(Not So) Wordless Wednesday: Agricultural Business Learning Community Wrap Up

Last week was the last organized meeting I had with the Agricultural Business Learning Community I peer mentor. It was actually kind of sad to stand at the front on the class collecting student evaluation forms, congratulating each kid on a successful semester thus far, knowing I would never teach the class again. On the other hand, I couldn't help smile with each "Thank you", "I learned a lot!", or "You helped Iowa State feel like home."

Since the last Wordless Wednesday featuring our group, the team has done some exciting things! The pumpkins we decorated were personally delivered by a group of Team Leaders and Peer Mentors to Northcrest Community and received by smiling faces eager to hear about our Iowa State experiences.

Three faculty members came to class to answer questions about future coursework and their classroom policies. Each shared valuable advice about balancing involvements, studying abroad, and searching for jobs. As a student I feel so fortunate we have the opportunity to get to know our professors personally.

Our students were generously hosted by Roger Underwood for one last dinner with faculty and staff. As always, it was a great time of casual networking and delicious food. His beautiful barn was full of freshmen, transfer students, and Peer Mentors. Meals like that are what really makes the Ag Business program feel like family.

Finally, freshmen met in small groups to register for spring classes and ask questions regarding their coursework for the next 4 years. Of course the night wasn't complete without pictures and pizza!

Looking back, applying to be a peer mentor was one of the best decisions I've made in my college career. The past two years have flown by and I feel so privileged to have been a part of tomorrow's leaders' college experience. I can't wait to work with them all to feed and fuel the world in a few short years! Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Fairs and Farm Animals

This week has been a bit chilly and there's no doubt fall will soon turn to winter. Running out the door in just a t-shirt is no longer an option, and I've even had to scrape my windshield a couple times. To be honest, I'm not quite sure I'm ready for coats and mittens, packed Cyride buses and wool socks. In that spirit, this week's Wordless Wednesday is a flashback to warm, sunny fair-time featuring farm animals across Iowa.

I hope you've all had the opportunity to go to a fair and experience the sights, sounds and smells that go along with all these beautiful animals. If not, be sure to look ahead to next summer's Iowa State Fair and make plans to take it all in! Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Foot At First

Recently, in my Agronomy 342: World Food Issues class, we had an enthusiastic speaker from an Ames organization called Food at First. This impressive group of 100% volunteers diligently prepare seven hot meals per week as part of a free, no questions asked service to the local community. The majority of food served comes as donations from area retailers and the ISU cafes or dining system. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also gleaned from farmer's fields and the organization has recently started a small garden that contributes a bit of fresh produce. I look forward to featuring this group on the blog more in the future, but for now, enjoy this Wordless Wednesday post of the delicious and nutritious meals they provide as well as the hardworking people that make it all possible.

I look forward to sharing more with you about these inspiring volunteers and their impact on the surrounding community. If you're looking for an opportunity to get involved, please check out their Facebook page. 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!