• I'm a senior studying agribusiness and my hometown is Tetonia, Idaho

When I was first deciding on what university to attend, every single University of Idaho student or alumni had an overwhelming amount of pride and enthusiasm for the U of I. Every Vandal I came across had an incredible experience in Moscow, and was not hesitant in sharing it with me. I decided that if the University of Idaho really was as great as they were claiming, I had to go! Now, after a little over two years up here, I understand why Vandals get so excited to talk about their university. I have now turned into an over enthusiastic and proud Vandal, just like everyone else. I do not know what it is about this place. All I know is when I am at the University of Idaho; the most amazing people, beautiful scenery and incredible professors surround me. I have made the most wonderful memories and will always be proud to be a Vandal.

• I’m a sophomore studying animal and veterinary science: production with a minor in agricultural business, my hometown is Meridian, Idaho

I grew up loving animals and chose CALS because I knew the college would have a degree I could pursue towards animals.

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: pre-vet and my hometown is Meridian, Idaho

I chose the University of Idaho because it offered so many hands-on opportunities. My second semester I was handling animals that I would not have had a change to work with anywhere else. It helped me greatly when it came time to apply to vet schools.

• I’m a senior studying food science and my hometown is Eureka, Nevada

I came to CALS as a transfer junior to study food science. I am pursuing a career within the industry. I wanted to combine my agricultural background with my love for cooking and science.

• I’m a senior studying agricultural science, communications and leadership with minors in animal science and marketing, my hometown is Troy, Idaho

I have always enjoyed interacting with people and advocating for the industry I am passionate about, which led me to a degree in agricultural communications. CALS is often referred to as the “CALS family” and there is a lot of truth to that. The reason I chose CALS is that I wanted to be a part of the welcoming community and family atmosphere that provides, as well as stay close enough to home to be there for my younger siblings as they go through school.

Fun Fact: My family raises Charolais X Angus beef cattle and I have worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska for the past nine summers.

• I’m a senior studying agricultural education and my hometown is Snohomish, Washington

I chose CALS for the family and community feel.

I’ll be student teaching in the spring of 2020 in Richland, Washington.

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: dairy science and my hometown is Nampa, Idaho

I chose the University of Idaho and CALS because of the family atmosphere and the variety of clubs and organizations that I could choose from to get involved. I chose my major because I want to be a ruminant nutritionist for dairy cattle.

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: pre-vet and my hometown is Jerome, Idaho

I chose the University of Idaho because of the diversity of opportunities and smaller class sizes. I also chose it to carry on a family legacy of being a Vandal! My favorite part of U of I is how I have been able to combine all of my passions, (there is a lot) to create a unique and empowering undergrad experience.

• I’m a junior studying animal and veterinary science: pre-vet and my hometown is Albion, Idaho

I chose CALS because of recommendations by alumni telling me how great the animal science program was. It also helped that U of I was the most economical choice for me and offered me scholarship money. I love CALS and highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain a higher education.

• I’m a senior studying agribusiness and my hometown is Cottonwood, Idaho

I was raised on a family farm and ranch and agriculture has always been something I am passionate about. Agriculture is more than just an industry, it is a community filled with people who care about what they do the land and livestock they work with and its one I am proud to be a part of.

• I’m a senior studying agribusiness and a minor in marketing, my hometown is Burley, Idaho

The reason why I decided to choose CALS was that I have always had a passion for agriculture. I saw that the college had an excellent Ag program. They had many scholarships available as well as opportunities to become involved. The University of Idaho and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has so many resources that a student can take advantage of to be successful. As a first-generation college student, I want to be a role model to my family as well as my community and my time here has been great because I have been able to take advantage of the opportunities that I have been given. One piece of advice I have for students is that your college experience should be treated like a job. Work hard all day using your time wisely will allow some time in your evening to be involved in other activities.

• I’m a senior studying agricultural economics: agribusiness and my hometown is Burley, Idaho

Coming from a migrant farm working family, I naturally grew up surrounded by agriculture and fieldwork. Based on my experience in the fields, I decided that I wanted to pursue a higher education in order to truly make an impact in the industry and contribute my voice to that of the farm working community in agriculture. Through the assistance and support of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) here at the university, my dream of higher education became a reality and I decided to pursue a degree in agricultural economics. The opportunities in my department and college as a whole have been life changing. Beyond my curriculum, CALS has opened the doors to many networking and career development opportunities on both a local and national level. With graduation around the corner, I know that I am prepared and made the right decision in selecting the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences as my home these past four years.

Hobbies: soccer, fishing, hiking and welding

• I’m a sophomore studying agricultural education and my hometown is Genesee, Idaho

I chose the University of Idaho and CALS because I want to teach and stay in agriculture. I love the diversity of classes, the Vandal spirit that is on campus and being able to know many people. My word of advice to new students would take a lot of different classes and explore the possibilities.

• I’m a junior studying agricultural education and my hometown is Helix, Oregon

The university and CALS was a good fit for me. The class size, the people and faculty make me feel like this is my second home.

Fun Fact — I like to run

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: pre-vet and meat science and my hometown is Murphy, Idaho

I chose to U of I because I wanted to stay in state and get the best education regarding animal science that I could. The scholarships also helped too! I really knew that I wanted to go here after I stepped off a college tour bus and saw the campus for the first time. Right then and there I fell in love with the U of I.

• I’m a senior studying marketing and agribusiness and my hometown is Parma, Idaho

I chose CALS because it makes you feel like you are part of a community; you know everyone in your classes and your professors are always willing to help you. There are also great opportunities for growth outside of the classroom, for example, I am involved with the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers Club, Food and Agribusiness Club and a CALS ambassador.

• I’m a senior studying agricultural systems management and my hometown is Waterville, Washington

I chose CALS because of the hands-on education that I could receive. My goal is to go back and work on a farm or ranch.

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: business and my hometown is Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

I chose the University of Idaho because it was close to home. It offered me an affordable degree that gives me hands-on experience with livestock and access to industry connections.

• I’m a junior studying food science and my hometown is Littleton, Colorado

I chose CALS because of my interest in food science, sustainability and health.

Food Science Club officer

• I’m a senior studying animal and veterinary science: pre-vet and my hometown is Kellogg, Idaho

• I'm a sophomore studying agricultural education and my hometown is Nampa, Idaho

I chose CALS because once I decided that I wanted to pursue an agriculture degree, I talked to students who went to other universities and asked them to describe their Ag Ed programs and I liked what the Ag Ed department and what CALS as a whole had to offer here compared to the other schools.

• I’m a senior studying agribusiness and my hometown is Moses Lake, Washington

I chose CALS because I knew I was going to be receiving the best education there was to offer in my major. I liked how close knit every single department is and how walking across campus you instantly are recognized by fellow students, advisors, professors or just any other CALS faculty member.

Other: Being from out of state, it was a big transition to be coming somewhere that I knew absolutely no one and others already knew each other because of going to high school together. The CALS family really is a true that has encompassed my whole life since those first couple of weeks of school and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I have had the chance to meet.

Interest: Riding horses, spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and spending quality time with friends and family.