Hometown: Sumner, NE
Major: Master of applied science, specializing in community development
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2020
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I completed my undergraduate degree in agricultural education from UNL in May of 2018. I was offered a position on the Cultivate ACCESS team as the graduate student assistant and knew that this was the right time to continue my education, and work with an amazing program, and outstanding faculty and staff from CASNR. Cultivate ACCESS is working towards increasing participation of underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career fields in agriculture through a mentoring and development program for high school students. I was hooked from the moment I started learning about this program and knew that this was an opportunity for me to make a positive impact in the industry that I am passionate about while receiving education from the university I love.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
What I love about UNL is how the faculty and staff in CASNR care about students. I have been able to work with and learn from people who invested in me and went above and beyond to support and encourage me to try new things. Our college takes the extra step to achieve academic excellence and also recognizes that student development outside of the classroom is essential. We receive support in finding internships, volunteer opportunities and campus involvement that creates a holistic learning experience. My self-confidence and resiliency was strengthened through my time in CASNR, and I would not be who I am today without this experience.
How has diversity and inclusive excellence played a role in your CASNR experience?
CASNR has helped me connect with people of different backgrounds and experiences. I love how CASNR is working towards creating a culture on campus that celebrates diversity, and I was able to see the positive changes over the years. Agriculture is getting more diverse, and our college is preparing the next generation of leaders to excel at bridging gaps and creating safe and inclusive environments in the workplace. Cultivate ACCESS is a new program to CASNR that showcases our commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence by extending our reach to women and minority groups by showing them there are opportunities in agriculture for them.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
My favorite course I have taken so far was ALEC 466: Leadership and Diversity. Through this course I completed an immersion project in a cultural group that I had no experience with. I volunteered at the Lancaster County Corrections Center in a career skills course for inmates. It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but it was extremely beneficial for me and I grew a lot as I was pushed way out of my comfort zone. This experience has helped me to keep an open mind when meeting people who come from a different background and life experience than my own and to seek understanding first before casting judgment.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After I complete my master’s, I plan to work as an extension educator in Nebraska. I love how Nebraska Extension has placed such an importance on developing and sustaining rural Nebraska communities and I hope to work as a community developer to keep our communities strong and thriving in a changing world.
What’s life like outside of school?
I am a big fan of podcasts, documentaries and reading books that aren’t textbooks. In my free time I’m looking for something that challenges me to think in a new way or learn about something that is outside of what I study in school. As an undergraduate I spent a year working in the CASNR Dean’s office. I love to stop by and catch up with the staff and the exciting new things happening in CASNR. Trips home to the family farm and being back in rural Nebraska with my family is the best way to spend a weekend!