Encouraging high school students from around the country to consider Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is the goal of the Purdue Ag Ambassadors.
They’re student volunteers who represent the College of Agriculture in a variety of ways.
- Leading campus tours for parents, visitors, and prospective students.
- Giving presentations about careers in agriculture, and college life.
- Representing the College of Agriculture at information fairs.
- Hosting alumni and dignitaries at school and University events.
One of those ambassadors who was working during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo was Sophia Walker, a biochemistry major at Purdue who is considering going to graduate school to become a veterinarian.
Sophia tells Hoosier Ag Today that it wasn’t that long ago that she was also wearing the Blue and Gold Indiana FFA jacket and wondering where she was going to college.
“I was a part of the Tipton FFA chapter in Tipton, Indiana—’shout-out’ to Mrs. (Jessica) Nichols and Mrs. (Stacey) Hartley. They were my advisors in high school,” said Sophia.
“I wasn’t dead set on Purdue until probably my senior year. That’s when I really decided that this is the place I wanted to be. It was the place I was going to be supported the most academically and professionally. It was going to give me the most opportunities, and I think that’s definitely something that’s been true to this day. After almost three years at Purdue, I can definitely say that I made the right choice,” she said.
What was the number one reason that led Sophia to Purdue?
“For me, it was all about the people. A lot of different colleges have great options as far as majors, but I could see how much the faculty here invest in the students and give them so many opportunities,” said Sophia. “I’m involved in research on campus, and that’s something that’s really been transformational for me as a student. Getting that hands-on experience is going to jumpstart me into my career.”
She added that it’s easy for give the “sales pitch” for Purdue University to high school students who are considering a career in agriculture.
“Purdue has over 30 different majors in the College of Agriculture across 11 different departments, so there’s so many opportunities for students to get involved. Purdue is also ranked as the number three College of Agriculture in the country and number six in the world, so really there are so many great academic programs. It’s a really great campus and it’s a great place to be,” said Sophia.
Learn more about Purdue’s College of Agriculture at Ag.Purdue.edu.
