Get Involved! Find Your Niche!

As a junior in the College of Agriculture, I often think back to advise that was given to me as an incoming freshman. One piece of advice that I heard over and over again was how important it was to get involved on campus. I took that advice to heart and looking back I’m so glad I did. As soon as I started college, I joined, in my opinion, one of the best clubs on campus. I joined Block and Bridle.  

Block and Bridle is an animal science based club in the College of Agriculture. Although it is animal science based, it is open to all majors in the college of agriculture. Block and Bridle members participate in many fun activities throughout the year. Members put on a small version of the North American International Livestock Exposition called Little North American. This is where new members of the club choose a species of animal, such as cattle, sheep, or dairy cattle, that they have never shown before and display their showing abilities. This is always an activity that new and old members look forward to every year.

Another fun activity that members look forward to each year is “feeds week”. Block and Bridle members are responsible for cooking three of the meals during College of Agriculture Roundup. On Thursday and Friday of UK Ag Roundup week, Block and Bridle members are up at 6:30 in the morning to start the grills. Although it’s early we always have a good turnout of members to help cook and serve. Members enjoy hanging out during that time and having a blast. We even had the opportunity this year to serve President Eli Capilouto!

We also help out with the Kentucky Beef Expo held in Louisville every March. Members are given the opportunity to work hand in hand with Kentucky Department of Agriculture employees. It is a great opportunity to build relationships that may turn into future jobs.

As an ambassador for the College of Agriculture I always give students the same advice I was given- GET INVOLVED! There are a ton of clubs and organizations in the college of agriculture so, whether it’s a sorority/fraternity or another club of your interest it’s important to be involved. Students who get involved tend to be happier in school and tend to make better grades.  I have met some of my best friends by joining Block and Bridle. I also feel like I have made many contacts that could help with future jobs and my career. 

Shelby is studying Agricultural Education.  She is from Cynthiana, KY.  She is involved in Block and Bridle and is an Ag Ambassador.   

 

A Homecoming for UKAg

School is officially in full swing and all the students are back to their busy lives. This past week has been no exception. Ag Roundup is the biggest event of the year for the College of Agriculture. Many of you are probably wondering what Ag Roundup is. Ag Roundup is a series of events hosted by the College of Agriculture Ag and HES Alumni Association that all include great food and socialization.  

UK President, Dr. Eli Capilouto, addressed students at Roundup. 

The event began on Wednesday with Staff Appreciation Day. Thursday was one of the biggest days of the week, with the Lexington Rotary Club and prospective students coming to campus for the day. Students were greeted by Ag Ambassadors who were able to answer questions and give tours of campus. Student speakers entertained the Rotary Club while lunch was served by the Block and Bridle club. Friday of Roundup week is Leadership Day. Legislative leaders, public officials and college leaders from around the state come to campus to enjoy the day with other leaders and students. Other events that occur during Ag Round Up include reunions for different majors within the College of Agriculture and HES, as well as an Ag Ambassador Reunion and AGR and Farmhouse Fraternities reunions.  Finally, Saturday is considered the ”Homecoming of the College of Agriculture.”   Alumni from the College of Ag and HES come to Lexington to enjoy a day of fellowship and fun with other College of Agriculture graduates and friends.

UK Ag Ambassadors enjoying the meal on Saturday.

Ag Roundup is a great time for staff, faculty, leaders and alumni to come together and reunite; but, it is also a great time for students to network and meet prospective employers. It is a time to sell yourself to alumni that might be interested in hiring you for a job one day. The UK Ag and HES Alumni Association does so much for students of the College of Agriculture, and this is a time for us to show our appreciation and learn from them and their journeys as past students. Ag Roundup is a hectic week for students involved, but it really pays off in the end because of the fun and memories made with other students and College alumni.

 

Kelsey, pictured on the left, is a first year ambassador from East Liberty, Ohio.  She is a Community & Leadership Development sophomore.  She is involved with UK Block & Bridle and is a UK 101 peer mentor.

Sweet Summertime

Once again the school year has come to an end for UK students. Finally, it’s summertime. Bags have been packed, dorm rooms cleaned out and the journey home completed. The next twelve weeks until the fall semester begins are to be relished upon, soaking up every last drop of freedom and sunshine for most students.

Then there are the recent graduates of our prestigious university. A portion is headed back to school in the fall to pursue masters and doctoral degrees, others are starting “big kid” jobs and some are still determining just what their future might hold. 

I fall into this last group, 2012 alumnus of the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. In the days since I made the walk across the stage and received my diploma and a handshake from President Capilouto.  

COA ambassadors at Disney

I have been asked countless times “How does it feel to be a graduate?” And to that I answer this, it’s bittersweet. I have grown to love this place, but more importantly the people here. For the past week, I have been in denial that it would all end so soon, that my time here at UK was over. But then I remembered one very important thing- while the places and people surrounding me may change, the memories in my heart will always remain. I will always BLEED BLUE no matter where life may take me. 

Jennifer and her graduation gift- a metal chicken.

As I look back on my four years here, I can’t help but smile. They have been the best years of my life, filled with countless lessons, amazing friends, epic adventures and the best of times. The big blue nation has given so much to each and every one of us, students and alumni alike.   While each of us will be spending our summers’ differently, one thing will always remain the same: we will all BLEED BLUE!  

 

Jennifer is a 2012 graduate of the University of Kentucky, majoring in Agricultural Economics.  She is from Coatesville, Indiana.  Jennifer was a member of  UK Block and Bridle, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), Agriculture Student Council, and was COA Agricultural Ambassador for three years. Jennifer has accepted a full-time position with Dow AgroSciences.