video interview
Rhiannon
Year: Junior
Major: Animal Sciences
College: Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
One-on-One
What are your favorite places to study, hang out, and relax?
The couches in the ACES library are my absolute favorite study spot. They’re comfy and the library has a friendly atmosphere, yet it’s still very quiet. There is also a great view of the South Quad through the windows. Another great spot to study as well as meet friends to just chat it up is Espresso Royale on Goodwin.
What clubs or organizations on campus are you involved with?
Horticulture Club is the organization I dedicate the most time to. I am the club treasurer. We have meetings every other week, host plant sales, and plan the Moms’ Weekend Flower Show in April. The club also holds horticulture therapy events at the local nursing homes. Every year we sell house plants for students’ dorms and apartments, poinsettias for the holidays and roses for Valentine’s Day.
I also participate in the Pre-Vet Club. The Pre-Vet Club is focused on helping students prepare and find experiences that will help them apply to and succeed in veterinary school. We have veterinarians and other professionals familiar with the field speak at our meetings to share their advice and experiences. Our organization hosts a surgery program that allows students to observe surgeries at the Humane Society.
Illini Tae Kwon Do is my third major organization. We practice three times a week and hold a belt test every month. I am a green belt.
Why and how did you choose your major?
I knew that I wanted a career that would allow me to work with animals and I wanted to gain some hands-on experience during college. My Animal Sciences major provides opportunities to learn about the physiology, behavior and nutrition of animals and then apply it while working with animals. What other major holds class at the sheep and horse farms?
Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
My most memorable experience has to be working on the Moms’ Weekend Flower Show. Although the Flower Show is open to the public for only two days, months of preparation go into putting it all together. The week before the show, I basically lived at the stock pavilion. I ate, slept and worked there for the entire week. Everyone who helps out become so close. It’s hard to leave when the show is over.
What is your advice to prospective students?
Get involved. I know everyone says this, but it is true. Some of my best experiences here are ones that I had through club activities or experiences outside of class. What you do while you are not in class or studying is what really defines who you are.
Video Interview
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