Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
I interned for the horse pasture evaluation program a few summers ago. This was an extension program in the agriculture and natural resource area. Our team traveled to more than 55 horse and cattle farms across central Kentucky to assist farm managers and owners in maintaining pasture health and minimizing negative animal health outcomes. This was a huge learning experience, as well as very rewarding to see the direct health benefits of our work.
I also interned for the UK Agricultural Communications Services, where I focused on writing feature stories that celebrate the college and share how our college is working to improve life across Kentucky. I gained hands-on experience in writing, photography, editing and multimedia storytelling. I enjoyed getting to meet and interview a variety of impactful individuals from various fields, learn more about the wide range of projects going on across campus and the state, and contribute my writing and photography to the college's published content.
Additionally, I interned with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Mercer County, where I supported 4-H and community programs. I helped lead youth camps, assisted with county fair events, and organized an international foods class to engage participants in hands-on learning. This experience deepened my appreciation for Extension’s role in community education and outreach.
Considering all you have learned in your area of study, is there a common misconception or something you wish everyone knew about the subject?
I think people tend to be unsure or unaware of what Community and Leadership Development (CLD) really is. I would describe it as an interdisciplinary, skills-based major that gives students the foundation to pursue whatever social issues they are passionate about. Its three main pillars, communication, leadership and rural sociology, equip us with the tools to understand how people function in communities, build meaningful connections and create positive change. The major is highly customizable, allowing each student to shape their coursework around their unique interests. Personally, I’ve used CLD to explore the intersection of social and environmental sustainability within agriculture. While that’s my focus, the CLD program supports a wide range of interests across agriculture, sustainability and community development.
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?
There have been so many UK staff and faculty members who have supported me and had a huge impact on my experience at UK. Dr. Savannah Robin is one of the first who comes to mind. While she is not currently one of my advisors, she has been a tremendous career mentor and has recommended many of the career pathways and internships I have pursued or plan to pursue. Dr. Nicole Breazeale is another mentor I have leaned on in different situations. She has been a great source of inspiration and has gone out of her way to share her insight, write recommendation letters and suggest potential opportunities to me.
Tell us about the city of Lexington. What surprised you? What places/people do you like most?
I think Lexington is the perfect small city with a college-town feel. I’m from a big city and find Lexington to be small in comparison. I love that I’m just a short drive from everything I need and can be in the middle of farm and horse country within 20 minutes. There are a few places around Lexington where I love to spend time. Joseph-Beth is a large bookstore with a restaurant, fireplace and a huge selection of books. Kenwick Table is a coffee shop and community space. They have great coffee, a resident cat, good music and a cozy environment. Lastly, Pasta Garage (Italian food) and Crank & Boom (ice cream) are my favorite places to go with friends!
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
My biggest piece of advice for an incoming freshman in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is to get involved and say yes to new opportunities. It’s truly the best way to make connections, learn about yourself and discover how your interests can grow into a career pathway. Staying plugged in to what's happening around campus helps you meet amazing people, both professionally and socially, and makes your college experience so much more meaningful. I truly believe my college experience has been so enjoyable because I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity and made the most of my time here. The more you engage with what’s around you, the more you’ll get out of it so say yes and try something new!