People are always asking you what you want to do. My answer has become, “I want to become someone who makes a difference in changing the future.” The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is the place to do that. I am from Bellevue, Nebraska and was extremely involved in 4-H. This meant I was frequently on East Campus competing in different 4-H events. Everyone was so welcoming, I felt at home at UNL before I had even stepped foot in a dorm. Three years later, the feeling is the same if not stronger. I am still studying Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication and have added an Animal Science minor. The professors, students, faculty and other professionals that were so welcoming, I have found are truly exceptional. They make this college feel like a family.

I love CASNR because I still get to be a part of one of the Big Ten Universities, but CASNR made sure that I was not just a number on a roster. This college and everyone in it care about not only your future, but also your present. They are all invested in you and your ideas. This genuine support along with the great education make CASNR a great place to learn, network and become someone who will make a difference. No matter your major, there is someone who will help you discover what it is you want to do and then will help you get there. The people are what make our college so exceptional. While the college is filled with all of this success, that is not to say there is any fun lacking. The college is equally filled with laughter and smiles as it is with accomplishments.

The 4-H program helped me discover what I wanted to do, have conversations about agriculture. The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources helped me pursue that passion and take it to the next level.  My major is a perfect fit. I have learned more than I have ever imagined possible, made great connections, traveled and found leadership opportunities. The classes are meaningful, the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow organization provides leadership and development opportunities and the advisors fill in anything else that might be missing. I was interested in research and my advisor and I worked on a UCARE project looking at how scientists communicate their findings on Twitter! I now not only have class experience, but research as well. These are not just resume builders, these are experiences that have changed my life all for the better and I can thank CASNR for that. I cannot wait to see what else I can thank CASNR for in the future.