Education

Upon listening to Dean Rutherford's motivating talk Grant believed it was important to enhance his education. From a young age he had been fascinated by agriculture and the natural world. Thus, the Ontario Agricultural College seemed like an ideal fit. However, there were a number of other reasons that motivated Grant to study in southern Ontario. His father's refusal to allow Grant to begin his own farm probably played a small role in his decision. In addition, his cousin, Willa McPherson had recently moved to Guelph. Grant admired his cousin for her energy, vivacious personality, spontaneity and easy-going approach to life in general.

Grant's family was neither thrilled nor opposed to his decision to enter post-secondary studies. In September of 1921 he boarded a train for free as a hired herdsman with one suitcase packed with food, an additional shirt, a pair of socks and a cheap pair of dress shoes.