Spreading Their Wings

• Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences
• Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science (2024)
• Degree Program: Master’s in Agricultural Education and Extension

I grew up surrounded by agriculture in Comfort, North Carolina, but I didn’t know much about it. I took my first agriculture class in middle school and fell in love with this field. I joined the FFA and learned about hunter safety, interview skills, public speaking, and livestock, poultry and land judging. I wanted to learn everything I could about the agricultural world inside and outside the classroom.

I was my high school valedictorian, and while many expected me to attend college, I considered entering the workforce instead. College felt like a steep investment, but after reflecting on its benefits and with my parents’ support, I realized it offered more than just education. Being the first in my family to attend, I saw college as a chance to discover myself, build networks and gain something no one could take away.

The application process was daunting, and I didn’t know where to begin. After researching and reaching out to peers, I chose NC State but struggled to navigate career fairs, student organizations and scholarships. Talking with my academic advisor, connecting with professors and reading my emails helped. My peers were also helpful, sharing opportunities for organizations, scholarships and internships, which made adjusting to college easier.

My most memorable moment was walking across the stage in May 2024 to receive my bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, which I completed in just two years. At 20, I felt immense pride in my campus involvement, being a Caldwell Fellow and getting accepted to graduate school. I realized I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my parents, classmates and faculty.

• Department of Plant and Microbial Biology  
• Degree Program: Ph.D. in Plant Biology

I grew up in Dunn, North Carolina, but have always called Raleigh home. I love North Carolina’s natural wonders and biodiversity and enjoy traveling to Belize for my research.

Thanks to my father, I’ve always loved nature and biology. My academic interests changed several times, from zoology to science education, but I found my way to ethnobotany to research how people and nature can have a future together. Under Jillian De Gezelle’s mentorship, I learned how plants are the foundation of life and society. I love sharing what I know with students via teaching courses and outreach.

I’ve always considered college my first big goal and started planning for it early in middle school. I knew I wanted to be a scientist, so I saw college as my main path to a successful career. My parents encouraged me to pursue a college education to achieve my career aspirations. It was never a question of “if” but “how.”

The cost of attendance has been an obstacle, but thanks to supportive mentors and [academic] advisors, I’ve been successful. Securing funds for my graduate research is tough, but with help from my family and advisors, I’ve been able to overcome this challenge. Choosing a unique field like ethnobotany adds difficulty, as it’s not always respected. Overcoming feelings of inadequacy as a woman researcher has been an ongoing challenge as well.

Earning my bachelor’s degree meant so much to my mom. She was so proud of my graduation, which marked a milestone she hadn’t experienced. She’s been my greatest supporter in pursuing graduate education. When I mentioned my doctoral plans, she proudly began calling me the family’s first “Dr.” Because of her, I’m motivated to continue my journey after seeing its positive impact on my family.

• Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology 

My hometown is Gates County, North Carolina, but I’ve lived in Greensboro for fifteen years. I have a big family with eight siblings, and I recently became an aunt.

I started collecting and tending to plants in middle school. Engineering seemed like the best field of study because I’ve always been interested in STEM subjects and projects in high school.

I knew I wanted to attend college by my sophomore year of high school. I enjoy learning different subjects and being challenged academically. Once I got involved with student organizations and met people already in college, I decided this was my next step. 

Two main obstacles to applying to college were financial concerns and self-doubt. As I researched schools and saw the costs, pursuing my dreams felt impossible. The time and financial commitment of college made me question if I should choose a different path after high school. By senior year, I doubted myself, fearing I hadn’t worked hard enough to be accepted by colleges, and I was unsure if I was ready for the next step in my education.

However, I overcame these fears with my counselor’s help and understanding my financial aid options. Once NC State sent me an offer, I was overwhelmed with joy! Heather Austin from BAE’s Graduate and Undergraduate Student Services helped me believe that I belong at NC State and that there is a place for me in CALS.

My proudest moments were graduating from high school and starting college classes. I made it to the next level. The initial lack of guidance was challenging and nerve-racking, but as a first-generation student at NC State, I believe I can overcome anything. With help from the Pack, I will succeed.

• Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering

I’m from the Greensboro area, and I’ve always loved learning, whether through reading or asking questions. My family never made higher education seem impossible. When my high school peers started looking at colleges, I did too. Education was something I had always wanted to pursue.

My Exploratory Studies course required me to attend three major seminars, even if I knew what I wanted to study. I initially planned to transfer to mechanical engineering after completing my GEPs (general education programs). But attending a Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering seminar on a whim, everything changed. After hearing from a company in the industry and speaking with Professor Andy Hale, BAE instantly felt like home. Professor Hale showed me that agriculture wasn’t just for generational farmers. I quickly fell in love with CALS and BAE and later interned with that same company.

Financial stress has always been a major challenge for me. While NC State and financial aid have helped, it’s not always enough. When I had to leave campus during the fall semester of 2020, I relied on savings from my high school job. Once those funds ran low, I got a job at Sam Jones BBQ, my income source for nearly four years. During financial strain, I picked up a second job to make ends meet.

My work schedule makes finding study time difficult, but the BAE department works with me to ensure I understand the material. I’ve also taken advantage of NC State’s tutoring services and use Google Calendar for time management.

My proudest moment was when my mother, stepfather, grandmother and grandfather saw me get my class ring. It was a happy time because I finally felt close to the finish line. I’m excited to show my family that their faith in me has pushed me to succeed.

• Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences 
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Nutrition Science, Applied Nutrition

I’m from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I grew up around my Peruvian heritage. Growing up, food brought my family together, especially during holidays or celebrations. As a Peruvian we always bring a meal to an event — it’s a must! Food makes an easy conversation starter for any event.

I struggled to believe I was smart enough for college, but many people encouraged me to pursue it. For the longest time, I didn’t even know what I wanted to study. I hadn’t considered nutrition as a career path until my grandmother, who had celiac disease, suggested it. As a child, we would spend time together at the grocery store, carefully selecting foods so we could share meals.

College is a major financial investment, but with the help of scholarships and my Crosby Scholars advisor, we were able to make college more affordable. Putting myself out in the world gave me the opportunities I needed to keep college within budget.

I was nervous about being a first-gen student, but joining learning villages and clubs showed me I wasn’t alone. The Latino community and my first-generation friends made the transition to college easier.

• Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences 
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Food Science

I’m from a small town in Wisconsin — and yes — I love cheese and the Green Bay Packers! 

My major combines my two passions: science and food. Growing up, I was always cooking or baking in the kitchen. I learned most of my skills from my grandma and scores of YouTube videos! Making food allows me to be creative, and it brings joy to any event. 

I was a curious child and always wanted to know the “whys” of life. Science allowed me to discover answers to some of my constant questions. Pursuing a career in food science will help me achieve my goal of making healthier, innovative and more sustainable foods for everyone. Food scientists are involved in producing most of the foods we eat, from appearance to textures, manufacturing and taste. 

I wanted to attend college because I love learning about science. Science encourages unorthodox thinking and has driven advancements in technology, medicine and genetics. In the classroom, I was captivated by the intricate details and how they connected to real-world issues. Whether through chemistry, biology, genetics or anatomy, science has always been relevant to my life. I realized my education was just beginning.

I’m responsible for all my expenses, including tuition, fees, transportation, food and other necessities. To help offset these costs, I’ve applied for multiple scholarships and grants. Additionally, I work as a certified pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy.

A memorable moment was when I attended my first networking event and said, “I’m a student at North Carolina State University.” This simple sentence impacted me because I worked hard to attend college — and I am finally here! I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to spend the next four years as an NC State student.

• Department of Animal Science
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Animal Science

Born and raised in Youngsville, North Carolina, I’ve always loved animals, especially reptiles and large dogs. One day, my dog passed away from a veterinary mistake, and I wanted to make sure that wouldn’t happen to anyone else.

I’ve always seen college as a gateway to opportunity and future success. My first time on NC State’s campus, I was amazed by its size and captivated by its beauty.

It was so hard coming to college as a first-generation student. Besides what I learned online, my parents and I had no idea what to expect. I overcame my fear by coming to NC State and interacting with all of the helpful people on campus.