Hometown: Smithfield, Nebraska
Major: Agricultural Education
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2018
Why did you decide to come to UNL?
I decided to come to UNL because I wanted a school that felt like a home. I cannot imagine anything other than being a Husker. The ALEC department takes the time to make each of its students feel as if they are a defining part of the agricultural community and that CASNR will help them grow. The way CASNR invested in my future is probably the biggest reason that I am still at UNL. It truly does help every student plant dreams and grow legacies.
What is your favorite thing about UNL?
My favorite part of UNL is definitely the people. Growing up in a class of 15, I was so scared to come to UNL and not know anyone. UNL had so many activities to do right before school started, from NSE days to the CASNR Luau, that I knew most of the people in my first class. Right from the beginning, I found my lifelong friends that would help push me to grow and challenge me every day.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
My favorite class so far has been ASCI 210. In this class we learned more about the meat industry from slaughter to consumer consumption. I learned so much new information, and Dr. Jones did a wonderful job of making every class a new experience for his students. Over winter break, I took AGRI 310 that allowed me to travel to New Zealand to study agriculture. This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I plan to spend a couple of years in a third world country teaching agriculture. I want to help people learn how to provide for themselves and bring them the newest and most efficient way to grow food. After that, I want to come back to a rural community and teach agricultural sciences and serve as an FFA advisor.
What’s life like outside of school?
Life outside school is crazy and sometimes hectic, but it has helped make my college experience well worth it. I serve on the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, Block and Bridle and Sigma Alpha, a professional agriculture sorority. I am also on the Leadership Team for CASNR Coffee Club, which is a networking opportunity for CASNR students, faculty and related industries. The leadership I have gained through these opportunities has impacted me greatly. I love to meet new people, work on my family’s feedlot and cow calf operation, hangout with friends and go on adventures!