Written by Lindsey Harris, junior food and resource economics major
I grew up in Chiefland, FL, and have been a Gator fan my entire life. I always knew that I wanted to go to UF, but it was not until my junior year of high school that I decided to major in food and resource economics (FRE) at the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). While there are many reasons I chose this major, I’d like to share five key reasons:
5. Application of critical thinking skills to the agricultural and natural resource industries
I grew up in a small farm town where I learned the importance of farming and agriculture. After joining the FFA in sixth grade, I soon knew that feeding the world and sustaining our natural resources was something I wanted to be a part of. My major is preparing me to do this through critical thinking and knowledge about the agriculture industry.
4. One-on-one advising
CALS is one of the few colleges at UF that offers one-on-one advising. This was important to me as I wanted to make sure I was getting the best advice on my next steps throughout college.
3. Agricultural and natural resource law minor
Throughout most of my life, people have told me that they thought I would make a great lawyer. I had never really considered choosing this career until the end of high school. While it was in the back of my mind, I still wasn’t sure that this was what I wanted to do. However, I knew if I majored in FRE, I would have a good foundation if I decided to pursue law school. The FRE department houses the agricultural and natural resource law minor, which is designed for undergraduate students from all disciplines who wish to focus on business, environmental and social regulatory issues related to the production of food, fuel and fiber. I am glad that I made the decision to study FRE as I am now aiming for law school and specializing in agriculture.
2. Application of mathematics
I chose this major because math is one of my strengths. While food and resource economics is technically an economics major, there is a lot of math involved in each class. I enjoy math more so than writing and the natural sciences, and I felt that I would be able to do well in this program.
1. College core values reflecting the land-grant mission
The final reason I chose the FRE major is because of CALS’ core values of integrity, diversity, collaboration and service. To me, it is important to contribute to your community and help others while helping yourself. The college selected these values as representative of its land-grant mission, grounded in the ideals of access, innovation and relevance. CALS encourages us to live out these values through service learning projects such as the CALS Leadership Institute and in our annual Day of Service, working together on initiatives such as our annual Teacher Appreciation Week, and much more.
Throughout the past year and a half, I have learned a lot about myself and have had many opportunities opened up to me because of my chosen major. My time at UF and in CALS has better prepared me for my future career and the real world. I am thankful that I chose this major and am excited to see what is in store over the next couple of years.
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Comments:
December 15, 2021
Amazing job my friend! Your perseverance and success is inspiring.
December 15, 2021
So very amazed by you Jason! You have made your family and UF so proud. Your story lights a path for others. May you continue leading the way with your perseverance and integrity!
December 15, 2021
Congratulations!!! Very inspiring story, May continue to be a beacon of hope for other young men dealing with similar issues
December 15, 2021
Congratulations Mr. Coby. 11 straight ‘A’s eh? Way to go. Now go forth and fix the environment. Your girls look good with the current graduate. Nicely done. Beautiful fam.
December 15, 2021
Thank you for helping my nephew Jason I know he wasn’t a quicker but is this song I know if it’s Roman it will make it I’m proud of him and I look I love you and we always be there to support you we love you we love you aunt to Mimi
September 14, 2021
You can post my comments.
September 14, 2021
What a wonderful learning opportunity for the college students & it helps with their future education & career planning. Thank you Tall Timbers.
December 22, 2020
Dear sir, Thank you for your post. I Love group study.
December 10, 2020
Dear sir, Thank you for your post. Group study is the main for all students life and we learn a lot of things
November 1, 2020
Congratulations for rewards well earned. Keep up this very important research. We are dependent on the honey bees. Your work is helping educate us all. The use of DDT was stopped due to scientist like you. Please continue to develop more earth friendly solutions for the good of mankind.
August 7, 2020
Congrats-well-deserved!
June 11, 2020
Really appreciate you sharing this article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
May 12, 2020
Congratulations you earned that degree
May 7, 2020
Congrats Dr. Kawther. With your efforts you make what is difficult, been easy to get. Keep going don’t give up. Always the beginning is difficult but with the patience will be easy.
March 29, 2020
Very true this virus is very contagious, serious and potentially deadly virus hopes we can do what we can to reduce the spread of this virus and find the best solution to eradicate it. I was very scared until now and just stayed at home all day. Thank you for the information.
December 19, 2019
Lindsey is an amazing, competent and caring young woman. She will be an asset to any company forward-looking enough to hire her.
December 19, 2019
Wow! I am so proud of her. Nana
December 14, 2019
Congratulation Rivas, hopefully the knowledge gained can be useful in the future and can help the community. Merry Christmas and happy new year too.
October 1, 2019
So proud of you Adrian!!!
June 21, 2019
Father figures are needed in all parts of education and in all of life. I teach GED to inmates in a local jail and many of the problems these inmates have stems from their many drop out fathers both male and female.
June 20, 2019
Three perfect examples of men with integrity.
April 26, 2019
Way to go, Kendra!
April 1, 2019
Indeed everyone need to eat, and many also complain about the food source quality. I think we all should, at least, do farming in our homes. If the lack of space is a problem, then we should use vertical farming methods. This will not only clean our environment but also reduce the peoples depression (as looking at green reduces depression and is good for mental health).
March 16, 2019
Great information! Thank you Dana for sharing Ms. Clark’s enthusiasm about Florida’s agricultural importance.
March 22, 2018
I am sooo proud of Gallagher n the example given to her by these wonderful women encouraging others to jump in n make a difference. I say take your places with men n unite making the difference side by side. WELL DONE!!!
March 17, 2018
Great article!
February 21, 2018
We are very proud of you and your dedication to make agriculture better.
February 21, 2018
Enjoyed reading your article. It was well written and I could tell that you had put a lot of thought into what you wanted to say. Wishing you a great deal of success as you work toward your dream of becoming a lawyer. May God bless and watch over you as you embark on this journey.
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