A different kind of classroom

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend class absent of other students and a lecturing professor? Take away tests, papers and homework assignments that not only stress you out, but can destroy your sleep schedule. Internships give you the opportunity to learn in a different type of classroom setting. While the work element will never be eliminated from earning credits to complete graduation requirements, there is a way to switch up your traditional classroom.

This fall semester, I have been given the opportunity to gain experience in the field of public relations by completing an internship at the University of Kentucky Agricultural Communications Services. I’m constantly on my toes with different assignments that I am responsible for.  I still have deadlines, responsibilities and expectations from my supervisors, but they are right there to guide me every step of the way. I have great role models who help me any way that they can, whether they help answer questions that I have or take the time of their day to teach me a new skill. Every single day is a brand new experience.

I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and do things that I never imagined would be possible as a student. So far I have been given the opportunity to write news stories, edit radio recordings and I even experienced getting to interview individuals at the Career Fair for a video production. Along with the other intern, Breanna, we will work on editing the video production and watch the project transform from start to finish. It’s a type of curriculum that helps me practice all of the skills that I learned in required courses that I once thought I would never use again.

Interning in an area of your interest is the key to getting the most out of an internship. Just like any future career, if you don’t enjoy it today, you will most likely not enjoy that career many years down the road. Getting to walk into the office and take on different daily tasks at Ag Communications keeps everyday interesting. No filling up empty mugs with dark coffee, running errands or copying large amounts of material are considered as my daily tasks. I’m getting real hands on experience.  

I enjoy being able to get a feel for the light at the end of the tunnel after enduring a lot of courses during the past three years. Don’t take for granted any opportunity to learn. This internship has proven to me that you will never stop learning, even after you graduate.

Keep in mind that you will be graduating with many individuals who will be going after the same goals as you. What will you do to set yourself apart? Internships provide you the skills that many of your fellow peers may not have. They are work, but internships are the key to the door of opportunity that you have been working so hard for. I’m glad I took this great opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester has in store for me! 

 Amber is a senior from Springfield, Kentucky.  She is a Community Leadership & Development major and is involved in Alpha Zeta.  She will graduate in May 2013.

The best decision of my life

While many college students were headed south to the beaches for Spring break, I was heading south for a different reason. Over spring break, I headed to the University of Arkansas to visit their graduate program. During my visit I was presented with the question of why I was interested in graduate school and why at Arkansas. Seemingly this should be a simple answer, but I found myself questioning how I had ended up in Fayetteville.  

To answer this question I had to first decide how I ended up at the University of Kentucky in Lexington for my undergraduate studies. This was a little easier to answer, as hindsight is usually 20/20. After high school I knew I wanted to attend college and to study animal science, with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. This goal changed, not due to struggles with organic chemistry, but changed over time with the many alternative options that were presented to me while attending UK.

I chose the University of Kentucky over several other schools for several different reasons. The first being the larger scholarship opportunities, which was an important part of my decision as my family could offer little monetary support. The second most instrumental characteristic of UK that led me to choose it was the appeal of the large university opportunities with the small family atmosphere in the College of Agriculture.

As my fourth year at the University of Kentucky comes to a close I have come to realize what I have managed to accomplish with the help of the faculty and staff at the University of Kentucky. In four years, I will have traveled to 13 states, 2 foreign countries, and completed an undergraduate research project. The professors inspired me, helped me, and guided me through what I will remember as the best time of my life.

It was these opportunities and guiding efforts that led me twelve hours away to Arkansas where I will be studying to earn a Masters of Science in Agricultural Economics.  So how did I end up in Fayetteville, Arkansas? I am there because of the education and experiences I gained while attending the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.  In less than one month, I will be graduating. I will sit with my peers and friends of four years as we accomplish one more milestone. Regardless of the struggles or successes we have experienced, my four years spent at the University of Kentucky has been one of the best decision of my life. 

- Hannah S.

 Hannah is a senior at the University of Kentucky, double majoring in Agricultural Economics & Animal Sciences.  She is from Winchester, Kentucky.  Hannah will be beginning her graduate school career in August.  She is a member of UK Block & Bridle, a past member of the UK Livestock Judging Team, and is a COA Agricultural Ambassador.