Why Join a Club?

by Maggie Elliot


CFFA's Executive Team bowling 

In September, students at the CALS Welcome Back picnic pointed to clubs as a key element of their college experience. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a diverse array of organizations to be involved in.

Students can compete in debates focused on agricultural topics, fit and show cattle, learn and educate others about nutrition, or explore different aspects of the dairy industry by participating in tours.

Professional growth isn’t the only element clubs offer, as the community atmosphere is key.

“I know people now. I can say ‘hi’ walking around campus or chat with someone before class starts,” said Megan Follett, a freshman studying food science. “It’s only been a month but already I’ve met so many people.”

McKenna Ellinghaus looks for an opportunity at professional development. An agricultural education major, she strives to gain skills and enhance her networking abilities by attending conferences and statewide FFA events.

 “The Teach Ag Championship Collegiate FFA is running will help me develop skills I can use as an Ag teacher I won’t learn in classroom curriculum here.” Clubs are an opportunity to assume leadership roles and build a competent resume.

Pre-Vet major Sabrina Little enjoys the diversity of disciplines studied by the Plant and Soil Science Club members. “I get to see people I don’t have in classes, and they make the meetings something to look forward to. ” Little said.

Willow Ellsom, a history major, appreciates the chance to learn something new every week. “We highlight a different plant each meeting and learn how to take care of it, and we also propagate and grow hundreds of plants to sell.” Ellsm said.

Student organizations allow individuals to build a different skill set and network with both faculty and fellow students. 


Senior Olivia Zurcher pointed out how being active in clubs has helped her throughout her college career. “Clubs keep you engaged and focused,” she said. “You are surrounded by people just as passionate about your major as you are, and it inspires you to keep working hard.”

Check out all the clubs CALS has to offer at:


https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/student-life/clubs-and-organizations

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CALS Ireland Study Abroad 2018

From Dublin to Dairies CALS students and faculty toured one of Ireland's agriculture research centers We were at the foot of a castle. Perched on a tall hill, impenetrable walls enclosed a millenium old round tower, cathedral, and chapel. The exposed rock of the castle was mottled and weathered, splotched with white lichen and hardy moss. After a stormy day, swirls of heavy clouds shed curtains of windblown mist across the landscape. Wind and rain lashed around us, but the castle remained still, unmoving, as if part of the earth itself.   “For those who are not faint-hearted” Dr. Ahmadzadeh called, “There is a striking view on the other side.” He pointed to a narrow, water bogged trail weaving around the sharply slanted hill. The ground had withstood hours of pouring rain, and was now saturated and unstable, shifting precariously under our feet. Undaunted, all eight students quickly fell in step behind him. We treaded through the long grass, stepping o...
Read more

Writing Toolbox

Using a Readability Scale  How easy-to-read is your writing? Whether you are designing a lesson plan or penning an article, communicating the complexity of agriculture can be challenging. One way to note the “readability” of a document is by using the Flesh Kincaid Readability Test, which is available through Microsoft Word. The scale assesses the reading ease of your document and indicates the appropriate grade level to read the paper. It takes into account sentence structure, syllables, word length, and vocabulary. With this in mind, as the author you can more accurately tailor your work to best suit the age of your audience. To access the readability statistics, go to Tools, Spelling & Grammar, 1 Click the File tab, and then click Options . 2 Click Proofing . 3 Under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, make sure the Check grammar with spelling check box is selected. 4 Select Show readability statistics . Once the spell...
Read more

Student Spotlight: Sydney Anderson

Sydney Anderson is a senior studying ASCL in Twin Falls. Growing up in Nampa, Anderson was involved in agriculture in various ways. Her parents enrolled her in 4-H after getting a horse for her older sister and her to share; she continued to do 4-H for 12 years. Anderson got involved in the National FFA Organization because of her grandfather, who was President of the North Miami Chapter in Florida at the time. Her passion for leadership, serving others, and advocating for agriculture grew from then on.  “I chose to study ASCL because of the luxury of distance learning while having the ability to experience all the possible opportunities in the Magic Valley,” Anderson says. She believes that teaching individuals about agriculture and the impact it has on the world is extremely important. Anderson loves public speaking and coordinating events, so studying ASCL has helped her continue to learn about and keep an interest in a future career relating to these passions.  Anderson se...
Read more