Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
I chose my major because of my love for the horse and the networking and connections I knew the University of Kentucky facilitated. Living in Lexington has provided me with the chance to seek external educational opportunities, job shadows and hands-on experience at the university's farms. Since coming to UK, my perspective has been broadened greatly to the abundance of careers in the equine industry. The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment prides itself on connecting their students to their respective industries through research, internships, study abroad programs and educational enrichment opportunities. These aspects greatly influenced my decision in coming to the University of Kentucky and have already greatly impacted my career as I pursue becoming a small-business owner in the American Saddlebred industry.
What's been your favorite course and why?
My favorite course at UK is Equine Anatomy. It has been one of the most challenging courses I have taken, but I find joy in learning every aspect of the horse and being able to apply it to my job and other courses. This class has fueled the flame of my interest in the mechanics and processes of the horse. Professor Tebeau goes out of her way to help you learn and understand the material and welcomes every question I have had. What I have learned in this class are things I never want to forget, and I intend on being a TA for the class in future semesters to master my knowledge of the anatomy of the horse.
Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
The University of Kentucky Baptist Campus Ministry has easily been one of the most influential pieces of my college career. The BCM was a place I found community in, opportunities to serve and rest in such a busy season of my life. Getting involved on campus is extremely beneficial to your time in college for many reasons, but I have found that it reduces burnout, pushes me to be a better person, and it has given me lifelong friends.
My experience as a Martin-Gatton CAFE Student Ambassador has grown me in ways I could never have imagined. I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead tours, be on panels and serve students, alumni and community at different events through the student ambassador program. Connecting with prospective students and their families is something I have found a great love for and am forever grateful for.
Morgan's Top 3 Study Tips
Learning how to study for exams and be successful in your classes is one of the toughest things freshman face when coming to college. Here are my favorite ways to study and what I have found to be most helpful in succeeding in class.
- Get help and ask questions the moment you feel like you don't understand something. Many classes you will have in your college career are cumulative, meaning the information builds on itself and the final exam will have information on it from the first week of class. Once you fall behind it is hard to catch up because it all builds on each other. Don't be afraid to ask questions and use resources that UK has to offer, like The Study, and the professor's office hours.
- Use the William T. Young Library whiteboard rooms. Throughout the biggest, most central library on campus there are whiteboards on the walls and mobile whiteboards for students to use. Starting a few days before every exam I have had, I look through my Powerpoint notes and write down all of the material that the exam will cover in different colors. This refreshes my brain on concepts I learned weeks ago and gives me a chance to clear up any confusion on certain topics.
- Make friends in your classes! Having someone to study, ask questions and work through problems with is extremely beneficial to being successful in the class. Teaching someone topics is the best way to learn it for yourself.
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have! My time here at UK has been full of so many sweet moments because I said "yes." Part of being in college is getting to do things you find fun. So, go to midnight UK hockey games, go on late-night Cookout runs with friends, get up early and go to get coffee before class, host "family" dinner at your house or apartment, bake cookies with friends, and take trips to Buc-ee's just for fun. Some of my best friends I have made through college are a result of being spontaneous with the people that I was around. Enjoy being around and living with people in the same season of life as you!