The Student List: The Top 4 Classes at UK

As a fifth year senior in a five-year program, I have nearly 150 credit hours under my belt here at the University of Kentucky. Believe me when I say that, like the Clint Eastwood movie, I have seen "the good, the bad and the ugly" of a lot of different classes. Sometimes as students we want a little heads up on what the “fun” classes are, and we don’t always know what’s out there for us to take. What I would like to share with you are some of my favorite class experiences. I have put together a list of 4 of my all time favorite courses that are available to everyone to take (no prerequisites needed).  I hope that you read the following course list and consider these options as you create your future schedules:

4.Introduction to Floral Design (PLS 240)

Why it made the list: Anyone who has a creative side, wants to learn more about plants, likes event planning, or simply has a passion for floral arrangements should take this course. It is a great class to take amidst my busy senior schedule. This course allows me to relax a little and focus on my creativity.  In this course, my professor, Sharon Bale, discusses the key elements to creating boutonnieres, corsages, bouquets, and table arrangements. Don’t worry gentlemen, the class is composed of roughly 30% guys, so don’t be afraid to sign up! Want to know the best part of the class? You get to keep just about everything you make! I don’t know about you, but I’ve had fresh cut flowers in my kitchen all semester. This course has rightfully earned a number 4 spot in my countdown of favorite classes

 

3.  Any International Study Abroad Program (ISP 599)

Why it made the list:  Alright, so I know that this isn’t a specific course, but hear me out! I attended my first study abroad trip this summer through the landscape architecture department and had an absolute blast. Not only did I get to eat delish food, walk the streets of three different countries, and experience South American culture, but I got to do it as school credit! What better way to learn than getting out of the classroom and exploring the world?  

2. Living on the Right Side of the Brain (LA 111)

Why it made the list: I took this course in the spring of 2011, and have never wanted to take a class twice more in my school career. This course helps students tap into their creative side and put it to good use. You don’t have to be naturally creative to take this class; all you need is a willingness to try. Ryan Hargrove, the professor of this course, does an excellent job of getting everyone involved and harnessing the creativity and imagination of every individual class member. This course includes things like keeping a creativity journal, watching inspirational videos, group discussions, and providing feedback on a class blog.

Warning: This class will require you to think outside the box and be open with your inventive ideas.

1. Wine Appreciation (GEN 300) 

Why it made the list: For many reasons this has become my favorite class at the University of Kentucky. Now, I know most of you are thinking I like the course because I get to drink wine for a grade. Although that is enjoyable, it is far from the truth. Let me take you back a couple years. As a third year landscape architect student we were required to create a mock winery on an existing plot of land. We did our research by visiting neighboring wineries, and learning about vineyards through guest speakers. We were required to determine the type of soil, climate, slope and other key elements that were conducive to the growth of grape vines. That’s where my interest in vineyards and wine production began. When an email came saying that this class would be available for the first time ever this fall, I seized the opportunity to further my interest.

            In this course taught by professor Michael Barrett, we learn all about wine, from grapes growing on the vines, to the time it is bought and drank by the consumer. Half of the class is a lecture based. This is where we learn about the different types of wines, where they are grown, wine production, and overall characteristics of different grape varieties. The second half is a wine tasting, followed by a discussion of the things we had previously read and learned about in the lecture portion. Honestly, No class has made me want to read the required text book more than this class, making it my favorite class at the University of Kentucky.

Side Note: You must be 21 or older to take this class.

Well there it is folks, 4 of my favorite classes at UK. I hope that in your future you are lucky enough to get into these amazing classes!

Hillary is from Cincinnati, Ohio and is a Landscape Architecture senior.

She Goes Out Walking....

Note: While the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment does think it's a good idea to clear your head and walk around campus and Lexington, make sure you are following these safety tips as presented by the UK Police Department.

Recently, I have taken a few walks around campus in the middle of the night. A contrast from the usual shuffle, energy, and sunshine, it is peaceful and quiet. On my walk, I reflected on some of the opportunities I have at UK. 

At UK there are thousands of organizations to get involved in. You can learn a martial art, a new language, get fit, or watch movies. There are so many people here that you will find people that share your passions, dreams, and truths. You’ll be busy balancing work, classes, a social life, your health, your family, and sanity. Let’s focus on that last one.

At college, it is incredibly easy to get overwhelmed. Personally, I want to experience everything so I always say “yes”. There are endless opportunities in college and the most important part is that you have enough time to enjoy them. What is the point of doing everything if you’re rushing between events and meetings and are constantly thinking about the next thing you have to do. Live in the moment. Sometimes it is better to be more deeply involved a few organizations so that you can be a part of the leadership and gain skills that future employers are looking for. A lot of people can show up to meetings and manage their time to make sure they can get from one commitment to another, but being able to organize a group of people and have them work together towards a common goal is an accomplishment. And when the teams that you dedicated so much time to finally succeed, you have to be in the moment to enjoy the accomplishment.

Knowing the resources on campus will also help you stay sane. There’s free tutoring for all students and a great variety of centers that can help with everything from getting involved with community service to helping students who have sprained their ankle and have a “roller” so they have to figure a new way around campus. Another often overlooked resource on campus is the professors. Whether you’ll want to get involved with research or need some help with class, professors are always available. They have office hours at which you can reach them and a majority of them are willing to help students who need further guidance or review of the materials.

In order to stay sane, I also encourage you to take an occasional walk at night. Not only is it beautiful, it is an escape of the fast paced, demanding world that continuously surrounds us. Our brains need time to wander and it is actually proven that people who regularly take short walks in nature, such as parks or the UK arboretum, are actually more mindful that others. So taking time out of your day to not think about anything specific can help you focus more in the future. Make sure you think about what you want to get involved in once you get to college- just make sure to include seeing campus from a different perspective. 

Daniella is a sophomore studying Agricultural Economics.  She is from Washington Court House, Ohio.  

Where has the time gone?

As many other students are experiencing right now, this is my last semester as an undergraduate student!  I have been at the University of Kentucky for four years now, and I have loved every minute of it.  I have made many wonderful, lifelong friends and had experiences that I’ll never forget.  While being in college I had the experience to travel to Florida with the College of Agriculture Ambassadors for a leadership summit, I traveled to Wisconsin and Illinois with my Sustainable Agriculture capstone class, and with the Women’s Choir I sang in England, Wales and Ireland.  

Marissa in Ireland with UK Women's Choir.

As this semester is already half way over, I keep thinking that all of my fellow graduating seniors each have to make a choice about what they are going to do after commencement on May 5.  Some, like me, are going to graduate school.  Some may go straight into the work force and already have jobs lined up.  And some have no idea what they want to do.  Whatever we all decide to do, we know that we have had the best time and met the best people.

I have decided to go to the University of Kentucky for graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in Human Nutrition.  I am very excited about this opportunity and to learn about how what we eat affects our health.  I would love to pair my undergraduate degree of Sustainable Agriculture with a nutrition degree so that I can help educate people not only on how their food is grown but how their food can affect different aspects of their bodies.  I decided to go to graduate school to pursue this dream, as well as to give myself more opportunities in the job field.  The two degrees that I will have will not only complement each other, but diversify my areas of knowledge.

Students who are just starting out their college experience are thinking that they have forever in college to take advantage of opportunities and figure out what they are going to do.  My advice is that you don’t have forever.  These four years go faster than you can even imagine, so you need to start now!  

- Marissa is a senior from Morrow, Ohio.  She is graduating in May with a individualized bachelors of science curriculum in Sustainable Agriculture.  

Lessons Learned

When I tell people I am an out-of-state student, a lot of people assume that I am trying to get away from my family and small town because I don’t enjoy it, or because I am not happy there. That could not be further from the truth. 

Kelsey and fellow members at the UK Little North American held by UK Block & Bridle

I am from a small town in Ohio, where the largest intersection is a two-way stop. The town is made up of a gas station and a post office. There isn’t a lot to do, but there is enough for me. I was born and raised on a family farm that is run by my grandfather, father and uncle. I have learned more from those three men than anyone else in my life. A lot of people see the farm, or hear that I live on a farm and they just don’t get it. It’s not just about the land and the tractors; it’s about the lessons and the laughter. Being raised as a farm kid is the best gift I have ever received.

So, I ask you this, why in the world would anyone want to get away from that and find something better. I left my small town life to come to Lexington and study at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture because it was what was best for me. My first visit to Lexington and I knew this is where I was going to study. The atmosphere, the people, that opportunities, and best of all the excellent education I knew I would receive. No, it’s not home, but it’s pretty close. 

It is difficult to be hours away from my home for long periods of time, but the friends and the memories I have made here at the University of Kentucky make it a lot easier. It is important to get involved while on a college campus, and the University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture make that easy. There are always groups to join and events to attend. While academics and studying are important, college is also about learning who you are and having new experiences. It’s about putting yourself out there and meeting new people, who could have a huge impact on your life. You never know who you might meet that could potentially open new doors down the road. 

Being a college student takes guts, but being an out-of-state student or a student that isn’t close to home takes heart. I have my struggles from time to time, but what helps me through them is knowing that at the end of this journey lies the opportunities that I have only dreamed about. The once in a lifetimes, the dream jobs, and the accomplished goals. 

Even though I am far from my family and I miss them every day, I have a piece of them with me. I have the determination and the attitude to achieve my dreams, lessons learned from my small town life. 

Go Big Blue!

 Kelsey

Lexington PARK(ing) Day

The past couple of years, the landscape architecture department here at UK has gone through a huge transformation. The department has changed the class curriculum, created a study abroad requirement, and most importantly, hired their first extension position. Through this new position, the program has already become more involved in the community, starting with PARK(ing) Day, which took place on September 21^st, 2012.

PARK(ing) Day originated in California, and has turned into a worldwide event. This fall was the first year Lexington has ever participated in the event, thanks to the landscape architecture department faculty. The purpose of the event is to transform metered parking spaces, found in urban areas, and design them into a form of public space. The event lasted from 12pm to 8pm, and there were a total of 11 parking spaces taken over by landscape architecture students and local businesses.  Each group was permitted to use the space however they felt necessary. Short St. came alive that night in a way that many had never seen before. People of all ages were fascinated by PARK(ing) Day, and very curious as to what was going on. It was a great way for the landscape architecture department to become more involved in the community, and teach others about our profession. It also showed people what they could do as individuals to help the city of Lexington flourish. Mayor Gray was even found enjoying the event! PARK(ing) Day Lex was a great hit, and we hope to continue this experience next fall.  For more information, you can check out one of the community partners at http://fayettealliance.com/successes/parking-day/.

 Hillary is studying Landscape Architecture.  She is from Cincinnati, Ohio.  She is an Ag Ambassador and member of the UK Club Volleyball team.