Hometown: Broken Bow, Neb.
Major: Horticulture, production option
Minor: Leadership and entrepreneurship
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2017
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I decided to come to UNL because it is part of my family tradition – my parents both graduated from UNL. My decision was also influenced throughout middle school and high school when I attended the Food Science and Culinary Arts Big Red Camp, Geography Camp, All Girls All Math Camp and 4-H Life Challenges Contests, all at UNL. Each of these experiences exposed me to the University’s impressive resources. I was able to call UNL my second home even before attending college.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
My favorite thing about UNL is the family it forms among its students and faculty. There are so many opportunities to stay involved in the college and community that can help expand students’ career paths.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
My favorite class so far has been ornithology that I took at the Cedar Point Biological Station. It gave students a lot of field experience when learning to identify birds and observing their behavior. This class allowed me to adopt a new hobby that I can share with my family and friends.
What are your plans post-graduation?
Immediately after graduation, my goal is to return to the family farm to expand the operation into a business that can incorporate each of my three sisters’ talents and interests as well as my own. Currently the farm specializes in the seed production of native grasses. I plan on starting an intensively grazed livestock system and increasing our seed production of cover crops and forbs, which will give the business possible direct marketing opportunities. Adding agrotourism elements to the land will increase our general public exposure and profitability.
What’s life like outside of school?
Outside of normal classes and homework, I am a member of the UNL Honor’s Program and am a teaching assistant for David Lambe’s agribusiness entrepreneurship class and Donald Lee’s genetics class. Being the vice president of the UNL Garden Gang lets me volunteer at the Belmont Elementary School after-school program. I also regularly attend Lincoln’s Saint Paul United Methodist Church where I have found a great community of support. I return to the family farm to work with my dad every summer.