What is your background?: I grew up on a small family farm just outside of Ossian, Iowa. On this farm we raised cattle, hogs, corn and soybeans. It was on this farm that my four older siblings and I developed a passion for hard work and agriculture. Being the youngest, I often followed in the shadow of my older siblings. This gave me the determination to constantly push myself. While in high school, I was extremely involved in countless clubs and organizations. In the spring of 2020, I graduated from South Winneshiek High School and from Northeast Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. Today I am a proud uncle of six nieces and nephews.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: I was originally looking for a college to pursue a degree in Automotive Technologies. I toured several colleges, but when I came to Kirkwood I was amazed by the resources and atmosphere of the institution. Kirkwood’s automotive program offered a state-of-the-art facility where students could learn from instructors with years of hands-on experience. Kirkwood itself was much larger than I had realized. It offered the personal touch of a community college as well as the student life and involvement of a university. I fell in love with the college and never gave it a second thought. I chose to remain at Kirkwood for agriculture for the same reasons: it’s a campus that I love and it has exceptional professors.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am currently in my second program at Kirkwood. During my first two years, I was enrolled in the Automotive Technologies program. It allowed me to develop my love for problem-solving and working with my hands. This program also provided me with life skills that I will always be able to use. My current program of study is Agricultural Sciences focusing on agronomy and beef production. This major will help me to be successful in my future career goals. I have a strong love for agriculture as well as caring for livestock and crops.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I am involved in four different clubs on campus: Student Council, Dance Marathon, Student Ambassadors and Ag Business Club. Over the course of my lifetime, I have developed an immense passion for service and community involvement. These clubs give me the opportunity to serve the college that I love, as well as my fellow students, while buildiing meaningful and lasting connections.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: I am involved in several off-campus organizations. I am currently serving as a member of the Iowa Soybean Association Collegiate leadership team. In Cedar Rapids, I have spent the last semester participating in the United Way BOLD program. This program teaches college students to be active in the non-profit world. Along with these two organizations, I remain an active member of the Iowa FFA Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau advocating for the agricultural industry.
What do you do for fun?: While I am at Kirkwood, I find many ways to fill my time. A lot of this time is spent in various clubs and organizations. I also enjoy spending my time at the gym, hanging out with my roommate and playing my guitar.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years, I hope to be back on the family farm where I will be producing beef cattle, corn and soybeans. Along with this, I hope to open a small automotive shop on the farm where I will be able to serve my community with quality and affordable car care. To continue to serve my community, I plan to join the local fire department so that I can live a life of service helping others in their time of need. Service will always be a cornerstone of my life and I plan on doing everything possible to serve. This service includes my plans to be an advocate for mental health.