Amanda Burau

Amanda Burau

I came to Nebraska from Chicago for bowling; and, I got CASNR. I transferred to UNL with my associates degree; so, I came in as a first-year junior. My advisor was the first person I met and I stuck with her through my bachelor's degree even though I didn’t have to. You’ll never meet anyone who doesn’t have your best interest. They all care to see you through success. My advisor (Rosalee) took the time to get to know me. The second time I stepped into her office, she remembered my name and asked me about my life. Being from a big city the culture on East Campus was foreign to me, but Rosalee was always there to help. 

In most of my classes, I was the only student from out of state, the only person who didn’t know what a cultivator was. I had one professor (Bruce Johnson) for a rural communities class. He really made an impression on me. Who would have thought that would bring me to an internship in a community of 2,000? Culture shock! Then, I took two classes in the same semester with another professor (Wesley Peterson). Due to such a large workload between his two classes, he asked to meet with me when I was falling behind. Kindly, he understood my situation and we worked out a plan. In the spring, our bowling team has a busy travel schedule. Fortunately for me, the CASNR professors are incredible and willing to accommodate as long as I did my part.

My favorite activities on East Campus were the lunch socials and grilling at the Union. My first year, I attended the CASNR dinner at the country club.

I'm currently the Program Coordinator for the Upward Bound Math & Science Program at LNESC Philadelphia. I work with low-income, first generation high school students to connect them with mentoring, resources, and opportunities to help them get into college and succeed through it. 

Starting this fall, I'll be continuing my Masters of Science in Human Resource Development at Villanova University.

The path I've taken working with students began when I was a TeamMate for 3 years at UNL. Then, I spent 2 years in the Americorps with College Possible in Omaha. I like to tell my students that when I was in college, I got everything I could out of those 4 and a half years, being involved on campus, being an athlete, volunteering in the community, living and working on campus. I had the time of my life, and I want to help other students have the same experiences and opportunities that I had.  For me, CASNR opened up this whole world.  Nebraska gave me the courage to take chances and make relationships. Now, I’m a CASNR alum and bowling national champion and I couldn’t be more grateful that I got CASNR.

Major:  Natural Resource & Environmental Economics
Year:  2013 Alum
Current Employer:  LNESC Philadelphia
Notable Activities:
  • Rural Futures Institute (Ord, Neb.)
  • Orthman Manufacturing, Human Capital (Intern)
  • UNL Bowling Team (2013 National Champions)

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