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Like Emery, many students use an activity started in high school as a transition into a leadership role at college. Students find myriad ways to become involved in campus leadership, whether it's presiding over student government, representing the student body on the Purdue Board of Trustees or leading campus tours for prospective students. They can be found in some 40 agriculture-related clubs and organizations, and in the more than 650 student groups across campus.
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Ag Council President Andrea Mrozinski puts her leadership skills to work to help fellow students and represent Purdue Agriculture. (Photo by Tom Campbell) |
Agriculture Council president Andrea Mrozinski was involved in student council in high school and was eager to continue to develop her leadership skills at Purdue. “Being involved in leadership experiences like Ag Council really brings people out of their shell and gives them confidence,” says Mrozinski, a junior agricultural education
major.
The council, which consists of 20 students, serves as an intermediary between the students and faculty in the college. They also help with Purdue Agriculture events, such as the annual Ice Cream Social, Fish Fry and Spring Fest, interacting with students, faculty, staff, and alumni and Indiana 's agricultural community.
Tracie Egger, assistant director of academic programs, who advises Ag Council, says it's a natural progression for students. “Many of them were involved in FFA or 4-H when they were in high school,” she says. “Ag Council provides them with an opportunity to take on leadership roles at the college level.”
In recent years, Egger has seen an increase in the number of students who are interested in serving. Last fall, 49 students applied for the 12 new student openings. “I'm impressed with the work and effort the students put into Ag Council,” she says.
Campus clubs and organizations help students interact with others who have similar interests and create a friendly environment, says Egger. “Those who are actively involved in clubs and organizations are more likely to excel academically and are more employable.”
Student travel agent
One student who has reaped the rewards of going the extra mile is Doug Bergman, whose first experience with international travel included planning a trip for himself and fellow students.
A member of Purdue Agriculture's Farm Management Club, Bergman organized the club's trip to Brazil over spring break 2003. During the six-month planning process, the agricultural economics major was responsible for managing funds for the trip, completing paperwork, helping make travel arrangements and coordinating information with the other students. “I learned a lot by planning the trip,” says Bergman. “I found that good communication skills are important and that it's also important to make plans in advance so you can meet deadlines.”
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