Small Achievement, Big Impact

CAFNR junior Kelin Kruse at Twilight Festival teaching children how to “milk a cow.” The college's organizations taught area families about agriculture.

It is CAFNR Week! After several successful events including Skit Night, Great Grill-Off, and Mud Volleyball, we can all tell that the CAFNR Week ball has started rolling. However, in the heart of CAFNR Week competition, sometimes it is important to step back and observe the real reason for all the week’s events. What is important? Is it winning the Super Farmer Contest? Or having the most attendance the CAFNR Week speaker? The CAFNR Week achievements that are the most important are the small ones that have the greatest impact.

I realized this myself last week at the first event of CAFNR Week—Twilight Festival. As the Agricultural Education Society’s Program Development Chair, one of my duties is to organize the educational activities for the club. Growing up on a dairy farm, I always hold that particular part of agriculture close to my heart. Realizing that many children in the Columbia area do not know much about Missouri’s top industry, I decided I had to come up with a spectacular idea for the Twilight Festival this year.

As I brainstormed educational activities, I decided to make a display of how milk gets from cow to carton. But really that was not enough, so I printed coloring sheets for the kids to take home. Yet, I still was not satisfied. My degree is in Agricultural Education for a reason! I want to educate people, and my ideas for Twilight Festival were lacking in creativity thus far. I did not want the activity to be boring so the Columbia’s kids would not think highly of agriculture. So… finally by the suggestion of my roommate, I added a “milk a cow” simulation with rubber gloves, and I also got chocolate and white milk half-pints donated by Central Dairy to hand out.

Sometimes when I’m stumped like I was with my Twilight Festival idea, I feel like I can never make an impact. Why do I do what I do? Although the milk display at Twilight Festival was a fun activity for all involved, fun is not all I (and all those present) got out of it. It is much more than that—the knowledge that through this minor achievement of mine, I made a small impact on someone who came to Twilight Festival that evening.

That small impact has a rippling effect. It starts small, but hopefully one child I taught about agriculture can pass it on to a friend or two. And they will pass it on to another friend or two. From that one night—which was a small achievement in my book—I know I made a big impact somewhere in the world.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

If you're stumped with your plans for the future, CAFNR Career Services is here to help. Set up an appointment with Stephanie Chipman to discuss the endless opportunities available for CAFNR students!

Interview Experts

Expectations. Life is full of them and it is up to us to rise up and meet them or let them pass by. Those expectations seem to be especially daunting when you reach that long-anticipated final year of college. Here I am: expected to either get a job, or go to grad school, find a house, pay off those student loans and basically grow up. But how does one fulfill all of these expectations?

As I start my senior year I am finding that one way to get started is by talking. Talking to the right people and asking and answering the right questions. Yes, I’m talking about interviews. Whether it is for your dream job, graduate school or a spot in CAFNR history as CAFNR Week queen (or king), every interview is important and you have to have the right tools to be successful.

Luckily for CAFNR Students, the resources to find those tools are never very far away. You can start by asking those around you. I have received invaluable knowledge over the past few years simply by talking to those who have been there before. Older students and college professors have more than likely been through the experiences that you are preparing for, and can give practical tips on how to put your best self out there.

Another great place to turn is to CAFNR Career Services. The name pretty much says it all. The office is filled with people trained to help get you where you want to go, and like I said, this starts with great interviewing skills. The website offers advice on how to dress for an interview, what not to do, how to handle different types of interviews and more.

Everyone here in CAFNR already knows that our students are the cream of the crop, now you all you need to know is how to make sure everyone else knows it too!

For additional resources, visit the website, stop by Ag Building 2-64 or call 573-882-0088 today!

CALLING all students...

Are you looking for a job or internship?
Submitting your resume?
Leaving your cell number for employers to call?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, take a look at the tips below to ensure you get a call!

DOs:

Do answer unknown numbers professionally. Example: Hi, this is John.

Do have a brief, and informative voicemail message. Example: You've reached Molly. I can't answer my phone right now. Leave a message and I'll call you back.

DON'Ts:
Don't have caller tunes blaring while the recruiter waits for you to pick-up the call.

Don't have a rude greeting. Example: This is Tom. If you think it's important, leave a message. If not, I don't plan to call you back.

Don't answer the phone in loud surroundings like at a party, bar, or basketball game. Solution: let it hit your voicemail and listen to the message. Then you can call back when you're in an uninterrupted environment.

We found a cool quiz that will test how savvy you are with cell phone etiquette. Try it out today!

Have more questions? Get out your cell phone and call CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088.

Meet the blogger: Taryn Dameron

Meet Taryn Dameron. She is a senior majoring in Agricultural Journalism with a minor in

Agricultural Economics.

Taryn got her start in agriculture long before becoming a CAFNR student. She grew up on her family’s cow/calf and row crop farm in Chilhowee, Mo. Her experiences there gave her the appreciation and passion for agriculture that lead her to pursue a degree in the field here at Mizzou.

Taryn has been an active member of CAFNR since starting school here in the fall of 2005. She joined Sigma Alpha, a professional women’s agricultural sorority as a freshman and has served as the groups Professional Development Chair and Vice President. Taryn has been a proud member of CAFNR Student Council since 2005, representing her class and as Development Co-Chair in 2007 and Reporter in 2008. She has also served as Community Service Chair for Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow in 2006 and on the Fundraising Committee for CAFNR Week 2007.

Follow the blog to see what advice Taryn has to offer as she completes her last semester as an undergraduate here at Mizzou.

Want more advice? Stop by CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!

Getting Those Priorities Straight...

It’s about this time in the school year when people start feeling overwhelmed. So take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Between the schoolwork, the first week of tests, meetings for various groups, and work, it can often feel like you never stop running.

When I’m trying to balance my schedule, and maintain what sanity I have left, I try to set some priorities for my time. My first time commitment is class. I can’t really cut back on schoolwork or studying, unless I’m ready to get a swift kick out of college.

My second required commitment is work. That income is handy to cover rent expenses and help keep the loans at bay. Lastly, I have time for organizations and I have total control to commit as much or as little time as I want.

That said, I think it is incredibly important to stay involved in at least a couple of organizations. Where else can you expand your career opportunities, build your resume, and meet new friends with similar interests?

Choosing these organizations to join can be a big decision. When I'm looking for a group I try to be selfish and ask myself which organization I'll gain the most from. Why be selfish? Because, if I really enjoy an organization and can see the benefits I’m receiving, then I will be more likely to give my full effort.

So how do you reach the full benefits of organization? By stepping into a leadership position, whether that is an office, committee member, or volunteer. I've learned that limiting the number of organizations I join, allows me to dedicate more time to each one. Focusing my efforts leads to more benefits not only for me personally, but for the organization as well.

Just remember, college is supposed to be a fun, learning experience. So join a few organizations. You'll come to find activities outside the classroom are usually the best learning experiences. Just make sure you don't overdo it. By choosing activities wisely, and using time-management techniques like Charlotte suggested, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy college once in a while.

Are You Ready?

I can't believe it's already the middle of September! As this semester is flying by, sometimes I wonder if I am ready for the curveballs life will throw. This fall, I am very privileged to have the opportunity to share with you all some of the challenges and opportunities I will be facing in regards to my personal career development. I hope I can share some of the tips I follow as I am living college life in preparation for life after college.

This past week, I have come to realize how important study habits are in the success of a college student. I live by my planner (I have started using a Tiger Guide since I started college) which has every appointment, phone call, and errand I have to do.

It seems like this year as a sophomore, studying has come to be somewhat of a struggle! I continue to get my readings and assignments done on time, but last year I had my study times very defined and structured. All the structure has disappeared this year! Now I'm working on getting that back. I think the key to college success—which leads to success later in a career—is having a good structure with the priorities in order.

Structure also makes me much calmer and less anxious. Right now, my random lists and sticky notes are definitely affecting my lifestyle! The best part about having all the tasks written down is that once they are crossed off and finished, I'm able to enjoy my time relaxing with family and friends. Worrying only causes grey hair—and I certainly don’t want any of that yet!

Watch for more posts from me as the semester continues. Each of us, as a student of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has the opportunity for career success. All we have to do is be ready when the opportunity arises. Are you ready?

Meet the blogger: Christopher Perry

Meet Christopher Perry. He's a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in Animal Science with Vet School as his ultimate goal.

Here's what Chris has to say:

"I grew up on our family farm in Bethel (Northeast), Missouri. We raise purebred hogs and cattle, as well as row crops of corn, soybeans, and wheat. Interested in farming, but not sure about my focus, I entered MU looking at a balanced class load between Animal Science and Agronomy classes. After working for a year with the Soybean Breeders at MU I learned livestock was definitely my forte. My sophomore year I set the goal of going to Vet School. I took a job with Dr. Randall Prather and became the boar technician (you’ll have to ask me if you don’t know what that means) while aiding with the breeding. Needing to rack up a few shadowing hours I worked for a veterinarian most of the summer, and after loving every minute of it knew Vet School was for me. I am currently still working with Dr. Prather and am involved in the Block and Bridle and Christian Campus House organizations, as well as serving on the CAFNR Ambassadors and Animal Science Representatives."

Check back to see what Christopher is up to this semester and learn from his advice. Be sure to leave comments or ask questions if you'd like more information.

As always, visit CAFNR Career Services for your professional development needs!

Meet the blogger: Charlotte Jackson

Meet Charlotte Jackson. She's majoring in Agricultural Education-Leadership and Communication emphasis, with a minor in Agricultural Economics.

Charlotte started her Mizzou career last fall and has hit the ground running. She's active in campus activities including serving as president of Mizzou Collegiate 4-H, program development chair for Agricultural Education Society, and education chair for Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen. She's also a member of the CAFNR Student Development Board and is the secretary of Missouri State 4-H Council.

In her free time, Charlotte works part-time at the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development and Tiger Garden Florist Shop at the University of Missouri.

Charlotte shows her passion for agriculture through all her responsibilities and still enjoys 4-H and FFA. She continues to show her livestock at the Missouri State Fair as well as numerous county and district fairs. She loves to be outdoors and visit her family and friends in northeast Missouri as much as possible!

Learn from Charlotte as she blogs about her experiences, including first-hand advice from professional opportunities this fall as she travels to events including the American Royal and AFA!