Name: Emily Frenzen
Hometown: Fullerton, Neb.
Major: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication
Anticipated date of graduation: May 2020
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
My parents and oldest sister are both CASNR graduates that bleed Husker red through and through, but were supportive of my decision to visit other universities my senior year of high school. However, it only took one other visit to realize UNL was the best and only place for me because of my major, passion for agriculture and love for our great state. After completing year one, my prediction that the university would allow me to be exposed to diversity, yet become immersed in a student body that feels like an inclusive community was proven to be true. There truly is no place like Nebraska!
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
Although I’m a huge fan of the Dairy Store, my love for the university is credited to the individuals that make up the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. There are very few times I have walked from one class to another on East Campus without passing a familiar face. The passionate students in my classes and those involved widely across campus encourage me to go the extra mile in order to better myself. The same can be said about faculty members who form personal relationships with students while preparing them for future success. I have found my greatest friends, mentors and teachers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, which is priceless.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
ALEC 200: Writing for Agriculture and Natural Resources was a class I did not particularly enjoy at first because it was not a walk in the park. My professor asked the other students and myself the difficult, in-depth questions we needed learn to answer as communicators in agriculture. We also learned how to address a variety of audiences, interviewing skills and the value of professionalism. I ended the semester with a huge appreciation for this class that made me think outside of the box to become a better writer with a newfound interest in science writing.
What are your plans post-graduation?
This is a question I have been asked time after time and also continue to ask myself because my major has endless opportunities! Graduate school ranks high on my list, but ultimately I see myself with an industry group, such as the Nebraska Corn Board or the Nebraska Beef Council. This would enable me to encompass strategic communication and my recent interest in policy while completing a different task each day. No matter what I end up doing, I look forward to serving as a strong voice for farmers and ranchers who feed the world, as well as the scientists who research more sustainable, efficient methods of doing so.
What’s life like outside of school?
During the school year I work in the joyous atmosphere of the ALEC Student Worker Office and am involved in Chi Omega, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and the 2017 Corn and Soy Collegiate Ambassador Program. This summer I am employed at First Bank and Trust of Fullerton and help on my family’s farm where we raise cattle and grow corn and soybeans. The remainder of the time I am not with family and friends kayaking, going to concerts or sitting around a fire is spent developing my photography business and personal blog. Within the last few years I was bitten by the travel bug and have gained a love for hopping on a plane or jumping in a car as time allows. Most recently I attended the 2017 Corn Congress with the Nebraska Corn Board in Washington D.C.–one of my favorite places! Whether I am in or out of school, my unwavering enthusiasm for the agriculture industry keep me busy, but time flies when you’re havin’ fun.