What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
Don't limit yourself when it comes to making friends or joining clubs. If something is interesting to you, do it! My freshman year I joined the bee keeping club and that was something I had never done. There is every club here at UK so don't just join professional development clubs. While those are important, college is supposed to be fun so try to join 1-2 fun clubs just for you!
Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
I originally chose my program due to my love of horses. I have had horses since I was 16 and am interested in every aspect of them from nutrition to farm management. I am on the Pre-Physicians Assistant track now, but the purpose of my equine degree is my desire to run my own farm on the side. My major touches on every aspect of horses like proper care and management, which is essential to be knowledgeable in to run an equine operation, even just as a hobby!
Why did you choose UK?
I chose UK because for a vast majority of my life I was considered that "weird" horse girl. When I was looking for a college I had no idea where I wanted to go. I applied to 34 different schools. UK was stop number 15 on my list of school tours and, spoiler alert, it was the last one I went on. I came to UK for an honors weekend and absolutely fell in love. A current member on the eventing team took me out on a thoroughbred farm tour and after that I was sold. I found my people whose passion for horses was not considered weird but was valued. Once I realized that this was the community here I didn't need to look anywhere else.
What's been your favorite course and why?
My favorite course so far has been equine anatomy. I have taken human anatomy and was fascinated to see the similarities and differences between equines and humans (specifically the muscular systems). I also really enjoyed that it involved hands-on labs and interactive lectures.
Considering all you have learned in your area of study, is there a common misconception or something you wish everyone knew about the subject?
That there is more to getting an equine degree than veterinary medicine. Many people assume that the only thing you can do with an equine degree is be a vet and that couldn't be further from the truth. I have many friends in my major who have career aspirations in law, blood stock, thoroughbreds and even regenerative medicine development. All this being said, the opportunities are limitless and Kentucky is the perfect place to explore all aspects of an equine degree being in the heart of horse country.
Tell us about the city of Lexington. What surprised you? What places/people do you like most?
The thing that surprised me the most about Lexington was how close downtown is to the horse farms. From Kentucky's campus it is about a 15-minute drive (without traffic) and you're in the middle of white four-board fences and rolling green pastures filled with mares and foals. I love going for late night drives outside the city and just star gazing. It's amazing that it is that close when in many other cities the drive would be 30 minutes to escape the business of city life.
Sydney's Top 3 Study Tips
- Keep a planner.
- Review lecture material for 30 minutes the evening after lecture.
- Go old school with flashcards!
Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
I have recently completed, and am still employed, at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as a veterinary technician. This internship was a deep dive into the world of veterinary medicine and has been an invaluable educational experience. Because of the job I am now comfortable and confident in administering care to my horses due to the training I have acquired.
My favorite club is the University of Kentucky's Eventing. I have made many friends and met so many amazing people, including some Olympians. It is the perfect combination of my major and hobby and getting to do it with great people is a bonus.