ASCL Graduate Spotlight: Maggie Elliot

Maggie Elliot is a 2018 graduate of the Agricultural and Extension Education Department with a degree in Agricultural Science, Communications, and Leadership. After graduation, Maggie began working on her master's degree, which she received in December 2019 from Texas Tech University. She has since made her way back to the University of Idaho. Maggie is now filling the role of the Director of Recruitment and Student Engagement for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Some of Maggie's tasks include organizing marketing campaigns, facilitating the CALS Ambassador program, and meeting with prospective students.

Maggie Elliot grew up in Prosser, Washington, a community deeply woven in agriculture. She worked many jobs in different commodities such as cherries, wine grapes, and apples. Maggie believes that these summers were, "all experiences illuminating what a beautiful story agriculturists have to tell." She says that people care about where their food comes from and that sharing the narrative to grow and prepare food is something she is particularly drawn towards. Maggie stated she believes it to be her responsibility to serve as a voice for agriculture communities.

While attending the University of Idaho, she said her time was fundamental to helping cultivate confidence in herself as well as grow her talents, leading her to where she is today. Maggie's favorite part of attending U of I was being part of the community. "I am thankful to have graduated with a strong network of mentors, the faculty in the AEE department explored opportunities beyond the threshold of agricultural education to help students like myself gain valuable writing and research experiences."

Maggie advises all ASCL majors to "find what you enjoy and work hard to cultivate
talent in a defined area. Seek professional advice and feedback to refine your skills and shape what you love into an expertise."


Written by Tessa Taylor
Spring 2020

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