Hometown: Berthoud, Colorado
Major: Agribusiness
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May of 2025
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
When I was young, I knew I wanted to go to college somewhere in the Midwest and get away from home. Then, I met Tom Field in May of 2018, where he told me about the learning experience the Engler Program offered. After that small conversation, Big Red would become my home four years later. When I toured here in fall of 2020, I felt like this had to be my next step or not go to college at all. I was nervous because I didn't receive an email back from the university for weeks, but I eventually got the message that I was in. Then a few moments later, I checked my email and noticed that I received the Ruth Leverton, a scholarship to cover outstate tuition.
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I love having the challenge of building my network and meeting new people away from home. Being rural allows you to be forced to meet people from all aspects.
What about diversity and inclusion is essential to you when you think about your CASNR experience?
A diverse future of agriculture is the only way we move forward and promote sustainability and innovation. Promoting this environment in CASNR is essential for a positive and meaningful future.
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, eaten, or otherwise taken part in. What did you learn from this activity?
When I saw people eating chili with cinnamon rolls, I was like, wow, this is different, but I tried it, and this combination is not half bad.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far, and why?
Other than the Engler classes I have taken, my favorite classes are Marketing and Commutation 275. My professor, Robin Garwel, does a tremendous job keeping the class engaged, which adds to the experience of going to that class. Learning how to sell and communicate effectively is critical to my future, and the classroom environment pulls you to want to know more and why people function the way they do.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I hope to move to our ranch in Washington State and figure out how to turn our marginal atmosphere into margin, and also to further my knowledge in trading cattle in hopes of bringing other sources of income to our rural county.
What's life like outside of school?
During break periods, I spend most of my time in central Washington State, working on my family's farm and ranch. We raise hay and seed crops, wheat, sunflowers and cattle. My life outside of school, while being in Nebraska, I focus my spare time on my business, Thoren Bros LLC, and hanging out with my fraternity brothers from Alpha Gamma Rho.