Meredith Jones

Major: Agricultural Education
Hometown: Dawn, Missouri

How did you choose your major?

Coming to college, I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture some way, but I wasn't exactly sure how. During high school, FFA and my ag advisers made a great impact on my life, as well as my opportunity to serve as a Missouri FFA State Officer my freshman year of college. I believe all of these helped make my decision to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education.

What CAFNR opportunities have you taken advantage of?

I have taken as many opportunities in CAFNR as possible. I currently serve as an officer in Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority, Ag Ed Society, and Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau. Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau also gave me the opportunity to compete in the 2011 Missouri State Fair Queen Contest, and now I serve as the reigning Queen. I also am a member of CAFNR Student Council. I have served on the CAFNR Week Steering Committee, once as a member and once as a director. I was recently selected to serve on the CAFNR Student Development Board. CAFNR also has given me work experience from a student job in the Dean's office, as well as the opportunity to study abroad in England over spring break.

What is your favorite CAFNR memory so far?

My favorite CAFNR memory so far would have to be CAFNR Week my sophomore year. I was serving on the committee that year and had the opportunity to meet so many new people – and the week's festivities were a blast!

What has been your favorite CAFNR class and why?

My favorite CAFNR class so far has been Floral Design. It is so much fun and I am learning a skill (floral arranging) I never expected to learn.

What is your advice to potential CAFNR students?

My advice to potential CAFNR students would be to "come on and join the CAFNR family!" CAFNR truly is a family and has more opportunities than you could ever imagine. After joining CAFNR, I would tell students to become as involved as possible and try new things. College goes by incredibly fast so don't wait to do things! Jump on every possible opportunity.

CAFNR is unique because…

I think CAFNR is unique for many different reasons. As I previously stated, CAFNR is a family where everyone knows your name. That's something you wouldn't expect to find on a campus as large as the University of Missouri's. CAFNR also is very unique because of its great diversity. CAFNR has something for everyone, yet you can almost always find some common ground with another CAFNR student.

How will CAFNR give you an edge in the work force?

I think CAFNR will give me a great edge in the workforce for multiple reasons. CAFNR and the University of Missouri have given me a high quality education with a variety of classes. I believe I will have a great knowledge base entering the work force, as well as valuable experiences through my many opportunities here in CAFNR. I have had the opportunity to hold various leadership positions, participate in groups, plan events, study abroad, and many more.

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