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.

Spring is in full bloom for the Cats

The students at UK always anticipate the Spring Semester. It is filled with midterm exams, spring break and of course the “Madness of March!” As we all know, we achieved the infamous “number 8” as the Men’s NCAA National Champions. But with all of these exciting events, the College of Ag students are definitely not passing up a chance to keep busy by planning many exciting events for the spring.  So nonetheless, these Ag Cats are staying crazy.

Last week, our Ag Student Council hosted Ag Bash and it was an awesome event! Ag Bash is fun, exciting and a great way to wind down the semester before finals. Live music was performed by Hannah Ellis and there were games, free food and t-shirts. Hannah Ellis is a current student at UK; she graduated from Taylor County High School and is a fantastic singer who has toured and performed at all types of venues.  We had around 250 of our students come out and enjoy the weather and games. During the Ag Bash, we collected donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Items included shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, dental floss and other personal items.

This week, we are planning a large event on the main UK campus called Agriculture Awareness Day.  The event will be held this Wednesday, April 18 from 9 AM to 2 PM.  Ag Awareness Day will be located in the area around Memorial Hall and one of our College buildings, Erikson Hall.  Booths and displays will be set up and our main goal in the day is to educate the University community about the ag industry and the true impact it has on their day, share the positive message and encourage self- education of agriculture to everyone at UK and beyond. Numerous clubs will have booths set up around the area with different activities and information about agriculture and even the history on UK. What better way to become involved on campus then to come visit the Ag Awareness Day! There will be food, interesting facts, t-shirts and much more.

The spring semester always flies by way too fast. With Spring Break, exams and, of course, cheering on the Cats, this semester will be over before we know it.  If you ever have any questions about an event or the College of Agriculture, please check us out online at www.ca.uky.edu, or even like us on Facebook. I hope to see you at Ag Awareness Day this week!

Amanda is a junior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Agricultural Economics.  She is from Georgetown, Kentucky.  Amanda is a member of UK Agribusiness Club, UK Ag Student Council, is a COA Agricultural Ambassador, Past Kentucky FFA State Officer, and is an intern for the Kentucky Beef Council. 

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.