Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?
A: Choosing to attend the University of Missouri was a challenging decision for me, especially coming from a small town and graduating with just 15 students in my class. I felt intimidated at first, worried that I might not achieve the same goals as some of my peers I met at Mizzou. However, after careful consideration, I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was the best choice for my personal growth. If I could offer advice to anyone in a similar situation—whether from a small town or a small school—it would be this: don’t be afraid to embrace new opportunities and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. It’s through these experiences that you truly grow and discover your potential.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your major?
A: I chose to pursue a degree in agribusiness management because, like many of my classmates, I originally planned to return to the family farm, but as I progressed through college, I discovered that I wanted to make an even broader impact in agriculture. The courses I took and the inspiring people I met opened my eyes to the countless ways I could contribute to the industry, beyond traditional farming practices. Agribusiness management has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, and it offers the perfect blend of skills to keep pushing my growth and expand my reach in this field I’m passionate about.
Q: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
A: When I first started at Mizzou, I wasn’t very involved in campus activities, but as I began expanding my network, I joined clubs and organizations that made a huge difference in my college experience. Getting involved with Independent Aggies and the AgriSystems Technology Club connected me with people who share my interests, making my time here so much more exciting. Being part of these groups has not only been a lot of fun but also given me the chance to learn from others’ perspectives and grow my knowledge in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Q: Did you partake in any research, study abroad or internship opportunities? What did you enjoy about those experiences?
A: Throughout my time at Mizzou, I had the opportunity to complete three summer internships with John Deere, and I can’t stress enough—don’t take these experiences for granted! These internships allowed me to put what I was learning in the classroom into real-world practice, giving me invaluable preparation for my future career, wherever it may lead. I loved how relevant the work was to my interests and how much my coursework actually came to life in a professional setting. It’s amazing to see firsthand how what we learn in school truly builds the foundation for our success in the real world.
Q: What is a favorite memory you have during your time in CAFNR?
A: My favorite memory in CAFNR has to be CAFNR Week! It’s such a blast to showcase our clubs and organizations and all the fun activities we do—not just to the university, but to anyone watching. CAFNR Week really highlights how these experiences help us grow into better leaders for the future. Plus, the friendships and connections I’ve made have truly shaped who I am today, both as a friend and a future leader.
Q: How did your degree program prepare you for the future?
A: My degree has prepared me for the future by connecting me to real-world research and current studies. Looking at how businesses adapted during challenges like COVID-19 and past recessions gave me valuable insight—reminding me that the world isn’t always predictable. Learning about the strategies businesses used to navigate these obstacles helped me understand my coursework on a deeper level, making it all the more relevant and applicable to my future career.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: My future plans are still taking shape, but my incredible experiences with John Deere have shown me that I can apply what I’ve learned to other agricultural companies with similar values. While I’m not certain where this path will lead, I know it will involve innovation, sustainability and teamwork—principles I’m excited to carry forward into my career.