#Thankful Thursday, Week 8!

After walking around campus in 5 layers, and looking more like a 8 year old headed to play in the snow than a college student headed to class this week, I decided today's #ThankfulThursday should be dedicated to the four seasons!

Growing up in Iowa, I've had the privilege of experiencing all four seasons from a young age. These cold, snowy winters aren't all bad as they bring back great memories of sledding with the neighborhood kids, carefully constructing ramps and doggy-piling on the biggest toboggan we could find. The much anticipated snow days full of snowball fights, fort building and hot chocolate, are something kids in other parts of the country don't get. In college, winter means giant snowballs and igloos on central campus, and thankfulness for CyRide.

And although sometimes it seems like it never comes fast enough, once spring arrives, it always amazes me how quickly the grass greens up, trees begin to bud, and jackets are left behind. Games of catch and evening walks suddenly are much more appealing, and days get longer. On campus, people start eating lunch outside and playing frisbee on central campus between classes. 

Before you know it, spring turns to full blown summer full of camps, trips, baseball games, fireworks, cook outs, and NO SCHOOL! Now that I'm in college, my summers have been filled with hands on learning experiences in the form of internships and travel. Some of my personal favorite summer memories are catching a few rays at my brother's baseball games, fair time, a high school trip to Spain, and last year's Iowa Corn Indy 300 race weekend! This summer I look forward to interning in the Marketing Communications department with Beck's Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana.

Somehow, every August I'm ready to head back to school eagerly look forward to cooler nights filled with football games and bonfires. Getting into a new routine, meeting new teachers, and making new memories are always exciting parts of this time of year. Personally, I just love sweatshirt weather and taking pictures of the beautiful autumn leaves. Harvest time and seeing all the productivity of the ag industry this time of year especially, always makes me proud. At Iowa State, fall brings events like Ag Business Fall Industry Tour, CALS Week, and lots of tailgating.

This year, I'm going to try to be thankful for the season we're in and appreciate the fun things that come around each time of year... even as I waddle to class in all my snow gear! Join me! Thanks for reading! 

Wordless Wednesday: Ag Business Learning Community Adventures

One of the most rewarding things I've been a part of on the Iowa State campus has been the Agricultural Business Learning Community. As a freshman, this group helped me find the clubs I'd most enjoy, answered my questions about business dress codes, and guided my class choices for the rest of my college career. For the past two years, I've been employed as a peer mentor in this program teaching students how to prepare for career fair and helping them discover their passion in agriculture.

The program is a class that meets twice a week. Most of the time we listen to guest speakers, explore campus resources, or work hard on improving resumes and 4 year plans. Occasionally, we have time to let loose and enjoy the fall season. This week, after many students completed their first round of midterms, we painted pumpkins for a local nursing home and visited Center Grove Orchard. The orchard took time to give us a behind the scenes tour and teach our team about marketing strategy. This week's Wordless Wednesday features the adventures of our relaxed week.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse of our Learning Community adventures as much as we enjoyed getting creative, jumping on the jumping pillow, and munching on caramel apples! Happy fall! Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Fall on the Farm

Last week I discovered my friend, Kaci Keitzer's beautiful fall photography and just had to share it for this week's Wordless Wednesday. She shot these gorgeous scenes back home a couple weekends ago. Kaci grew up on a family farm in Mediapolis, Iowa just about a half hour from my hometown of Columbus Junction. We are both studying Agricultural Business at Iowa State University and serve as Peer Mentors together. I'm sure you will enjoy her perspective on soybeans, John Deere equipment, and sheep.

I'm so thankful Kaci let me share her talent with all of you. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and amazing scenery this harvest season! Thanks for reading!