to achieve my goals.”
In the fall of 2019, Bueing will begin student teaching at Harrells Christian Academy. She currently works there as a substitute teacher to get to know her future students better. “I will be teaching high school horticulture and agriscience application classes,” Bueing explained. “I have already learned that teaching is more than just coming to school every day and teaching the content to students. It also involves teaching them about life and the choices they will have to make. Students look up to their teachers, so it is our job to set a good example.”
Bueing is set to graduate in December of 2019 and plans to teach high school agriculture. She will be the first person in her family with a college degree. “It motivates me every day to be an example for my niece and nephew that college can be a helpful tool for reaching your goals and a constructive outlet that allows you to be successful,” Bueing shared.
Throughout her educational journey, Bueing has learned to be persistent through life’s unpredictable circumstances. She is thankful for those people at UMO who have inspired her to educate others. “The most important thing I have learned at UMO is that teachers want to help you succeed in any way they can, but it is your job to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Bueing.
“UMO has provided me with an encouraging atmosphere to mold me into a successful educator, and I feel that I am prepared for my future,” she said.
Bueing is the daughter of Renee Bueing and the late Ryan Bueing.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, in Smithfield at Johnston Community College, and online. For more information, visitwww.umo.edu.
(L-R): Haley Bueing (second from left) hands over a new seedling to HCA student Henry Moore as HCA students Madison Biven (far left) and Mary Lila Blackburn look on.
Haley Bueing (right) is pictured with HCA Ag Teacher and UMO Alumnus Reva Weathington (left).
Haley Bueing
Haley Bueing (far right) talks with HCA students (L-R) Mary Lila Blackburn, Madison Biven, Henry Moore in the HCA Greenhouse.