Hometown: Kearney, Nebraska
Major: Animal Science and Agribusiness; Engler Entrepreneurship and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars minors
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2022
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I grew up actively involved in 4-H and FFA and had been to the UNL campus many times before attending college. Campus did already have a homey feel when coming to tour, but I was on the fence between here and other top animal science schools. It was truly the Engler Entrepreneurship program that is the reason I am at UNL today. The way of thinking and community that I have been surrounded by within the program have made my college experience what it is today.
What is your favorite thing about University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The university is passionate about building strong students and creating many opportunities for them. It is also a one-of-a-kind experience to see our school and state come together to support each other in all kinds of circumstances.
How has diversity and inclusive excellence played a role in your CASNR experience?
One thing that has been very eye opening to me has been realizing how differently everyone thinks and comes up with ideas. It is one thing to learn about where individuals are from and their journey up until now, but it has been my favorite part of exploring how we all think differently and the unique ideas and dreams that we are striving for.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
EAEP 101 is the introduction class to entrepreneurship and Engler. It is a class structured like none other. I was challenged, celebrated, disciplined and grew beyond measure. Before beginning this class, I was told I would leave it feeling like I could conquer the world. I most certainly felt that within the world there are endless possibilities just waiting for me to start. My pathway was truly altered and strengthened in this class and it will forever be one that I reflect on every day.
What are your plans post-graduation?
My plans were once thought to be solid and ones that I would fulfill after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. If there is anything I have learned thus far, it is just how fast plans can be pivoted. I do know that after graduating, I will continue to grow my purebred and commercial cow herd alongside my sister. I will work to sustain traditions in rural communities. I most definitely will be an owner of many small businesses, and I will strive to live each day to the fullest and forever remember that I am a life-long learner. I look forward to reaching my many aspirations, yet I will first always remember to live in the moment and stop to smell every flower and take in all breathtaking sights.
What’s life like outside of school?
Having faith, being grateful for my family and celebrating my friends are what I choose to focus on outside of academics. I am actively engaged in our family's diversified farming operation and work with my mom and sister on taking action on all our wild ideas. My sister and I, alongside our entire family, put on a livestock progress show in June and look forward to growing the possibilities with doing so.
I am currently serving as a National Junior Hereford Board Director and am involved in the Nebraska Hereford Association. 4-H and FFA also hold a dear spot in my heart, and I strive to volunteer and work as a now alumni within those organizations as much as I can. On the flip side of agriculture, I have a deep enthusiasm and adoration of fashion and expressing style as one's personality. "Look good, feel good," is what gets me through the hard days of exams and obstacles.
I have a love for creating, sharing, designing and living out stories and traditions. Further education is a steppingstone for my hopes and dreams. I highly recognize and am excited that I will forever be growing and learning in all aspects of life, and I am beyond thankful for those who support me and hold me up along the way.
Ralston has received the following scholarships: Husker Traditions Scholarship, Mark & Camille Jensen Scholarship, Robin Lapaseotes Scholarship, Animal Science Scholarship and the AKSARBEN Purple Ribbon Auction Scholarship.