Kami Kile demonstrates her love for animals by taking care of and training them at her job.
As a member of the National FFA Organization, Kami Kile has developed her leadership skills in many ways. She serves as her chapter’s reporter and she competes in several career development events.
However, one way Kile demonstrates her love for animals is through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Kile works at Yellow Springs Kennel, a dog kennel in her hometown that raises and trains hunting dogs. She performs many different tasks at the kennel, which have taught her skills in animal care and management.
When Kile began her journey at the kennel, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. She usually handled the smaller jobs, such as feeding the dogs. However, Kile has progressed from her original level, and she now performs tasks such as administering medication to many of the dogs.
Kile has always loved animals, and she attributes much of her current success to her passion for animals when she was younger. Her love for this project stems from her childhood experiences with animals like her horses. Now, she says the animals are her favorite part of her job.
“I love being directly involved in the care and training of the dogs,” Kile says. “I love seeing them progress and knowing that I got to make a difference in their lives.”
Kile has gained numerous hours of hands-on training through her placement SAE, and those hours have contributed greatly to her success. In May 2024, she was recognized as a gold-rated individual in her proficiency category through the Ohio FFA Association. Kile encourages everyone to find a SAE they truly care about in order to obtain success.
“SAEs are the key in the agriculture industry because they give students real-world experiences,” Kile says. “They help students build practical skills, understand industry practices and explore different careers — all while developing responsibility and a work ethic.”
Although Kile is thankful for the hours of hands-on experience that her SAE has given her, she is also looking forward to continuing with her placement in the future. She believes this job opportunity has opened doors for her future success in the industry. Her love for the animals that she works with truly knows no bounds, and she has shown how having enough passion for something can transition into a rewarding experience.
