From the North

The holidays have come and gone, and we find ourselves back on campus once again. I personally find myself embarking on this new journey of writing blog posts. A journey unfamiliar and full of uncharted territory.

Before I continue on, let me introduce myself. My name is Hannah Ruth Pettyjohn and I am a junior here at the University of Idaho. I am a proud student of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences studying agricultural science, communication and leadership. I originally hail from Walla Walla, Washington where I was born and raised. I am the first generation removed from my family’s six generation farm in Walla Walla County. Being raised in that family dynamic has fueled my passion for agriculture and has influenced who I hope to become. I have a passion for sharing others’ stories that has led me to love feature writing. I hope someday to set my love for feature writing into motion with a career in public relations and marketing.

Why do I want to write blog posts for CALS? CALS has been my home for the past three years. It is a college that has helped me set my dreams into reality and grow as an individual. I have found a great community and mentorship within our beloved college. CALS is not only my home but has become my family.

Now that you know a little bit about me, I want to invite you into this journey with me. A glimpse of where we are going, what you can expect from me, and my hopes for our time together. As I follow in the footsteps of other great bloggers for our college not a whole lot will be changing.

We will continue on in this journey of weekly blog posts where you get a feel of what this whole college life is about. I hope to show you a glimpse of what makes our college special, why I call the Palouse my home, and what is going on here on campus. Each week will come to you with a new topic that I have spent my time delving into. I hope to make these topics relevant, unique and useful for you, the reader.

I can’t wait to come alongside all of you and I hope this blog can be a place where you find a little slice of home. Check back each Friday to see where this journey takes me.

College can be hard. It pushes us to grow in our academics and the demands can become daunting. It may be hard to identify the next step and even harder to simply take the next step. I know for myself that classes become increasingly more overwhelming as the semester progresses. The root of the issue can be as simple as missing a key concept, or a loss in motivation.

What has helped me the most is study groups and tutoring. The university has an abundance of free resources to help students get the help we need in classes. Today I want to highlight three of these resources — the CALS Study Table, SI-Pass and Vandals Tutoring.

This week a few of my friends and I attended the CALS Study Table. Naturally, our first stop was the study snacks. Soon after we found a spot to work and got going on our different tasks.

This setting allowed us to work on our individual work, help each other on different projects and just enjoy being with one another in a focused setting. I really enjoyed the casual drop in setting and that this resource can be individualized based upon your needs.

The CALS Study Table is designed to give CALS students a place to study each week. It is held on Mondays in the Ag Biotech Courtyard and Tuesdays in Ag Sci Room 62. You can drop in any time between 1-4:30 p.m.

As I think back to my harder classes that I have had, I immediately think of CHEM 101. This was a course that I had to find help outside of class to be successful. A few resources that were available for this course were SI-Pass and Vandals Tutoring. I participated in SI-Pass.

I really enjoyed that these resources had student tutors/leaders that were qualified in specific classes. These students came and spoke about SI-Pass and tutoring opportunities in our class and handed out schedules so we knew when we could get help in that specific course.

From my perspective, the biggest difference was the setting. SI-Pass seemed to be designed to be more of a group setting where a student leader would facilitate learning through questions and extra problems. The SI-Pass leader may also come in with a lesson plan in mind. This worked really well for what I needed in this particular class.

Vandals Tutoring, on the other hand, seemed to be more individual based. This setting allowed students to ask specific questions in more of a one-on-one setting with a tutor. This may be a great place for homework help.

SI-Pass is held based upon a schedule that can be accessed online and you must be enrolled in a SI-Pass supported course.

Vandals Tutoring is available for a wide range of courses and can be accessed through appointments or by drop-in. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. These tutoring sessions are located on the second floor of the library or over Zoom. Drop-in tutoring is available Monday-Thursday from 3-8 p.m. in the library.

We are officially 20% of the way through our semester and just wrapping up our first full week of classes. We may find ourselves on top of our classes or we might be starting to slip behind. No matter where you find yourself right now, I encourage you to take advantage of the resources provided to you. Each of these resources are free and at our disposal. More university resources are available through Academic Support Services.

It’s time for the career fair once again! This means that campus will be full of employers looking for interns and employees for their business. You may see these employers in classes, walking around campus and you are guaranteed to see them in the ASUI Kibbie Activity Center on Feb. 8 from 2-6 p.m.

The career fair comes to campus twice a year and is a success story for many students. I sat down with Julia Bedke, a junior majoring in agricultural systems management to hear about her time at the career fair this fall. Bedke is originally from Oakley and is actively involved in her family’s cattle ranch. Bedke has a passion for agriculture and cattle production and attended the fall career fair to find an internship for the 2023 summer. Bedke noted that upon entering the career fair the first thing she was greeted by were friendly CALS ambassadors. She said looking around the room she saw many people talking and different sections of employer booths.

While walking around the career fair Bedke was able to talk with many employers. She noted that this was her favorite aspect of the career fair. The booth that stuck out to her, particularly, was the Five Rivers Feed and Cattle Company, Interstate Yard booth. Bedke ultimately got an internship with this company which will take place in Malta.

Bedke will work in four different sectors, cattle, yard, mill and feed. Her daily tasks will include checking each of the fields, learning about feed rations and learning how the company works in cooperation with different companies. This internship will take place from May-August, provides free housing and pays an hourly wage.

I asked Bedke why she would recommend going to the career fair and one of the things she noted was that a student’s effort in showing up shows their commitment. I find that preparing and showing up can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts. However, it is one of the most important aspects of the career fair.

As you prepare yourself for the career fair, I want to share with you some tips that I have learned along the way. Starting in high school I created a professional resume that I update each time I go to use it. In preparation for the career fair this looks like updating my GPA, adding in jobs that I may have had since the last time it was updated, getting rid of any unnecessary items, making sure that formatting is correct, etc. I will then print off multiple copies that I can disperse while at the career fair. In addition, I will outline what I am looking for in an internship, any specific companies that I want to talk to and plan enough time at the career fair that I can be successful and not worried about where I need to be next.

Some of the employers you will see at this event are CHS, AgWest Farm Credit and Amalgamated Sugar Company. Career advisors are also great resources when finalizing your resume and homing in on networking skills. You can see a full list of the employers via Handshake as well as resources that are available to help in preparing for this event.

The day of the career fair I take time to pick out a professional outfit as well as make time to do my hair and makeup. These are the things that help me feel comfortable and confident when walking into a professional setting. Confidence is key when trying to sell yourself. Be confident, be knowledgeable and be unique.

If you are looking for an internship or ready to embark on your professional career, I encourage you to check out the career fair next Wednesday, Feb. 8.

I don’t know about you, but I am starting to drag. The semester is in full swing, exams have started, and class projects are starting to pile up. The last few weeks I have found myself at coffee shops more than I would like to admit. I am a sucker for a good lotus and sometimes it’s just the pick me up that I need before an early morning class. Moscow is full of amazing coffee shops that are perfect for whatever you may be looking for. Today, I want to share with you four shops – Java Bug, Inc., Red Star Coffee Co., One World Cafe and Bucer’s Coffee House Pub.

Java Bug and Red Star Coffee Co. are definitely my daily go-to’s. I love the convenience of drive through coffee shops, especially when I am running late for classes. Java Bugis located on Mountain View Road on the east side of town, behind Safeway. They offer a whole host of options ranging from baked goods, coffee, tea, lotus and more. You can count on me ordering a grapefruit coconut lotus if you see me in line. Red Star is a very similar experience. It is located on the Pullman Road right outside of the campus entrance leading to the dorms. I definitely recommend the sour patch kid lotus with half the syrup.

One World and Bucer’s are both located downtown and are similar in nature. They are great places to have meetings, do homework, or just hang out with friends. Both coffee shops also have live music from time to time.

I personally haven’t been to One World, but I have certainly heard great things. When asking my friends what stood out to them, they jumped straight into describing the atmosphere. Some described the brightness from the sunlight beaming through the windows, others described the quiet and warm atmosphere. They all talked about it being a great place to study. They mentioned the different conference rooms and the loft. One of my friends also mentioned that they hang local artists’ work. I hear their fruit smoothies and breves are definitely a go–to. I hope to check out One World soon.

Any time I go in, my favorite feature of Bucer’s is the large bookshelf they have up front. I love to go and just look at all the titles; it is incredible to see that many books in one place. I have so many memories with friends from gathering at Bucer’s. One night in particular my friends and I spent the evening sitting at the large table up front playing card games. It was a great place for us to have a calm evening out where we could just be together, but no one had to host. Bucer’s also has incredible food along with their drinks.

Maybe you’re reading this and need a mid-day pick me up, maybe you are looking for something to do with your friends this weekend, or maybe you’re just looking for the perfect excuse to go get some coffee. Let this be the post that encourages you to take the plunge and visit a new coffee shop. I know I will be visiting one of these places soon. What coffee shop are you going to this weekend?

We as humans innately look to be connected with one another. Part of our role here on campus is to network. Not only to network with future employers, but to also network with one another. One of the common ways for students to network with one another is by joining clubs and organizations. Just in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences there are 28 different clubs and organizations. Today I want to highlight five of these clubs: Apparel, Textiles and Design Club, Collegiate FFA, Plant and Soil Science Club, Women in Agriculture Club, and Block and Bridle.

Apparel, Textiles and Design Club

Junior Ellie Hafer has a passion for her degree in apparel, textiles and design (ATD) and the ATD Club. Hafer is originally from Lewiston and found her passion upon entering college. Prior to attending U of I, she had a passion for theatre but has shifted focus to fashion. She joined the ATD club when she was a freshman and was the club secretary that year. Now she is the club president and hopes to keep that position next year.

Hafer talked highly about the workshops the club hosts multiple times a semester. These workshops teach skills such as needle felting, embroidery and solar dyeing. There are usually four workshops per semester, but this semester there are five. The remaining workshops are on advanced Illustrator (March 3), lace making (March 24) and solar dyeing (April 14). Each workshop costs $5, or you can pay a semester fee of $10, and are held in the Niccolls building. No prior experience is needed, and attendees usually get to take home what they make.

The club also tables at events like Palousefest and UIdaho Bound. In April, they will hold a clothing swap where you can bring any clothing that you may want to get rid of and leave with any clothing that was brought to the event. If you want to take home clothing, the cost is $5. If all you want to do is donate, it will be free.

Earlier this year, Hafer traveled to Utah for Outdoor Retailer, a trade show for the outdoor industry. Hafer was joined by three other club members and their trip was fully funded, other than food expenses. This trip allowed them to make connections and have internship opportunities.

If you are interested in the ATD Club you can show up to any workshop, reach out to Hafer at hafe3011@vandals.uidaho.edu, or check out their Instagram (@idahoatd) page or University of Idaho Apparel, Textiles, and Design on Facebook. To join their email list, you can email Hafer. The email list will be the best place to get updates for the club.

Collegiate FFA

I sat down with agricultural education student Makenna DeWitt to learn more about Collegiate FFA (CFFA). DeWitt is a junior from Homedale and currently serves as CFFA secretary. DeWitt attributes CFFA to providing networking opportunities as well as personal growth through skills building and leadership that will allow her to become a better educator in the future.

This is the first year that CFFA has been back in full swing since COVID. They are trying to get programming back and running and navigate what students envision for their club. DeWitt said that the club is open to catering to what students want and need. This year the club has cleaned up a highway, held a workshop that showed members where their Thanksgiving dinner came from, and they are looking to do industry tours in the future.

DeWitt said that CFFA is truly for anyone who is interested in agriculture, and everyone is welcome to join. Students can get connected by reaching out on Instagram (@uidahocffa), contacting officers you can see on their Instagram page, or by contacting advisor Jeremy Falk at jfalk@uidaho.edu.

Plant and Soil Science Club

President Makayla Greany and Vice-President Spenser Stenmark met with me to talk about the Plant and Soil Science Club. Greany is a junior from Kuna double majoring in biotechnology and plant genomics, and horticulture and urban agriculture. Stenmark is from Weed, California and is studying wildlife resources.

Greany’s interest in plants was fostered in high school when she participated in agronomy and took a floriculture class. Once she arrived at U of I, Greany got involved in the Plant and Soil Science Club and has grown exponentially because of that decision. She credits the club with allowing her to learn about running a greenhouse, leadership, and delegation. Greany also spoke highly about the opportunity to meet new people and go on trips.

Stenmark found his love for plants through gardening, which he has done his whole life. This is his first semester in the club, and I could already tell that he had a passion for it. Stenmark lit up at the opportunity to tell me about their upcoming trip to Seattle. On this trip they will attend a festival and tour the University of Washington and see how a bigger university runs their greenhouses.

Greany said that most holidays mean that there will be a plant sale for the club. She noted that they just held their Valentine's Day sale. Money from sales goes back to their club and allows for scholarship opportunities for members. The club also has an apple pruning trip where they can learn the general skills needed to prune plants.

The club meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Sixth Street Greenhouses. There is food and activities at each meeting. The best way to get connected is by showing up to these meetings and joining their email list. You can also find them on Instagram (@uipssc) and Facebook at Plant Soil Science Club. If you have any questions email them at uipssc@gmail.com.

Women in Agriculture Club

This club was founded in Fall 2022 by Lauren Mink, a senior from Cambridge studying agricultural science, communication and leadership. Mink’s goal for this club is to be a place where young women, regardless of college affiliation, can come together to network, and get mentorship from strong women outside of the university. The common tie is a shared love for agriculture between club members. Mink says they bring in guest speakers for the mentorship piece of this club. The club has also had a night where members could get professional headshots taken for free, and another where they could vision cast and set goals for their future.

One of Mink’s goals for this club is to be low maintenance. The club only meets once a month to do activities. They are planning to go on industry tours on March 3-4 in Walla Walla, Washington and Pendleton, Oregon. Mink emphasized that this is a club that has industry support and leadership opportunities for members.

A great way to get involved with the club is to join their email list by contacting Mink at devr3778@vandals.uidaho.edu or by messaging their Instagram, @womeninag_uofi. Their Instagram is also a great way to get updates about the club and to see what is happening.

Block and Bridle

Jenna Whitaker, a sophomore crop science and management major, sat down with me to talk about her time in the Block and Bridle Club. Whitaker is originally from Moses Lake, Washington and found her love for livestock showing through 4-H. This is the same passion she carries with her today in Block and Bridle.

Whitaker shared with me the incredible travel opportunities that she has had because of Block and Bridle. She has shown cattle at the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) and attended the Block and Bridle National Convention, held in conjunction with the National Cattleman’s Beef Association Convention. Outside of these special trips, Block and Bridle has been meeting once a month, working to halter break steers at the U of I Beef Center, and preparing sheep for the Nugget All-American show taking place in June.

Whitaker noted that Block and Bridle is actively working to revive the club after a few hard years with COVID. They are always looking for students who are interested in getting involved and willing to put forth the effort in club activities.

With the new semester, Whitaker said that Block and Bridle is reevaluating their meeting times. The best way to get more information would be to talk with your AVS professor about joining the email list or reach out to the CALS Academic Programs office. Check out their Instagram, @idaho.blockandbridle, and their Facebook at Block and Bridle at the University of Idaho.

I know that the people I have chosen to surround myself with in college have incredibly impacted my time here. I could not imagine my time here without my people. If this is something that you are missing, I would encourage you to get connected with a club. Visit the CALS website to get a full list of clubs offered within our college.

When gearing up for college, I had a dream of what it was going to be like to finally be a university student. I would come, get independence, have all the friends imaginable, and most of all be incredibly successful in my college career. It wasn’t long after moving here that I found that my path wasn’t going to be exactly what I dreamed of. In many ways, it has been better.

I can tell you with certainty that my dream experience of college never encompassed learning how to swing dance. But it soon became one of my favorite things to do with friends.

I will never forget learning how to swing dance my freshman year in a dorm room. Since then, I have gone swing dancing at the Moose Lodge, at the outdoor basketball courts, and I’m excited to check out the swing dances in the Livestock Pavilion.

I will never claim to be a proficient dancer, but the atmosphere is one that I have always loved. An environment that is full of people dancing and loud music playing. One with laughter and maybe the occasional thud of someone being dropped to the floor.

The best part is that you don’t have to be good at dancing to go. There are always people around who truly want to help you learn how to dance. It’s all about letting loose and just having fun with the people around you. There is no requirement to come with a partner or to have any prior experience. Just bring yourself and a good attitude.

I am thankful for a culture of laughter and dancing. I think we sometimes forget to just stop and dance like no one is watching. We are lucky to attend a school that wants to cultivate an environment for their students that is fun and engaging. One that reminds us that it’s okay to stop and just have fun every once in a while.

Maybe you have never been swing dancing before, or maybe it was an integral part of your upbringing. Maybe you’re somewhere in between. No matter where you are on the spectrum, I encourage you to take the time to go swing dancing. Residence Life is hosting swing dancing every other Thursday in the Livestock Pavilion, located on 6th Street by Vandal Brand Meats. These dances are free to attend. The next dance will be next week, March 9 at 7 p.m.

Today is the final day of midterms and I think we can all agree that it is relieving to know that spring break is upon us. For some of us this means that we get rest, for others it means we’re going to be working. Some of us will be traveling, others will be staying in Moscow. If you’re staying here for break you may find yourself wondering what you are going to do to fill your time. There are plenty of places to check out but I wanted to highlight three specific options — the Palouse Ice Rink, Moscow Wild@Art, and Kamiak Butte County Park.

The Palouse Ice Rink located on Main Street headed out of town toward Lewiston is a great place to visit with your friends. My freshman year I went to the rink with a friend and we were both pretty fresh at the whole ice-skating thing. We both worked hard to just stay on our two feet — a task I was not successful in. But we still had a great time laughing at, and with one another. The rink has different skate hours depending on what you are looking for. Public skate hours vary but can be found on their website. The adult cost to skate during public hours is $10.

Wild@Art is a great place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing activity. They offer pottery painting, canvas painting and host ticketed events. I have never been to Wild@Art but I have been to a similar place in my hometown. I remember making gifts there growing up and loved being able to be creative and make something unique that was my own. Wild@Art has drop-in hours from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 12-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are located downtown on Third Street.

One place that holds a near and dear spot in my heart is the Kamiak Butte County Park. I have spent countless hours at Kamiak Butte over my three years at U of I. I love the peace and quiet that the park offers. You can typically find me at the picnic tables with friends studying, reading or just talking about life. I visit when I’m feeling lost, overwhelmed or just needing to escape reality. Kamiak Butte also has hiking trails, shelters and an amphitheater. It’s located off Highway 27 on your way toward Palouse, Washington. It is free to visit, but does accept donations, and is open from 7 a.m. to dusk.

The Palouse offers more than just the University of Idaho. Spring break is a great time to explore the other opportunities in our area. Have a great spring break, try to rest a little and make countless memories with those around you.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences leaves an impact on each of its students. For me, CALS has become home because of the people it’s comprised of. This is a common answer among many CALS students. Today I want to speak to those who may not have experience with CALS or are considering being a part of CALS. I want to share with you the “why” of our college from a student's perspective. Join me in a journey of learning about student experiences in CALS, featuring a student from each of our departments.

Hannah Kindelspire, a senior from the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), is in a 3+2 program, working towards a bachelors in food and nutrition and a masters in dietetics. Kindelspire is originally from Moscow and knew that she wanted to stay in town for college. She said the FCS director has known her since she was born, and she remembers getting a tour from her. That’s the tour that solidified her future in CALS. As a student she has gotten involved in the Food and Nutrition club, Delta Delta Delta sorority and is a CALS ambassador. She said it is evident that everyone in CALS is here to help you succeed and you can approach anyone and get a kind response. She wants prospective students to know that college is an opportunity for a fresh start. An opportunity to participate in new activities, change your study habits and leave your old self in the past. Kindelspire will graduate this spring with her bachelor's degree and graduate in 2024 with her master's degree.

Kiera Packer is a senior from the Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications Department. She is from Melba and will be graduating with a degree in agricultural science, communications and leadership. Packer made the decision to attend U of I because everything seemed to align and point her here. She knew she wanted to stay in-state, get a degree in agriculture and she was interested in the Greek system. Over the last four years, she has been actively involved on campus. Right now, she is focusing her time on being a CALS ambassador and member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Packer credits CALS with influencing her direction in her future career. She spoke highly of the opportunities that CALS offers students with networking nights, internships, greenhouses and farms on campus. Packer is applying to grad schools now and hoping to further her education after graduation.

A senior from Dillion, Montana, Harleigh Johnson is in the Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences Department. She will be graduating with a pre-veterinary degree. Johnson is in the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers Club, Delta Delta Delta sorority and is a CALS ambassador. She spoke highly of the support system found in CALS. One where everyone is approachable, and faculty will send opportunities your way. She also talked about how involved the college is, with things like CALS Olympics, barbecues, highlighting students on social media, etc. She said that CALS has allowed her to eliminate what she isn’t interested in and fuel her passion for what she is interested in. Johnson is getting ready to apply for graduate schools so she can continue her education after graduation.

Sophomore Emma Eakins is from Hillsboro, Oregon studying entomology in the Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology Department. When asked about CALS, Eakins said it is their home-base. They love the E. J. Iddings Agricultural Science Building and spend a majority of time here. Eakins works in both the entomology museum and an entomology lab. She chose the University of Idaho because CALS has the only undergraduate entomology program in the Pacific Northwest. Eakins is thankful that CALS is a place that has people who are willing to help out when needed. They would encourage all new students to reach out to both faculty and other students because you never know what connections they will provide. Eakins is not sure what she wants to do after graduating but credits the entomology program to ensuring she will be ready for whatever path is ahead.

Alex Jimenez Cortes is a senior from Wilder studying crop science in the Department of Plant Sciences. When asked about CALS, the first word that came to mind for him was family. He especially focused on the atmosphere the faculty has facilitated. One where everyone can come together no matter their degree, that is supportive and gives students real industry knowledge. Jimenez Cortes has been active on campus since he arrived. He is a part of the College Assistance Migrant Program, Omega Delta Phi, CALS Ambassadors and helped found the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences club. Jimenez Cortes encourages all incoming students to come in with a declared major even if it might change later and to get involved with anything you can. After graduating he will be working for John Deere.

Derrick Pomi is a senior in the Department of Soil and Water Systems. He is originally from Petaluma, California, and is majoring in agricultural systems management. Pomi chose U of I and CALS because of the family-like atmosphere in CALS. He recalled Associate Dean Matt Doumit remembering his name and that being pivotal in the way he thought of CALS. He said CALS is made up of good people who care about who you are. He also talked about how much he appreciated his advisor. Pomi is in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers club, the Agricultural Systems Management club, is a CALS ambassador and is the president of the CALS Student Affairs Council. CALS has become Pomi’s home away from home and he encourages prospective students to join CALS because of the hands-on course materials. After graduating Pomi is hoping to stay in the Pacific Northwest and work in the agricultural industry.

Cassidey Plum is a senior in the Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department. She is originally from Meridian and is studying agribusiness. She first became interested in U of I and CALS because the CALS Ambassadors visited one of her classes in her junior year of high school. She said it has come full circle as she is now an ambassador herself. While here at U of I, Plum has also been a part of the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers Club, Gamma Phi Beta sorority and a senator for the Associated Students University of Idaho. She had the opportunity to travel to Boise for the Ag Policy Tour and said this trip encouraged her to consider a career in agricultural policy. Plum recommends students join CALS because the college automatically puts you in a community when you arrive. She described the community as one that wants to help you succeed and is excited for you to be there. After graduating Plum will be working for Batts Associates as a private consultant.

Without CALS our experiences as students would be vastly different. There are always going to be pros and cons of any college you decide to attend. From my perspective, the pros far outweigh the cons when talking about CALS. CALS means home, family, unity, growth and diversity. I could not imagine being a part of any other college. I am thankful for my time in CALS and encourage any perspective students to check out CALS. No matter who you are, there is a place for you.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences provides unique opportunities for students who want to put in extra work and get out of their comfort zone. Spring break was one of those times when I got to break out of my comfort zone and do something that was greater than my day-to-day life. As I write this, I am just settling back in from working as a communications liaison in New York. I traveled with the Global Orientation to Agricultural Learning (GOALs) program.

GOALs allows students to attend the World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogues to learn about global food security. This is their fall immersion. In the spring, these students teach four lesson plans throughout the nation in agricultural education classrooms. This program is in conjunction with the University of Idaho and Pennsylvania State University. U of I 11 students in the program spread throughout five states.

My experience in this differs slightly from the common route. This spring I was selected as a communications liaison. I did not attend the fall immersion and instead of teaching, I was able to work on communication efforts. Some of these projects included interviewing urban agriculture entities, filming, writing a newsletter article and creating a one-pager.

I can’t express just how pivotal this experience was for me. Not only did I get to implement career skills that I will use in my portfolio, but I got to learn about an area I was not familiar with. This trip was truly a balancing act between work and play. Immersing myself in the rich history of New York and learning about the projection of urban agriculture.

I knew going into this trip that I had my bucket list of places that I wanted to visit – the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Times Square. Interestingly, the place that hit home most for me was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was the most beautiful cathedral I had ever been to. Growing up with half my family catholic, this brought a little bit of home right where I was.

The most impactful place, however, had to be the 9/11 Memorial. I wasn’t sure how much it would impact me since I was only six months old when 9/11 happened. I came to realize that it was more impactful than I would have ever imagined. There is great intentionality in every aspect of the museum. I was able to hear the news reports, see the beam that was signed by the fire crews and those who had lost loved ones, see a stairway that was in the World Trade Center, etc. I am thankful to live in a country that values keeping memories alive.

On the more serious side of my trip, I really enjoyed speaking to different urban agriculture companies. Two, Agritecture and Green Food Solutions, are consultant companies. They work with urban agriculture growers to help in navigating what urban agriculture techniques are best for their operation. Agritecture is a global company that talked to me about what urban agriculture looks like in different areas. One interesting thing about Green Food Solutions was that they ensure the products grown stay within the buildings where they are grown. This helps with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Another place I met with was The Campaign Against Hunger, which has both gardens and a food bank. It was neat to see how they give back to their community and how they implement agriculture in that effort. Urban agriculture is a sector that I had not been exposed to. I was encouraged to see how urban agriculture can serve as a way to bridge the gap between consumer and producer. I hope that we continue seeing the conjunction of urban and traditional agriculture as we all work to better the industry we love.

Each of our experiences in college differ and they should be unique from one another. I am thankful for my department, CALS, and the opportunities that are presented to me. It is exciting to see my future come to life when I am doing school activities. Applying for these opportunities may be scary but it is worth it no matter who you are. It is incredible to see the growth in myself because of these opportunities. If you are wondering about what opportunities may be available to you, reach out to a CALS faculty member or your advisor.

If your parents are anything like mine, they probably want to support you in any way they can. For my parents, that means they want to be actively involved in what I do. They want to meet my friends, see where I go to school and the places I call home in Moscow. One way my parents have been able to do this is by attending Parent and Family Weekends. The Spring 2023 Parent and Family Weekend will be held April 14-16.

If you have never been to a Parent and Family Weekend you are probably wondering what the big deal is and what there is to do. I’m here to answer those questions. Not only is Parent and Family Weekend a way for parents to get involved in their student's life on campus, but it’s a way for students to share with their parents. I love being able to pick what special things I want to share with my parents — where I want to take them to eat, who I want them to meet, and where I, not so secretly, want them to buy my groceries from. Thanks, mom.

If you’re not sure what you want to do with your parents, a great place to start are the campus events. These include a cornhole tournament, dinner and entertainment with NYNY Dueling Pianos, the Palouse Patchers-Quilt Show and more. CALS hosts the Parents & Plants sessions as well as the CALS Wine and Cheese Tasting event.

The Parents & Plants sessions are hosted by the Plant & Soil Science Club. The event allows you to make a potted plant with your parents. You will be provided with three plants for your basket, and you can make one basket per ticket. There are two sessions during the weekend. Both sessions will be on Saturday, April 15. The first session will be at 10:30 a.m. and the second will be at 1 p.m. They will be located in the 6th Street Greenhouses and will cost about $26. Register today.

CALS Wine and Cheese Tasting will also be on Saturday, April 15. At this event you can enjoy regional wines, beers, cheeses and snacks. This event will also have a wine pull and raffle items. The raffle items have been supplied by various student groups and the proceeds will be going back to students. The event costs $25 for those who would like to drink alcohol and $15 for those who won’t be drinking. This event will take place at the 1912 Events Center on 3rd Street. Register today.

The events take place anywhere from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The events on average cost about $20 and some are free. To see a full list of events taking place check out the Parent and Family Weekend website.

I know that Parent and Family Weekend is an event that I have enjoyed every year that I have been in college. I would encourage all students to invite their parents and family. It will be a great way for you to show your loved ones a little glimpse into what your life away from home looks like.

There are many ways for students to gain practical skills before entering the workforce. Some students complete internships, some do directed study and others work on campus. Today, I want to focus on the on-campus employment offered through CALS.

Megan Parnell is a senior from Sandpoint studying agribusiness and working for the Beef Center. When asked about her experience working on campus, she keyed in on it being a good escape. She said it is a way for her to do something she loves while promoting the university. One of the places she has promoted the university was at the Northern International Livestock Exposition where she was able to show some of our cattle. Working on campus has allowed her to learn more about breeding for genetics, reproduction and artificial insemination in the cattle industry. Parnell described the typical workday as doing ranch hand work. This includes both tending to the cattle and tending to the land through fence maintenance.

Junior Alicia Easterday has found great personal growth from working at Vandal Brand Meats. Easterday is from Buhl and was raised on a dairy farm. She is now studying animal and veterinary science: dairy option. Working on campus has allowed her to expand her knowledge and skill set within the agriculture industry. She said some of the skills she has learned are tactile skills in butchering, leadership and the ability to work alongside diverse personalities. Making connections with her coworkers, superiors and customers was something she spoke highly of. She said she was able to get to know her coworkers better while traveling to the Northwest Meat Processors Association Convention this past weekend. Easterday takes pride in her work and the ability to support the university and community. She said they use the meat lab to help with FFA events, university courses/labs, as well as catering on campus.

Kamryn Orr works for the U of I Dairy Center and is a junior from Mountain Home studying agribusiness. Orr said she is an advocate for on-campus jobs because she loves what she does. One of the biggest things she spoke about was the flexibility offered. She said that not only are the hours flexible in general, but you also work with people who are in similar situations as you. She said people are more willing to cover shifts because they understand the need. A typical workday for Orr varies but the biggest emphasis is making sure that the cattle are healthy and happy. Orr came in with experience but said this job has allowed her to continue learning more. Some of these skills are breeding protocol, detecting disease and knowing what the rumen sounds like. You don’t have to have experience to work at the Dairy Center and Orr has enjoyed watching other people grow.

Freshman Emily Meredith started working for the U of I Sheep Center this spring. She is majoring in animal and veterinary science: dairy option. She learned about the Sheep Center during her time in FFA and from knowing people who worked there. Meredith likes the flexibility that an on-campus job provides with her school schedule and how close it is. She said she has learned a variety of skills including time management, animal behavior and problem solving. She is encouraged by the ability to apply what she is learning in classes to the work she does at the Sheep Center. Meredith said it has been a great opportunity to get a larger scaled exposure to the agriculture industry since she was only exposed through her time in FFA. Some of her co-workers are working toward an opportunity to show the campus sheep at the Reno Nugget All American Show.

If you are looking for on-campus employment for the 2023-24 school year, there are a few ways to get connected. On April 12, there is an On-Campus Jobs Fair. There will be representatives looking to promote the jobs they offer on-campus. You can also contact the different centers or ask CALS faculty about opportunities in your department. Jobs postings can also be found on handshake.

Cooking is a skill that needs to be developed. One that we will probably all have to use at some point in our lives. Whether that’s as a chef or making boxed mac and cheese.

If you know me, you probably know that I love to cook. If you know me well, I have probably cooked for you before. There’s nothing that I love more than being able to feed the people around me. Especially if I know that cooking isn't something that they enjoy.

My mom would probably argue that this isn’t true. I am not a big helper when it comes to cooking at home. I never have been, and I had to develop the skill when I came to college.

I started cooking out of necessity. I have a dairy allergy and abruptly realized that quick and simple meals were not an option for me. In the beginning, it wasn’t something that I enjoyed because it wasn’t something that I was good at. As I learned the necessary skills and continued practicing, I became more proficient.

I wish I knew then what I know now — U of I offers cooking classes on campus. There are two modes of cooking classes that you can participate in at U of I.

One is Vandalizing the Kitchen. This is a monthly event that is free for students. Each class features three different recipes that can be made on a student budget. The food is aimed at not only being quick and budget friendly but also nutritious. The next event is April 18 from 5-6 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center Classroom (SRC 103). Registration is not required.

The other cooking classes are known as Power of Pulses. These events are held monthly and are co-hosted by the CALS Food and Nutrition Club. The cost of attendance is $5, and you get to make the food as well as take it home. The next class is April 21 and the recipe will be Chickpea Sliders. The class will be in the Niccolls Building Room 101 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Registration for this class is required.

Cooking can be intimidating when you aren’t sure what you are doing. It’s hard to find recipes that you will be successful at, and it can be discouraging when you fail. If you don’t feel comfortable in the kitchen, I encourage you to check these classes out. College is about learning, not just academically, but learning life skills that we will carry into our futures. These classes help students develop the required skills to cook.

It is crazy to think that the semester is coming to a close. We are all starting to prep for finals, and some are starting to slowly pack up their belongings. I don’t know where the time has gone, but I know that I am ready for a break.

One of the hardest things to do at the end of the year is to say goodbye to all our friends. People we have come to know, love and call our chosen family. If you are looking for a way to celebrate this semester with friends look toward the U of I Finals Fest '23. This event will be a concert showcasing The Brevet, a rock band, and Chayce Beckham, a country artist.

The Finals Fest ‘23 will be held in the ICCU arena on April 26 from 7-10 p.m. The tickets are free, and the first 650 tickets claimed will be floor seats. You can claim your tickets. They can be bought the day of the event as well and the doors will be open at 6 p.m. There will be a clear bag policy enforced and metal detectors will be present. There will be no outside food or drinks permitted either.

Some of the songs The Brevet plays are Moving Mountains, Embers and Safe. Chayce Beckham has a single called 23. He also sings Keeping Me Up All Night and Can’t Do It Without Me.

Throughout my time at U of I, I have attended many concerts. In the fall of 2021, I went to a campus concert with friends. I loved the ability to relax and have fun with friends right here on campus. We were able to sing, dance and just enjoy each other's company. I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity of on-campus concerts.

Coming to the University of Idaho has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. One of the reasons for this is the community found in Moscow. We all have an opportunity to not only be connected on campus but also become connected with the local community.

One of the first priorities for me when coming here was to find a church. This isn’t the path that everyone chooses, but it’s the one I chose. Finding a church allowed me to make friends my age outside of the university, gain mentors and have an outlet. If you ask any of my friends, this is where I spend the majority of my time outside of school.

There are other opportunities in our community depending on what you are looking for. Another outlet that I have gotten connected to is volunteering. A few places I have volunteered at were the Hope Center and Palouse Care Network Benefit Dinners. These events allowed me to give back to the community around me in a practical way. You can find a list of places to volunteer.

The Moscow Farmers Market is right around the corner, and I can’t wait. Our farmers market here in Moscow brings vendors from many different places. Some products include wine, produce, honey, homemade goods, pastries and lemonade. It is a great way to see the diversity of the agriculture industry.

Finding your niche in the community is an incredible way to make connections that you may not otherwise make. Community members on the Palouse not only push me to be a better version of myself personally, but some have also helped me excel academically. Some write letters of recommendation, others schedule interviews so that I can use them as features on final projects. My favorites are those who remind me that there’s more to life than school. Sometimes I need a gentle reminder to take a break before I burn out.

It’s the end of the school year and now is probably not the time you are looking to get connected with the community. Let this post be the one that gets you searching for new ways to get involved next year, or maybe different ways to get involved this summer if you’re sticking around. Moscow is home not only because the campus is here, but because of the people in Moscow.

Finals week is right around the corner. For some of us, it has felt like it would never be here, and for others, it is an unwelcome surprise. If you’re anything like me, you may not even know what time your finals are at. Here’s your reminder to look them up and put them on your calendar.

Nonetheless, I think we can all agree that with finals comes stress. It is important to remember that while we’re in the final stretch and want to perform well, we still need to take care of ourselves. We all have our self-care tips, but sometimes in the heat of the moment it can be hard to remember just what those are.

To get myself in the mindset of self-care I took the time to reflect upon my own strategies and ask those around me what they do. Here are some of the top tips that I gathered:

• Take time to do mindless tasks.
• Get outside for fresh air.
• Find fun ways to study — maybe study sessions with friends or studying at coffee shops.
• Get more sleep than usual.
• Eat healthy meals and drink lots of water.
• Focus on what’s important.
• Know that you have prepared throughout the rest of the semester.
• Avoid procrastination.
• Find something that brings you joy every day.
• Say no to more so you can prioritize.
• Take study breaks.
• Grab some ice cream.
• Call your mom.
• Take a deep breath before going into your exams.
• Make the most of your final moments on campus.

Know that at the end of the week the test scores aren’t what defines you. So, close your laptop, stop calculating your GPA and spend the next hour taking care of yourself. Good luck with finals, Vandals. Here is to the last stretch of the semester.

We are just hours away from the close of the school year. Now is the time that we can all take a deep breath before we embark on our next adventure. This may look like going home to be with family, gearing up for an internship, starting a summer job, launching into a career or taking a break before jumping back into summer courses. No matter where you are, I invite you to celebrate the success of finishing another school year strong.

It feels good to know that I have another 37 credits behind me. I can lean into a time of reset. A time to continue learning and growing through a summer internship, and a time to see the outside world.

I think I speak for most of us when I say that this year has been one of the hardest yet. We have faced difficulties that we may have never expected to face. But in that, we have found strength in each other. This year was a success not just because of our performance but because we came together when we could have easily fallen apart.

I encourage you all to take time to reflect on your year today. To not refresh your Canvas grades, but to remember the joy of the semester. Remember back to all the fun times you shared with your friends, and the skills you’ve gained. Appreciate the little things that made your semester a positive one here at U of I.

I appreciated the ability to connect with all of you through this blog and I can’t wait to start it back up next fall.

Here’s to the 2022-2023 school year. Have a great summer, Vandals!

The summer has officially come to an end and I for one am not sure where the time has gone. It seems like just last week I was sitting down to write my final blog post of the spring 2023 semester. I can tell you one thing for sure though. This summer was one of growth, trial and some fun adventures along the way.

Like many of you, my summer was spent interning and gaining skills necessary to prepare for my chosen career. Most days this looked like sitting behind a computer at the Appaloosa Horse Club. I wrote articles that were published in the Appaloosa Journal, produced media, created graphics and so much more. Other days were spent traveling, attending the 75th National Appaloosa and Youth World Show in Oklahoma City and the Chief Joseph Trail Ride on Lolo Pass.

With many long days and lessons learned I can look back and say it was a summer I have pride in. A summer where I pushed myself. Learning not only what it looks like to be career ready, but what it looks like to be a healthy worker. One who works hard, but also one who balances work with the occasional fun.

In the spirit of enjoying life a little bit, I stood by the side of two friends as they got married. Watching some of my forever friends making a lifelong commitment in front of those they love. Two weddings meant many hours spent in the car, traveling to bachelorette parties, attending the weddings and of course visiting my parents so my mom could hem my dresses.

No matter where I was, I was consistently learning and growing. Learning necessary skills, who I am and growing into who I will become. This is the same theme that I want to carry through the school year. One where hard work and fun are implemented, one where growth is evident. As you join me in this new season expect to see opportunities to learn, get involved and push ourselves to the next level. Here’s to an incredible school year, Vandals.

With the start of a new school year, you may be feeling a little lost and not sure what all is available to you. While there is an endless list of opportunities, resources and tips that I could leave you with, I want to focus on just three campus resources that may be beneficial for you to know about. These are the CALS Food Pantry, the Vandal Health Clinic and Safe Walk.

The CALS Food Pantry is an on-campus food pantry located in the Agricultural Sciences Building by the Ag Biotech Courtyard. This service is designed to help provide aid for CALS students, faculty and staff who are facing food insecurity. In there you can find meat provided by Vandal Brand Meats, diverse shelf stable food items and other items as available. There is also a microwave to heat up food and a document where you can write down any suggestions that you may have for the pantry. This pantry is anonymous and free to any student. If you would like to assist our college in this effort, you can do that as well. There is also a Vandal Food Pantry available to any U of I student, located in Shoup Hall.

On the other side of campus sits the Vandal Health Clinic. This is an on-campus clinic made possible through the partnership that the University of Idaho has with Gritman Moscow Family Medicine. You can find the clinic by the Admin Lawn. Walk-In's and appointments are welcome at this clinic from 8-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The last appointments available each day are at 4 p.m. The clinic can provide treatment or referrals. A few services they provide are for mental health, LGBTQ care, routine care and immunizations. Check out their list of services.

Safe Walk is another free service provided by U of I designed to keep students safe. This program is run by Campus Security and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When utilizing Safe Walk, Campus Security will meet you anywhere on campus and walk with you to your destination. This is offered year-round and no questions are asked when services are provided. You can request a Safe Walk by calling 208-885-SAFE (7233).

The University of Idaho goes to great lengths to protect the safety and health of their students. I for one am grateful that these services are available to me if I were to ever need them.

“What are your plans for after college?”

I don’t know about you, but this is the most daunting and stressful question I get asked. As a senior, this question keeps getting scarier by the day. What do I want to do after college? When do I start applying for jobs? Where do I start looking for jobs? Is my resume ready? Am I ready for a career?

If you’re asking yourself the same questions as I am, you may want to check out the University of Idaho Career Services. Career Services offers a host of resources for students preparing for internships and their careers after graduation. Some of these resources include resume and CV building assistance, major and career explorations and workshops. Today, I want to focus on their upcoming professional headshot opportunity, the Handshake platform and their interview preparation.

Next Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 20-21, Career Services is offering free professional photos. This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ISUB Vandal Lounge and will be done drop-in style. These photos are perfect to use for your Handshake or Linkedin profile as you prepare for the upcoming career fair.

While you’re thinking about professional social media platforms, be sure to check out Handshake. Handshake is run through your student accounts and is open to both alumni and current students. While on Handshake I have been able to explore potential internships and on-campus jobs. You can also find upcoming events such as the career fair on Handshake. One of my favorite aspects is the ability to narrow down your search. This has allowed me to discover internships that are more fitting for what I’m seeking out.

As I prepare to find a career after college one skill that I need to sharpen up is interviewing. When looking for resources, I found that the interview preparation website from Career Services is a great place to start. On there you can find the 50 most common interview questions, interview strategies, phone and video interview tips and an interview kickstart video series. You can also email them to set up a mock interview.

While looking beyond college can be overwhelming and stressful, there are ways to overcome that. As we look to our future, preparation is key and we all will have to find a way to stand out. Join me in utilizing Career Services to do just that.

I don’t know about you, but the weather we’ve been having lately reminds me of all the reasons that I love fall. The rain outside makes me want to snuggle up in a cozy blanket, drink some warm coffee and read a book. Now, while that sounds like the perfect fall day to me, there are so many other fall activities that I love to do.

The start of fall sports is among us — Vandal football and volleyball have to be my personal favorites. There’s just something special about being surrounded by other college students, the sound of cheering when our team scores a point, the roar of the Vandal Fight Song through the crowd. Volleyball, cross country, women’s soccer and football have all kicked off for the season.

You can catch the first Vandal home football game this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Sacramento State as we celebrate CALS Days and Hero Appreciation Day. This will be a great opportunity to hang out with friends, tailgate and cheer on fellow students. Be sure to wear your Vandal gear and grab a Vandal dog (made by Vandal Brand Meats) while you’re at it.

One of the most cliché parts of fall are the drinks that come along with it — pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate, apple cider, the list goes on. Last year my friends and I decided that just going to Starbucks didn’t cut it, so we tried our hand at making apple cider. If you haven’t heard of it already, there’s an apple orchard out in Garfield, Washington called Bishops Orchard. At Bishops Orchard, you can pick your own apples and press your own cider. Their season has already kicked off, so be sure to check them out. If you want to press your own cider, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Now, back to this whole curling up with a good book thing. This Saturday at the Latah County Fairgrounds there is a book sale. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is hosted by the Friends of the Moscow Public Library. The last two hours of the event you will be able to purchase a bag of books for just two dollars. The only stipulation is that they ask you to bring your own book.

It seems this may just be the perfect weekend — an opportunity to cheer on the Vandals, make some cider and get some more books. Enjoy the weather, Vandals and don’t forget to relax a little this weekend.

It seems this semester is going a little too quickly. Exams are ramping up, final projects are being announced and internships are starting to be discussed. You heard that right — internships. It may feel as if we’re just getting back to school from our summer break, but it’s already time to start planning for your next step. Will you stay in the local area, will you travel the country, will you go abroad? The best is yet to come.

Our college is devoted to helping our students navigate this time. From talking through your next best step, to holding events where you can find your next internship or job, that is what next week is all about. I sat down with Alissa Whitaker, a senior CALS Ambassador, to discuss what exactly our college is offering.

Next Tuesday, Oct. 3, CALS will be holding their annual CALS Networking Night from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Ag Biotech Interaction Court. There will be snacks provided and business casual attire is encouraged. Whitaker also noted that it is important to bring your resume/C.V. to hand out to employers.

“There are currently 31 employers registered to attend, ranging from insurance companies, ostrich farms, seed companies, feed lots and food processing,” Whitaker said. “I think that the diversity of employers is really important because our college is diverse. So, having diversity in our employers truly shows who our entire college is and every student is represented and can find a place where they may feel at home for employment after or during college through an internship.”

She also said there is a CALS Professional Clothing Closet open to students who may not have business casual attire for this event. All clothes in the closet are free for students and you can keep the clothes you get. To access this closet stop by CALS Academic Programs in Ag Sci 65.

I know for myself, internships have been an incredible way for me to sharpen my skills, meet others in the industry and gain confidence for my career beyond college. It was scary navigating the process of applying for internships. Now, I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have my internships.

If you’re feeling the stress and anxiety that comes along with finding your next step, know that it’s normal. But CALS is here to help you in any way they can. Join me in attending the CALS Networking Night as we navigate what’s next and be sure to check out the Career Fair the following day, from 2-6 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome.