A Thankful Wildcat

This statement was taken from the University of Mount Union's blog &
couldn't be more true.

This week many students across campus are heading home for the holiday break, and the holiday season itself has really made me think about everything that I am grateful for. My college experience is definitely such a blessing- and what has made it so special- in particular, is my time in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky. Agriculture has always been a passion of mine, and for every question and passion that I have had related to agriculture, I have found a class or an organization that helps me further explore my interests in agriculture. So during this time of thanksgiving, I’d like to go through a few of the reasons why I chose the College of Ag at UK, and the many things that I am grateful for within UK Ag.  

When I began applying to colleges I had a rather large list of things I wanted to have- a great academic program, opportunities for jobs, the opportunity to meet new people in social outlets, hands-on-experience within my program, and a great campus. After visiting UK’s College of Agriculture, and attending the college for about two years now, I realize that everything I could have wanted in a college is right here. I am thankful for small class sizes where the professor knows my name and I know I can talk to them any time. I am thankful for a hands-on program with a fantastic farm that I can access for labs and to further extend my knowledge of agriculture. I am thankful for the numerous clubs and activities within the College of Agriculture that allow for me to meet other people within the college of agriculture, and enjoy my time in college. I am grateful for the professors who teach the classes within the college of agriculture; who are knowledgeable about the subjects they teach and want to help students succeed. I am thankful for the jobs and internships that the College of Agriculture attracts everyday that will help me secure a job after I graduate and prepare for my future endeavors. I am thankful for my advisor, who meets with me every semester to make sure I am on track with my classes and offers helpful suggestions to continue to support me in my journey through college.

Overall, there’s a lot to be thankful for in life- family, friends, and for me, my education at the University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture. I hope during this holiday season that you will enjoy being around family and friends, and take time to think about what you are thankful for. If you are preparing for college, it may also be a time to really consider what you are looking for in your college experience, and what you want to one day be thankful for. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and we hope to see you soon here at UK!

 

Veronica is a junior majoring in Equine Science & Management.  She is from Annapolis, Maryland.   She is a Resident Advisor with UK Housing and an Ag Ambassador.

Money, money, money, money...You get the point: Working on Campus

Let’s face it; it’s not easy to pay for that college degree. As a Biosystems Engineering major, I don’t have time to have a job off campus. Between working with algae in the department, studying for my big calculus exam, or working on my physics lab report, it’s a difficult balancing act. Then you have advisor meetings, extracurricular activities, and some people even say they have a social life in college. So if you’re too busy to go off campus searching for a job, where can you find the money to finance your degree?

No one enjoys those calls home asking for money from parents. Luckily, the University of Kentucky has a wealth of jobs available for students just like you. Whether it is working in the Dean’s Office, being a campus tour guide, or serving food at one of the residential dining facilities, there’s a job that fits you on campus. To make it even better: UK understands that you’re here for an education and is willing to work around your schedule, not vice versa. They understand that you have tests, homework, and projects that require a lot of time. Many of them will even allow you to study while you’re working. All you have to do is go online and apply for the right one.

I found my campus job right in my residence hall. In January 2011, I was hired as a Resident Advisor (RA) in Kirwan Tower. Being an RA is a great job. You get to host programs to get residents involved on campus, get to know some very interesting people, and you get free room and board on top of paid desk hours. And as an added bonus, you’ll get to know UKPD on a first name basis!

I’ll admit some nights are much crazier than others. Take, for example, my last night on call. Below are the highlights:
6:15pm: Call UKPD
6:30pm: Entertain the girl in the unicorn costume
7:30pm: Fire alarm
9:15pm:  Host a voter registration program
10:00pm: A resident complains of loud noises on the 23rd floor
10:15pm: Break up large “gathering” on 23rd floor
11:25pm: Our friends at UKPD come back
2:00am: Woken up by a resident to discuss differential calculus
        Again, not every night is this wild. There are always perks/curses to any job. For more information about student jobs on campus go to UK Jobs. Applications for Spring 2012 positions are already being accepted and applications for Fall 2012 go live soon!

-Zeb, Biosystems Engineering