Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska Lincoln?
I attended Northeast Community College out of high school in 2011 and completed my general studies before transferring to UNL in December of 2012 to work towards a degree in agricultural education. While in high school, FFA was a huge part of my life, and I also have a passion for agriculture and teaching. At Northeast, I helped host FFA events on the district level, and I knew my passion was leading me to UNL where I could advance my learning in this field. While at UNL, I represented Nebraska on the national level as a National Teach Ag Ambassador for 2014-2015.
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and a minor in agronomy in August 2016. I received my master’s degree in applied science – science for educators in August 2019 also from UNL.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Currently, I am a 4-H Extension Associate within Nebraska Extension and located in West Point, NE. I have been in my role for almost eight years now.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Honestly, it was not my intention to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I grew up in a small town in northeast Nebraska and did not really know what I wanted to do after high school. I just knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. When I attended my first State FFA Convention, I thought UNL was huge and too big of a school for me. But that aspect changed when I toured East Campus my senior year of high school while at State FFA Convention, met with an advisor, and it did not feel “big” at all. So, after a year at Northeast Community College, I decided to take that leap and continue my education at UNL and specifically within the ALEC department where they could see my passion for FFA and teaching youth about the importance of agriculture. Now looking back, that was the best decision I could have made. I met so many great people, joined clubs on campus, continued to help with State FFA events, and grew great relationships with my teachers and advisors within the ALEC department. To this day, I keep in contact with them!
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
My favorite part of working in education is sharing my passion with youth in each and every classroom. I like seeing the kids’ faces light up when I walk into a classroom and the excitement they get when I deliver baby chicks or say we are going to eat dirt today (not really but an edible soil horizon doesn’t sound as fun to say as “let’s eat dirt”).
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have had thousands of small achievements in my life, but I feel that my greatest achievement is still coming. I am still young in my career and can just feel that the best is yet to come. If I had to say though, marrying my husband in 2022 and building a life we enjoy would be my greatest achievement thus far.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people may not know this but, I grew up in a family that has a huge collection of antique tractors, gas engines, cars, and more. My days after school and weekends were spent in the shop beside my dad and brother restoring antique tractors. Currently, the restored collection is over 50 antique tractors and 30 restored gas engines. In the summer months, my family can be found driving in parades or showing at Camp Creek in Waverly, the local county fair, and more.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work, if my husband and I are not at the farm working on our next restoration project, we can be found continuing to remodel our home. We bought a house in 2019 and have remodeled the entire house from top to bottom, and it has been a fun journey! We also enjoy spending time with our Australian Shepherd named Buck. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, and traveling. Our family will be growing in March 2025 as we will welcome our first child, and we are so excited!
