What's been your favorite course and why?
My favorite class so far at the University of Kentucky has been Jonathan Shepard’s class on agriculture management principles (AEC 302). In this course we focused on the realistic aspects of managing a farm such as agricultural tax, finance, recording keeping and decision making. Mr. Shepard did an amazing job connecting the material to its real life usage on the farm since he himself uses this information in his everyday life as an ag finance consultant and as a farmer. I appreciated the passion and care he taught with every day. You could tell he wanted to positively impact our future careers and agricultural operations. Truly wish I could take this class again with how much I enjoyed both him as a professor and the content he taught.
Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
My experiences with clubs and extracurriculars during my time at college has taught me that there are just as many valuable learning opportunities within the classroom as outside of it. I have cherished my time within both the Agribusiness Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau because they provide hands-on experiences through industry tours and networking opportunities that connect what students learn in the classroom to real-world experiences and external opportunities to allow students to know their next steps to being more involved in the agriculture industry outside of their time here at UK.
Considering all you have learned in your area of study, is there a common misconception or something you wish everyone knew about the subject?
Coming into college I struggled to find what degree area would best suit my goals and interests. Eventually I found my way to the Agriculture Economics degree pathway after deep consideration. Ultimately I am so glad I made that decision because I believe Agriculture Economics is a degree that is extremely dynamic and diverse within the agriculture industry. My peers have a vast array of goals like becoming market analysts, lawyers, politicians, farmers, ag finance advisors, crop insurance agents, and the list goes on. If you want to find your place in agriculture, I believe agriculture economics provides a great understanding of what drives our industry and will help you find your place.
Tell us about your favorite professor, advisor or other member of the UK family that has been especially impactful during your college career. What makes them so special? How have they impacted your time here?
Savannah Robin has taught me that you do not have to directly teach someone in order to have a positive impact on them. Sometimes, it’s just as impactful to notice their potential and provide opportunities behind the scenes, supporting them along the way. Mrs. Robin is one of the advisors for the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter here at the University of Kentucky. During my freshman year she noticed my potential within the agriculture industry and chose to send me to experience my first KFB Young Farmers conference. This opened multiple doors of opportunity within my life for the next year. Thanks to Mrs. Robin believing in me, I was able to believe in myself. Since this experience I’ve been able to connect with agriculturalists across the state of Kentucky and this great nation as a Kentucky FFA State officer and am able to give back to my community through serving as my county’s Young Farmers co-chair. I truly believe none of these opportunities would’ve been possible without this experience thanks to Mrs. Robin and Collegiate Farm Bureau.
Mikayla's Top 3 Young Adult Life Lessons
- Growth does not happen in your comfort zone: Do the thing out of your comfort zone. Make that speech, apply for that leadership position because growth does not happen without trying new things and taking risks with possible positive outcomes. You are capable of anything you put your mind to!
- Believe and you can: Confidence goes a long way. If you believe in yourself and your abilities you can achieve anything you wish to. Shoot for the stars!
- Don’t be scared to be passionate: You do not have to be the best at everything. It is equally as impressive to be passionate in a specific area and put your all toward it as it is to be spread across the board with your achievements.