Many factors influenced my decision to come to UNL. My parents both graduated from UNL about 31 years ago so I’ve always had Husker blood running through my veins. But my decision was most influenced throughout middle school and high school I received opportunities to attend several events at UNL including: Food Science and Culinary Arts Big Red Camp, Geography Camp, All Girls All Math Camp and 4-H Life Challenges Contest. Each of these experiences exposed me the University’s impressive faculty and infrastructure. When it came time to apply to colleges, I didn’t have to consider other options because UNL had already become my second home.

When entering the Horticulture major, I already knew what my future career path was and I viewed the program as education for specialty crop production. I want to start my own grass-fed livestock operation and increase my family’s seed production of cover crops, native grass seed, and native wildflowers. The professors and classes in the major have been very flexible - allowing students to pursue their interests through the wide variety options. CASNR gives its students a chance to build their own story and accomplish individual goals in a team or family like atmosphere. Faculty and students in this college truly create a ripple effect of influence.

Beyond classes and homework I am a student in the Honor’s Program and am a teaching assistant for both Dr. Don Lee in Genetics and Dave Lambe in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. Being the vice president of the UNL Garden Gang gives me the opportunity to volunteer at Belmont Elementary School's after school program. This summer I am completing my internship on the farm, working on marketing, new grazing management techniques and native wildflower production.