Hometown: Bellevue, Neb.
Major: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication
Anticipated date of graduation: May 2019
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
When getting ready for college, I did not go on any college visits. I knew from the start that I wanted to come to the University of Nebraska. I spent a lot of time on campus through Big Red Camps, Stampede Competitions, PASE Events, NAYI and many other 4-H activities. From each of these events I knew that this school offered not only the major of my dreams, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, but also the fun, friendly, supportive, successful environment that I wanted to be surrounded by.
What is your favorite thing about the university?
Honestly, I could not image myself being anywhere but here. It is a perfect match. The community, the values, morals, classes, opportunities and connections are all phenomenal. I have been able to network with amazing professionals and other students, all while growing as a person. My favorite thing about the university is that I am part of a Big Ten University, but there is East Campus with CASNR that makes the university everything I want it to be. I am not just a number on a roster with CASNR, with this college I have made connections with faculty, the organizations have opened my future up to a world of possibilities and as far as my major, I could not have found a more perfect fit.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
As an Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication major I have loved all of my classes and learned so much in each of them. I loved my ALEC 207 class where I learned a little bit of everything and put together pieces of a communication plan for an organization. However, my favorite class would probably be ALEC 240, a photography class taught by Dr. Loizzo. In this class I found that I actually like taking pictures, which I did not know about myself before. This class, along with others, allowed me to have a hands-on experience. I was not just reading about photography in a book, but I got to go out an take pictures to practice. I even had to make a video with my photos, which is something that I can add to my portfolio to help with future job applications!
What are your plans post-graduation?
It is crazy to think that I only have two years left as an undergraduate student; time has flown by! I have found through my classes, discussions and undergraduate research that I love learning about science communication. This has made me really consider going to graduate school. So as of now I am interested in graduate school post-graduation. In the long run though, I look forward to finding a position where I will contribute to increasing urban communities' understanding of agriculture. Growing up in Omaha I saw the disconnect between the consumer and the producer first-hand, all of the time. Whether it is on a national level or here in Nebraska I want to help educate consumers on their options and help producers communicate.
What’s life like outside of school?
Life outside of school is very similar to school; I am busy and it is wonderful. I absolutely love laughing with my friends and family, no matter what we are doing. On top of spending time with them, I am very dedicated to staying involved in 4-H as an alumni. I volunteer whenever I can and serve on a few boards. Riding my Morgan Horse Tootsie takes up my time as well, along with my high maintenance cat, Meow. I am definitely an animal person and love to go home to our small family farm and help out. I am also a Pork Mentor and an Ag Sack Lunch Ambassador, both of which let me represent agriculture as much as possible. This is just the tip of the ice berg; there is never a dull moment and I would not have it any other way!