Pursuing Creativity in Agriculture

Kara Lemstra’s path has been anything but linear. While both her choice in college and major have changed since beginning her college education, her love for agriculture and her passion for creativity have remained.

Lemsta grew up on a dairy farm in the Central Valley of California. During her high school years, her family moved to South Dakota to seek better farming opportunities. Spending her early years on and near dairies and close to family grounded Lemstra in a tradition of family-farming—one she hopes to pursue after graduation.

Prior to Dordt, Lemstra began her college education majoring in aviation at a large, public university. However, it became clear to her that something was missing. “I realized how much I missed a Christian education,” says Lemstra. “I met a lot of great people, but I needed more meaning and purpose to what I was learning.” Around this time, Lemstra was introduced to Dordt University. Around this time, Lemstra was introduced to Dordt University and was drawn to its commitment to Christ-centered learning and its strong agriculture program—both of which aligned with her growing sense of calling.

During her time at Dordt, Lemstra has also been able to pursue her creativity. Throughout her life, Lemstra's love of reading, writing, art, and photography have been meaningful ways for her to both express herself and connect with others. Coming to Dordt, Lemstra wondered if the school’s Ag Communication (Ag Comm) major might be the perfect intersection of interests for her.

“I thought I wouldn’t like the first journalism class I took at Dordt, but it opened more creative doors for me and became my new creative outlet,” says Lemstra.

Lemstra has come to love the Ag Comm major because it allows her to be both creative and impactful in an industry she loves. “Growing up in the agriculture industry, I have realized how important it is to teach people about what we do. This major prepares me to do that in an effective and truthful way,” says Lemstra.

Aside from classes, Lemstra’s involvement in Dordt’s student-run newspaper, the Diamond, has been instrumental in helping her grow in creative communication.

“Joining the Diamond staff as a photographer has made me look at media under a whole different light,” says Lemstra. “Being sent out to capture stories through a lens and help tell a story through a picture brings me a lot of joy.”

As she looks ahead, Lemstra is preparing to step into a life that reflects both her roots and her calling. This summer, she will be married and move to Rock Valley, where she plans to help continue her fiancé’s fifth-generation dairy farm—an opportunity that brings her passion for agriculture full circle. Grounded in family and farming, she also hopes to expand her photography business, complete her degree, and pursue a career in Ag Communication where she can combine creativity with purpose.