Be Bold. Be Beautiful.Be Empowered.

In becoming a College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ambassador, I did not know what to expect nor did I understand what I was in to at the time. All I knew was that I was applying for something great and maybe I would be selected.

When I received the phone call that I,Kenya ,had been selected to be apart of the 2013-2014-ambassador team I could not believe it. Not because I was unsure of myself but because I had accomplished something great. I challenged myself and conquered, I put myself out there and achieved.

Now that I am an ambassador, my experience has been great nonetheless. I am surrounded by great people each time we get together; people that I would not know or hold a conversation with if it was not for being an ambassador. Not because I would not want to but because the opportunity would not be there. I am also placed in positions that challenge my nerves and the fear of speaking in front of people on demand. I now understand that I can speak publicly in a group or in a crowd and there is nothing to be afraid of. I am geared with the knowledge of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment that I would not have had if it were not for this experience. As I continue to go through my college career, I would not trade being an ambassador for anything, as it is helping to empower me to do great things and inspiring me to help others challenge themselves.

Representing this fine college in all that it is and all that is shall be has been nothing but an honor and privilege.

I want to wish the best of luck to all of my fellow Wildcat classmates as they have finals next week. 

Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be Empowered.

You will do fine!

 Kenya is a Family Science junior from Louisville, Kentucky.

A Whole New World....

Recently some ag ambassadors went on a journey across the world to the Mediterranean.  Well, at least we were there in theory.  

As part of International Food Night, we went to Oasis Restaurant in the Chevy Chase Place here in Lexington. We try to get a taste of other cultures whenever and wherever we can. The Mediterranean night was a quaint, but very fun time and also quite the experience for me.

         

Being in Oasis, and even a Mediterranean restaurant for the first time, I had no clue of what I was getting myself into. When I looked at the menu, I'm pretty sure I looked like a kid in a candy store. There were so many options and I really wanted to try them all. As we were chowing down on some hummus and pita bread, Jason (our ambassador advisor) and Leslie (a fellow ambassador) were giving the rundown on the menu like they were "Ranean" experts. I debated for the longest if I should get the Schawarma Mix or start simple with a Pita-Wich. Schawarma is a meat of choice that is grilled on a spit for long periods of time, then shaved and served. I decided to go with a lamb kabob pita-wich. Leslie ordered what seemed like miniature, hard donuts. They were actually called falafels and they are mainly grounded fava beans that are then deep-fried. We also had a past ambassador join us for dinner. We had a grand ole time.

It should be a personal goal for people to try different types of food. You never know what you like until you try. We started international food night because it is very common to see students eating cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and the all time favorite- pizza. It's important to keep in mind that you will be pushed to do things out of your comfort zone and that's exactly what I did. Who ever would of ever known that I would like Mediterranean food? Jason always emphasizes that keeping an open mind will help us in our careers in the future. I think that it is good to have a diverse background of foods. That falls under the category of being a well-rounded individual. Tasting other foods also helps you appreciate other cultures. Knowing about foods of other cultures will can keep you connected in a small way to other backgrounds. All foods have a specific meaning to most cultures. By experiencing those foods that could link us together more on common ground. No telling where the ambassadors will land next for International Food Night. 

And if the title of the blog entry had you humming, check this video out for the song that is running through your head.

 

 Until next time,

 Ya ssas!

 (Good-bye in Greek)

Kenyatta

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.