Where will agriculture take you?

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest

"The American farmer is of a resilient breed.  As notable Missourian Mark Twain stated, 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.' We have seen hardships, and will continue to face challenges. With support from organizations like the Missouri Farm Bureau there is hope in sight." 
~Portion of my 2012 Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador competition speech
 
 I had the honor of representing Daviess County Farm Bureau at the Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest. I received runner-up against 18 other women vying for the title. I was presented with an academic scholarship by my best friend, and 2012 Ambassador, Sonja Perry.

The Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting was held in Tan-Tar-A. I spent the weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks where I competed with an oral interview and five minute speech for the title of Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador. I was selected as a top three finalist and gave my speech, "Agriculture, a Great Career Choice," at the final banquet.

I appreciate my academic scholarship and am proud to be a part of Missouri agriculture. Being surrounded by such passionate young agriculturists at the Annual Meeting reaffirm to me the vital role my generation will play in this industry.

Receiving a Farm Bureau academic scholarship
from 2012 Ambassador, Sonja Perry. 
My great friends and fellow contestants
Megan Couch and Kaitlin Flick. 
I was named runner-up in the
Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador
Contest out of 18 applicants. 

Christmas Card!


2012 Christmas Card 

Happy holidays from the University of Missouri! My college roommates and I created our first Christmas card to share with neighbors and families (and Traveling Aggie fans!) 4016 Snowy Owl is in full blown winter-wonderland mode! Two Christmas trees, mistletoe, dozens of snowmen, and penguin decorations later (they are my favorites!) and our house was decorated. We spent an evening with hot coco, Christmas cookies and neighbors to bringChristmas to our first home. 

From MU tailgates to Independent Aggie socials, we have had some great times this semester. As we prepare for finals and the close of a our fall sophomore semester, I look back at 2012 with fond memories. I am looking forward to staying at Brammer Farms for a portion of Christmas break. I also have several wonderful trips planned and can't wait to see what adventures break will bring! (Maybe even some rest and relaxation!) 

The halls have been decked, the jingle bells have 
jingled and the mistletoe is hung. These agriculture 
majors are ready for Christmas! 

Student Council Fall Social


2012-2013 College of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources
Student Council Officer Team

This year, I had the privilege of serving the College of Agriculture, Foods and Natural Resources as Student Council Reporter. I was elected as the science and agricultural journalism department representative and reported Council activities back to my fellow students. Being a part of Council allowed me to meet CAFNR students from all majors and grade levels. I formed strong friendships with the membership and my fellow officers.

During my time on Council I have participated in community service events like Spring Swing, Adopt A Highway and Adopt A Family. Community service is an endeavor dear to my heart, so I appreciated the opportunity to take part in causes. We also held recruitment events such as Fall Roundup for incoming freshman and events for the entire college like Fall Social. A personal highlight for me was that an organization we received second place in our Homecoming division. We constructed a float (spending many hours painting our hearts out!) decorated our district and partook in the homecoming day of service.

CAFNR Student Council strives to build bonds between leaders within the college and to get all students involved. From designing t-shirts to planning socials, this year has been filled with opportunities. I will be running for re-election tonight... wish me luck!

Agriculture Ambassador Visits


I spent Thanksgiving break giving Agriculture Ambassador
 presentations to students at the Gallatin School District.
I explained to high schoolers the importance of being an
advocate for agriculture. 
I had the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving break doing what I love; talking about agriculture. I facilitated workshops and gave presentations as part of my role as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador. This program is through the National FFA Association and requires that I conduct 30 hours of agricultural presentations throughout my year as an Ambassador.

I visited the Gallatin School District, and it was great to come back as an alumni to discuss the importance of agriculture to students. I conducted day-long visits to both the elementary and high school.

At the elementary, I taught students how agriculture ties into their Thanksgiving dinner. We talked about how each state has specialized crops that farmers grow. These crops are then transported and made into our Thanksgiving favorites, from pumpkin pie to mashed potatoes.

I presented to the high school agricultural classes. It was ironic to be back in the classes I was once a student in and to see my picture for FFA achievements on classroom walls. I discussed the importance of agriculture advocacy, the need for agriculture majors and the role our industry places in combating world hunger. I had given many FFA speeches in those classrooms, but this was my first experience as a teacher.

I also conducted a civic presentation to the Boonville Rotary Club. I discussed my experiences in the FFA that led me to my role as a Agriculture Ambassador. I presented on Feeding a Growing World, which focused on the impending world population epidemic and the importance of agriculture producers. The group was a wonderful audience and we had excellent dialog about current issues in agriculture and my personal experiences that have impacted my career choice in agriculture.

I had a wonderful time presenting to more than 500 individuals from both agriculture and non-agriculure backgrounds during my Thanksgiving break. I look forward to visiting more schools and civic groups during Christmas break. I view collegiate breaks as an opportunity to continue to learn and to educate others about issues in agriculture through my role as an Ambassador.

Kindergartners learned the MILK song and where diary
 products originate to end up on our grocery store shelves. 


I spoke with local Rotary Clubs about the impending
population increase and its effects on agriculture. 


Sunday, November 18, 2012

FFA National Convention

"I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny." ~excerpt from the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany 

I remember my freshman year of high school, I had to take the traditional rite of passage by memorizing the FFA Creed. My agricultural instructor, Mrs. Rogers, saw something in me that day, some kind of spark, that made her believe I could be a public speaker. I had experience in 4-H giving talks and demonstrations but I had never competed in an actual speaking contest before. 


Fast forward years later, I won state public speaking in the Missouri Sheep Producers Association contest, became an Area II FFA officer and the high individual at district horse judging as a freshman. In short, I accomplished some pretty neat things. All because someone saw potential in me. My accomplishments in the FFA not only allowed me to have a stellar resume and stand out among my peers, but it gave me more self-confidence than any endeavor I have ever been a part of. I credit many of the scholarships and other leadership opportunities I have been blessed to be a part of because of my involvement with FFA. 


Along the way, I had other amazing individuals influence my life. Agricultural instructor from across Area II were instrumental in showing me opportunities like the Missouri Agribusiness Academy and Public Speaking Academy. I like to believe that when I put on my first corduroy FFA jacket that I gained a family of blue and gold. FFA allowed me to meet some of my best friends. From prom dates to roommates, I have met individuals who have positively shaped my life in more ways than I will ever know. i have filled a scrapbook full of memories from FFA and many plaques adorn my bedroom walls. 


But, at the 85th National FFA Convention, my time as a member of the Gallatin FFA Chapter came to a close. I received my American FFA degree, which less than 1 percent of FFA membership achieves. My parents and I drove to Indianapolis, Indiana to accept the award. The Gallatin FFA Chapter was there, supporting me as the membership always has.  


It was a wonderful experience, and several tears were shed. When I retired from my chapter FFA office I gave my officer fair-well with dry eyes because I knew there would be more to come. However, now it has literally been the final fair-well. I am now a member of the FFA Alumni Association and serve as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador. The foundation FFA has given me has molded me into the individual I am today. I cannot wait to see what further adventures the blue jacket has in store for me as an alumni.  


My parents traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana with me to attend the 85th National FFA Convention.


Len Deutschman and I represented the Gallatin FFA Chapter's American Degree recipients. Len moved to Gallatin his freshman year and we became fast friends through FFA. We have gone on many FFA trips together, been on contest teams and were our senior class Barnwarming king and queen candidates together. 

Mr. Henderson has been my agricultural instructor throughout my high school years, he has listened to countless speeches and supported me in all of my endeavors. 


You never know who I will run into at an FFA event. Scott Conover and I went to prom together my junior year!  

Megan Brackenridge, Sonja Perry and I met on the Missouri 4-H Equine tour when we were in junior high. All three of us now attend the University of Missouri and are close friends. 

My FFA Chapter Senior Fair-well was one of the most difficult speeches I have had to give. Here's my favorite paragraph:

"In closing, FFA has been an amazing experience.  I remember standing on this stage 4 years ago when I received the Star Greenhand. Now, I am standing here relinquishing my chapter office.  I am confident that the next generation of FFA members sitting here tonight will do an outstanding job.  In the words of Mark Twain,“Twenty years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  FFA members write your own stories, fill the pages, thank you."   

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Election Spirit

I was excited to be able to cast my vote for the first time in the 2012 presidential election. I hope everyone took time out of their day to exercise this civic right. Our soldiers are overseas protecting our civil liberties and there are individuals in countries across the globe fighting for such a privilege. 

I then preceded to stay up until a late hour to receive the election results and listen to President Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Missouri had several prominent elections taking place as well. By interning for one of the political parties, it was great to take an even larger roll in the political process. Overall, I enjoyed my first time to take part in American democracy. I look forward to the next Boone County election, because voting is essential in all polls, not just one that takes place every four years. 

Proudly wearing my "I Voted" sticker on November 6th

2012 AFA Leaders Conference

The first weekend of November signifies the annual Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference and this year marked the 16th anniversary of AFA. It was my second year to receive sponsorship to attend the Leaders Conference. Conference is divided into Tracks 1,2,3, and 4 each is coordinated to focus on specific leader skills. Track 4 was new this year and AFA has also announced its latest installment of Leader Institutes. I attended the Animal Health Institute last spring. At AFA I have met numerous lifelong friends and made invaluable industry connections. 

The Leaders Conference is an opportunity for collegiate agriculturists from across the country to come together. We attend workshops focusing on leader development, current issues in the agricultural sector and career professionalism. Highlights of Conference included hearing from Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh  and Howard Buffet, the 2012 Leader in Agriculture Award honorees. After working on Conference details this summer as the AFA intern it was gratifying to see it come together.

The AFA Conference is an opportunity to see friends like Sydney Lawerce. She and met at the Washington Leadership Conference for FFA in high school and have remained close since. 

Daysie Hawkins, Kathryn Coon, Julia Witthaus and I just happened to wear purple on day two of the Conference.

It was a family reunion! I enjoyed visiting with two of my cousins, Kaitlin Flick and Cassie Reid. Cassie will be studying abroad next semester in Africa and Kaitlin, well she's my room mate and best friend 

Visit from Oregon

"Your friends will know you better in the first minute they meet you than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years." ~Richard Bach

I got to give Kylah Reynolds, a dear friend from Oregon State, a tour of campus!

I met Kylah Reynolds this summer at National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador training. Immediately, we had something in common; we had both never been to each others home states! Kylah hails from Oregon and from the pictures she has showed me of her beautiful state, it has made the top of my vacation destinations list. 

We serve on the Ag Ambassador team together and through great fate, she also got to visit Missouri. Kylah is part of a leadership program at Oregon State University that is similar to the Litton Leadership Scholars at MU. Our professors arranged for the classes to meet at with one another before the AFA Leaders Conference. 

The scholar groups met at the infamous Shakespeare's pizzeria in Columbia. We shared reviews on leadership books and mingled with one another. The next day I got to help give the Oregon students a tour of MU. I was excited that Kylah could finally visit my state and see the historic MU columns for herself! 




Floral Design Class

This semester I have taken my favorite college class yet- Floral Design. The course is offered through the Plant Science department at MU. Each day I am assigned a type of arrangement to create or a make a order for a specific client. I began flower arranging through 4-H. I completed my first arrangement when I was eight years old and have been hooked since. At the Missouri State Fair I have won several championships in floral arrangements. Floral Design has been a chance for me to further my design skills in the floral industry. And, it is always nice to be able to take home flowers every day! 

"Wild" natural arrangement. 

Formal plum corsage. 

Rainbow design. 

Carnation vase. 

Getting Lost in the Corn


Shryocks Farm is located near Columbia, Mo., and offers a uniquely
designed corn maze for visiters to enjoy. It is a fun way to spend a day
in the country with a student group or on a date.


Apple cider, carving pumpkins and corn mazes are some of my most anticipated aspects of Fall! The University of Missouri Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow went to Shryocks Corn Maze for our annual fall social. 

Shryocks is an agribusiness started in 2002 by the Shryock family. This is fifth generation family farm has been in the area since 1889. It has grown to a 15 acre endeavor that delights residents of
Calloway County. 

Each year the corn maze design is custom created through GPS technology by the Shryock's.  The agribusiness also offers hay rides and campfires for groups. Thousands of visitors come to Shryocks each fall to experience a day on the farm and get lost in a cornfield. 

Agribusinesses like Shryocks are becoming increasingly popular
 means for generating extra revenue for farmers.
While I waited for my group to arrive to explore the 2012 SEC, South Eastern Conference, themed maze, I watched the infamous Shryocks gum ball machine in action. This contraption is a engineering masterpiece. Located in the Shryocks infamous red barn, I saw young children put a quarter in the machine and watch their gum balls fall from the top of the barn to travel through pipes and wires and reach their outstretched hands. 

I soon caught their enthusiasm, and began to prepare my own adventure through 15 acres of corn. Rest assured, I survived to tell my tale.

The 2012 SEC theme maze,
photo courtesy of Bishop Sky Cam.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Litton Leadership Scholars


The legacy of Congressman Jerry Litton was recently celebrated by the College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. A lectureship series was given by legendary farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson, agribusiness director of WGN Radio and RFD-TV. The evening commemorated the inaugural Litton Leadership Scholars Program. 

During the evening dinner, I found myself sitting next to the man of the hour himself, Samuelson. He described changes in agriculture that he had seen throughout his lifetime. Amongst conversations about my career goals and Samuelson's many adventures came up Litton. Also at my table were members of the Jerry Litton Foundation, many of whom were close friends to Litton and worked tirelessly on his campaign efforts. The friends and family members of Litton recalled many moments where Litton's charm, dedication and achievement inspired them. 

Being a part of the Inaugural Litton Leadership
 Scholars Program has been a great honor.
I consider being named as a Litton Leadership Scholar to be one of the highest honors I have achieved during my time at MU. I am one of the fifteen CAFNR sophomores to be a part of this endeavor. During my life, I have had the privilege of being apart of numerous leadership endeavors. But, the year-long Litton Leadership seminar course has single handily been the best leadership experience I have encountered. I read Jerry Litton's bibliography and watched clips from "Dialogue with Litton," and the more I learn about this great man the more I recognize his impact on not only agriculture, but our nation.  

Litton is an agricultural journalism MU alumni who, in the words of former President Jimmy Carter, "Would have been president of the United States." Litton's career in politics and agriculture was tragically shortened. He and his family perished in a plane crash the night he won the U.S. Democratic Senate nomination. 

Above all, Litton was a forward thinker in all that he did. He and his family developed the foundation for the American Charolais industry. He was committed to the National FFA Organization, which he credits for transforming him from a shy farm boy to a dynamic public speaker. Litton worked tirelessly for the people of Missouri, in particular rural residents.

I am proud to call Northwest Missouri home and even more proud to be from the same area of Missouri as Litton. America lost a great leader when he passed away. However, I believe the Litton Leadership Scholars program is truly the best way to remember and to continue on his legacy.  

As Samuelson addressed our crowded auditorium, he stressed, "You cannot dream big enough." I believe no better statement could have summarized the evening and the Litton Leadership Scholars Program. In his trademark broadcast voice, Samuelson recalled interviewing Litton when he was a national FFA officer. There were several tears shed but many smiles when Deans of CAFNR recalled their experiences with Litton. Samuelson also stressed that we should pick our heros. I know I am proud to call a fellow Northwest Missourian one of mine.  

Fifteen sophomores at the University of Missouri were inducted as the
2012-2013 Litton Leadership Scholars on October 15, 2012.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Happy Fall From Teddy!


Teddy the Cori would like to wish everyone a "happy fall!" He is a long-time resident of the Brammer family farm and can often be found attempting to be a lap dog on my mom when she is watching TLC. He also enjoys herding cattle with my dad, but his efficiency is often debated. (Teddy tends to get distracted by noises, vehicles or any bacon flavored food.) Winter is his favorite holiday because he loves to frolic in the snow. However, piles of leaves during the Fall make Thanksgiving a close second holiday.

I miss Teddy a lot while I am away at college. But, my mom keeps me updated on Teddy's antics. He can be a bit of a naughty Corgi, like rolling in the cow pastures or sneaking food away from the barn cats. (I like to think this is his royal lineage showing as he could be related to the Queen of England's Corgi clan.) Despite his habits, Teddy is a charming Corgi whose looks alone can melt hearts. He also favors bandanas, fetch, riding shotgun in a pickup truck and can be bribed into participating in holiday-themed photo shoots.

National ACT Officer Retreat

 For my duties as the national Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow first vice president, I traveled to Oklahoma this weekend. I spent two days with the national officer team at our headquarters in Stillwater, Ok at Oklahoma State University. The five of us are close friends despite the fact that we attend colleges across the country. Two officers are from Texas, one from California and one Oklahoma representative. (I am the loan Missourian!) Our advisor is on faculty at OSU, thus our meeting was held in the pan handle state. We discussed organizational aspects for the impending year which included events, sponsorships and meetings.

The next time the officer team will meet will be at the ACT Professional Development Conference at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ak. The team holds monthly conference calls and we interact through social media but it can be difficult to see one another other than at ACT events. Several of my teammates and I knew each other before we were elected.

It is so great to be part of such a wonderful national agricultural leadership opportunity. I look forward to the impending year and the opportunities I will be presented as a national ACT officer in order to enhance membership and better our organization.

Second vice president Jennifer Ray and I flew in early our first afternoon to take a walking tour of the OSU campus. 

The OSU library (fun fact, I know an ACT member who has proposed to his fiancée at the top of this bell tower!) 

Taking a break from business meetings to eat at one of my favorite restaurants, Eskimo Joe's. 

The ACT National Officer Team thinks agricultural communications is #1! 

Before we departed back to our respective universities, we had to showcase our new Eskimo Joe's attire. 

Farm Bureau Family of the Year

At the Missouri State Fair the Brammer family was honored as the 2012 Daviess County Farm Bureau Family of the Year. We were delighted to be named as this year's outstanding farming family. In commemoration of the award we received a plaque and were featured on the front page of our hometown newspaper, the Northwest Missourian. Unfortunately, I was attending Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador training during the State Fair but my younger brother Dane was able to represent the family.  

Our entire family (including Teddy the Corgi) in our Farm Bureau attire. 

Missouri 4-H Foundation

As an eight year old, I had a passion for agriculture and public speaking. Thus, joining my local 4-H club was the perfect fit for my interests. Today, as a 19 year old, I have spent more than half of my life in this wonderful organization. As many 4-H alumni would say, I "bleed green." 

4-H has taught me that I do not just "pledge my head to clearer thinking," or "heart to greater loyalty," I act upon the actions stated by our pledge. The organization is about doing and doing well. When I think clearly I am considering all aspects of my future and endeavors that promote my abilities. I am loyal to the industry of agriculture and am committed to my future. I credit 4-H for developing me into the individual I am today. It has enhanced my skill sets on subjects from flower arranging to cattle showing and allowed me to meet some of my best friends on once in a lifetime agriculture experience trips. 

As a Knee-Hi 4-H member of Daviess County, my membership set the stage to leadership roles at the local and state level. I served two terms as club president. Now, I am a member of Collegiate 4-H and have been honored as a two time Missouri 4-H Scholarship recipient. I am so proud that the Missouri 
4-H Foundation has invested in me. I hope to one day be able to give back to 4-H as a club project leader and active alumni. 
Receiving the Williamson 4-H Scholarship was a tremendous honor. 

I am so proud to be a member of Collegiate 4-H!

90 Years of Agricultural Journalism

(Back Row) Julia Schuck, Sarah Woodhurst, Jessica England
(Front Row) Courtney Leeper, Breanne Brammer, Kari Weist and Professor Sharon Wood-Turley attend the Mizzou ACT reunion. 

Happy birthday to the University of Missouri Science and Agricultural Journalism department! My degree program has officially turned 90 years old. To recognize the accomplishments and distinguished leaders of MU science and agricultural journalism, faculty organized a reunion weekend. This retreat was an opportunity for alumni to return to Columbia and reminisce about their days in the MU School of Journalism and time spent in CAFNR.

I enjoyed meeting with alumni during a reception banquet. My advisor and department chair, Professor Sharon Wood-Turley, spent many hours coordinating the successful event. Guests included the Dean of CAFNR and numerous leaders in the agricultural communications field. Current science and agricultural journalism students were recognized for accomplishments and past program successes were highlighted. The weekend included a bike tour, agribusiness tours and a reception at the MU School of Journalism.

At the celebrations I learned that I am not the only student who struggled with news writing class. Nor am I the only past Ag J student who has worried about a Corner Post deadline and stressed over AP Style rules. It was also great to see past graduates and to learn about the exciting turns their lives are taking. In all, it was a weekend of remembering the past and celebrating the future. 


The evening was an opportunity to meet with recent program graduates (most of whom I knew through Mizzou ACT and Corner Post) and with prominent alumni. 

SEC Tailgating Season


A new era in Mizzou football has begun as the University of Missouri officially joined the SEC this year. Along with updated uniforms and snazzy promotion materials, this means a new opponent roster  for the Tigers. For the inaugural home SEC game I donned my black and gold attire and grabbed my student tickets to see the Tigers take on the University of Georgia. The first ever SEC football game did not disappoint. Though my university did not come out ahead on the score board, it was a once in a lifetime experience to watch the game as a fan. The stadium was packed with alumni coming home to cheer on their college team, with freshman expereincing their first Mizzou game ever and for fans of all ages and backgrounds. 
Tailgating is an opportunity to enjoy good food and the company of great friends! Hannah Wedemeyer Shannon Yokely and I ate some delicious tailgate goodies prepared by Shannon's parents. 

It's game day at Faurot Field! Record crowds were in attendance for the inaugural SEC game.



Megan Couch, Shelby Huber and I are cheering for the Tigers as they take on the University of Georgia. 

Welcome to the Zou! 

A Country Wedding

Mason jars filled with seeds, wildflower bouquets and a beautiful fall day created the perfect backdrop for a country wedding. Recently, my cousin, Renee Brammer, wed her fiance, Orien Warren. The Warren's had an outdoor ceremony complete with a country chic reception in Chillicothe, Mo.  Groomsmen wore boots and donned camouflage hats for the reception while the bride wore her mother's veil and sported a mason jar glass for festivities.

Guests danced the night away to country favorites by Rascall Falts and Loanstar. I enjoyed two-stepping with my date to some of my favorite 90's country music!

The wedding offered a chance to celebrate a beautiful marriage and to also catch up with family members from near and far. During table conversation I discovered one of my third cousins will be traveling to China soon. You never know what will you will find out at a Brammer family wedding.

Renee and Orien's wedding was a great opportunity to travel back to Northwest Missouri and to spend a weekend with the family. My wedding date visited my farm the day and helped me check cattle with my family. In all it was a perfect weekend in the country!



Thursday, August 30, 2012

Mizzou Must Do's

The University of Missouri is filled with traditions, from painting the M to the tiger walk. Before you graduate, there is an unofficial list of things you must do. So far, I have completed four of those "must dos."

1. Swim in Brady Fountain

2 Sing the Mizzou Fight Song in Speaker's Circle 

3. Ride the bronze tiger. 

4. Rub David Francis's nose for good luck before an exam. 

I have yet to climb to the top of Jesse Hall, kiss Faurot Field's 50 yard line, stand on the Engineering School shamrock or find the hidden MU steam tunnels. However, I believe there will be plenty of opportunities to complete Mizzou traditions! 

Sophomore Year

The typical undergrad will spend four years at college. True, I have some friends who have received degrees in as little as three years. Others can take up to five. But, for most students they have four years of self-discover and learning, both in and outside of the classroom. 

Four years is 1,460 days, 35,063 hours and countless moments for opportunites. That's what college is: an opportunity. 

This year, my goal is to continue to take advantages of opportunities at Mizzou. I want to make the most of my college career. It seems like our greatest hope is always that the impending year will be better than the last. But, I just want to continue "everything." Continue to make lifelong friends, memories, accomplishments and of course, good grades. 

So, one year down, three to go. Cheers for the future and a sophomore year filled with opportunities!



One day, I am going to be a proud alumni. For now, I am content with my undergraduate days.