Hometown: Uehling, Nebraska
Major: Applied Science
Minor: Agricultural economics and agronomy
Anticipated date of Graduation: May 2018
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I decided to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln because I knew I was going to be coming back to the great state of Nebraska to live out my life and what better way to assist that life than by building a network of aspiring individuals who will, in some way, have connections to my home area. I knew that UNL had a great agricultural program and I wanted to learn from the best teachers, researchers and daily operators. I wasn't going to get all of that in any other university system.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
When I was looking at colleges to attend, UNL's recruitment slogan was "Start your Story." I remember I used to think that was a foolish slogan. What did I care about writing a story. I knew where I'd been and where I was planning to go with my life. But now that I've been immersed in the atmosphere of college I realize how important stories actually are. I grew up in a small rural community where I knew everyone's name. Now I can't walk to class without seeing a stranger. Talk about being immersed in a different environment. I've come to realize the benefits of stories from people with different backgrounds than me. The experiences that we've all had and learned from is immeasurable. I can learn a lot from sitting in a class and reading textbooks, but the real value I've found in college is learning from my peers who surround me in my time here at UNL. My favorite part about UNL is being able to share stories with people who view the world in a completely different way than I do. Building those relationships has allowed me to become a better student, a better scholar and a better man. I am forever thankful towards UNL for providing me with the opportunity to do that.
What are your plans post-graduation?
Assist in managing the family farm under my father until I take over the operation for myself; expand the operation by diversifying with the addition of livestock; look into being on the CVA board; run a tiling business (field tiling not floors); who really knows! I have an internship with The Scoular Company this upcoming summer and I'm excited for the opportunity to evaluate a career away from the farm. I am positive that I will know for sure where I want to end up after my internship.
What's life like outside of school?
I am very active outside of the academic environment at UNL. I am a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, the University Marching Band, The Big Red Express, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, Navigators Greekside Worship Band, Navigators Bible Study, multiple intramural teams and serve as a CASNR Ambassador. I also hold an ASUN Senate seat for CASNR and went on a study abroad trip to France and Spain with the Department of Agricultural Economics. While there we studied their agricultural and cultural differences.