Hometown: Ord, Neb.
Major: Agribusiness
Anticipated Date of Graduation: December 2023
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I came because CASNR helped make me feel at home and the Engler Entrepreneurship Program was a place where my entrepreneurship idea could come to life. My campus visit with CASNR really swayed my decision. I got to talk to an agribusiness/ag econ advisor who truly just wanted to get to know me and wanted to know my goals, so she could see if UNL was the best fit for me. She then talked about the Engler Program and how it could potentially make my goals come true. After meeting with Tom Field, who is the director of the Engler Program, it was a really easy decision to decide that UNL was the place for me to come to make connections and get the resources to achieve my goals.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
My favorite thing about UNL is the connections I have made. Between different organizations that I have been involved in, I have met so many different people from all over! I am especially thankful for the Engler Program which has not only given me connections with students but also with different mentors and alumni who can help give me their wisdom to grow my business!
What about diversity and inclusion is important to you when you think about your CASNR experience?
I think diversity and inclusion are super important. Coming from a small-town community where most people have the same views and values, it is very interesting to really explore how diverse it is and get different opinions from people all over the world. I have had students in classes that were from other countries and all over the United States and seeing how they view the world is really eye-opening.
Exposure to cultural differences is a huge part of college. What activity have you recently participated in that is different from what you are used to in your culture? This could be something you read, listened to, watched, ate or otherwise took part in. What did you learn from this activity?
In my HIST 111 class, we had to watch the movie "Glory." This movie is about the 54th regiment in the civil war. It shows African Americans fighting prejudice and the battles they had to overcome to be respected. It is a movie that will open your eyes to what some had to go through, and I think it is really important to remember so we can be inclusive and respectful to everyone around us.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
My favorite class that I have taken is EAEP 101. It is a class that gets you focused on building your entrepreneurial mindset. Listening to Tom Field is the best way to start my day! This class helped give me the push I needed to actually go out and start the business that I always wanted to start. This class is what made my dream of having a beef business come to life.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I don't really have anything set for after graduation. I will definitely be involved in agriculture in some way! I also want to continue my direct-to-consumer beef business, County 47 Beef, and will help out on my family's farm and ranch operation in central Nebraska! So, after college, you'll most likely see me in a tractor or with my cows.
What's life like outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, going on walks, working on my beef business or helping at my family's farm/ranch operation!
What scholarships, if any, have you received?
Some scholarships I have received are from the Aksarben Foundation, Colvin Scholarship, Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Scholarship, Peterson Comm. Marketing Scholarship, and the Sam/Martha McKelvie Scholarship.