University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Brave and bold-- a mindset that the Vandals and Vandal Alumna, Rikki Ruiz both share. The mindset of never underestimating your potential has led Ruiz and her small business, The Frosted Cowgirls Boutique to success.  The Pocatello, Idaho native now calls New Plymouth, Idaho home and will always be a proud member of the Vandal family. After receiving a masters in Agricultural Education with a focus on agricultural communications and industry relations and a Bachelors in Agricultural Business, Ruiz began her career and spent 12 years as a University of Idaho Extension Educator. During this time, she also created the western fashion boutique, The Frosted Cowgirls.  The Frosted Cowgirls Boutique was founded almost 12 years ago and has grown to have a storefront in Fruitland, Idaho, an online store and a mobile boutique that travels to rodeos across the region. Ruiz expressed her passion for her small business in stating, “ If someone feels beautiful, their confidence lifts, and t...

Katie Mosman, Ag Instructor at Grangeville High School, shares how agricultural education creates lifelong memories for students      When I introduce SAE projects to my students, they begin by answering a series of questions about what they want their future to look like—is money the driving force behind their work? Is it just a means to end so they can live where they want? Or do they want to be passionate about their daily work?   For me, this activity serves as an annual reminder of why I do what I do. All teachers have those days—sometimes weeks—where we question how sane we were the day we chose our career. Perhaps we even long for the greener pastures of the industry workplace; forever free of the growing stack of papers to grade, IEP meetings, and parent-teacher conferences. But when I look over that SAE worksheet and reflect on my own answers, I know I’m in the place I am supposed to be.      Because you have to admit,...

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Maggie Elliot Tired of spending all week curled over a laptop? Getting a little bored with your daily route to classes?  Well, you’re in luck. Students at the University of Idaho have the unique opportunity to explore the diverse regions surrounding the Palouse. Whether you enjoy following a stream in a dense forest, fishing at a lake, or soaking in breathtaking views of golden rolling hills, your outdoor recreational “happy place” may only be a stone’s throw away.  Some popular places to get you started: Spring Valley Reservoir  is located less than 18 miles east of Moscow, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains an annual fish-stocking program. Trails around the reservoir are also popular birding pathways. Spring Valley on a sunny afternoon Photo Credit: Maggie Elliot Moscow Mountain  is a popular venture for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, since it's sprawling with a plethora of trails and offers un...

By Maggie Elliot For me, nothing marks a new beginning as well as a fresh coat of snow. In a season of resolutions, before diving headfirst into the year before us, it can be useful to pause and reflect on 2015. How have you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone-and did it pay off? Which accomplishments are you most proud of? As a college student, there are many opportunities to grow outside of the academic realm. Maybe you have some handy recipes up your  sleeves, or are more productive in the mornings than the year before. Perhaps through your studies you are gaining confidence in your abilities within your chosen career, or have made some great friends you can rely on for support. How will the habits you develop now maximize your personal growth for the year ahead? From getting more sleep to staying informed on world issues, there are countless chances to make the most out of every day.   I hope you are proud of how far yo...