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.