Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agricultural systems technology? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study?

It was almost destiny for me to attend the University of Missouri. I’m a legacy student, and my mother works in Jesse Hall as a programmer analyst. However, I was not going to come to Mizzou just for those reasons; I needed to fall in love on my own. When I toured Mizzou and met some CAFNR faculty, I realized quickly that it made me feel at home like no other school did. I chose agricultural systems technology because I liked that I was getting a lot of hands-on learning, but with a side dose of business education to have a well-rounded experience that would work better for me in my career. Within agricultural systems technology, I enjoy the hands-on learning experiences and expertise of my professors, and how much they encourage me to push myself! Even to the point that when I realized how much I liked the business side of my AST education, I was encouraged to get a second major in agribusiness management by a team of great advisors and mentors, and I don’t regret it one bit!

How have you used resources in the CAFNR Academic Programs Office (student services, career services, advising, study abroad)? What was your experience like?

I have utilized the services in the Academic Programs Office many times, and it has been a really big asset for my college success. Career services has helped me so much in advancing and honing in my professionalism over the years. In terms of advising, I schedule advising appointments once or twice a month because it is so helpful, allowing me to get some guidance and reassurance that the path I’m on is the right one. Sometimes college is a daunting experience even for a senior, and the Academic Programs Office and its resources is one of the things I recommend most to incoming freshmen to assist in their college career.

CAFNR’s RISE Initiative encourages students to have a variety of extracurricular experiences during their time at Mizzou (Research, International, Service Learning, Experiential Learning). What parts of the RISE initiative have you taken advantage of so far, and which do you plan to? What have you enjoyed about these experiences?

I never came to college thinking about doing any research or service learning. But now in my senior year, I know I would not have learned nearly as much as I have without it. With CAFNR, the big focus for education is always applied learning and the RISE Initiative really makes that a reality. I have participated in experimental classes where my input has helped shaped what the class is in future years, and I have been a part of pilot programs that have the potential to fundamentally change how future AST and ABM students learn and engage. The part I love most about the RISE Initiative is the faculty and staff engage you, and reward initiative with new experiences that means you can make a difference for current and future students while learning so much in the process.

What has been your favorite activity or experience of being a CAFNR student?

My favorite experiences I have had as a CAFNR student have been outside of the classroom. As the treasurer for the Independent Aggies, I have gotten to assist different youth in agriculture organizations both physically and monetarily to promote agriculture in the next generation. As a CAFNR Ambassador, I have gotten to travel to many different places including Arrowhead Stadium and FFA National Convention to talk with prospective students, alumni and donors to share how great the CAFNR Experience is, and how we are working every day to make it even better. It’s so rewarding to go out and help people see just how rewarding and beneficial the college experience can be for everyone, not just yourself.