I am graduating. Well, that is if I can pass the formidable breeding and genetics course this fall. All jokes aside, this is a bittersweet moment for college students like me who will be throwing their cap in the air in December.

Thinking back on my time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I cannot help but reminisce on the highlights of my college career. Here, I met my best friends in classes and on the judging teams, while also gaining a deeper understanding of agriculture in Nebraska.

One day I hope to walk the halls of the animal science building with my future children, telling them all the lore from my time in college, just like my dad did. The first stop is, of course, the R.B. Warren Arena, where we hosted judging contests and played legendary games of dodgeball in the dirt.

Walking down the teaching lab hallway, I will be sure to point out the judging team photos where we can find my team photos from meats, livestock and meat animal evaluation teams — and my dad’s teams.

While I can go on and on about how nostalgic the animal science complex is to me and my family, I am excited for the future. The future is where I have the honor of bringing farmers and ranchers across the Midwest high-quality and reliable information to better their operations through this position with Farm Progress.

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Next generation of agriculturalists

My favorite part of this season of life is watching all my friends go into the industry and embark on their careers in agriculture. While the job hunt process is exhausting, seeing my livestock judging teammates scatter across the country to start their careers certainly makes me a proud friend.

Just to name a few, two of my livestock judging teammates will be giving back to livestock judging by coaching at different colleges. One teammate is working in cattle verification, and many others are working in the animal science industry.

If I had to give advice to those who are just starting college, or maybe are ending their college careers soon like me, I would say to make the most of the time you have in college. Build those friendships and your network while you are in college, so that when you enter the workforce you have those connections to draw on in the future.

I know I certainly will make sure to keep up with my friends and see what impactful things they are doing for the industry.

I am sure a lot of agriculturalists who have been working in the industry can say that they are thankful for all the connections they made in college. So, if you are someone like me who is wrapping up their college career, make the most of it.

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While it might be a little bit sad saying goodbye to my undergrad life, I will see you in December with two bachelor’s degrees and a career in ag journalism, living out my career goals.