By Sarah Appel, CAHNRS Academic Programs
WSU students had an opportunity to learn about professional networking in the agricultural world, compete in national contests, and enjoy all that Overland Park, Kansas had to offer at last month’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) national conference.
MANRRS is a non-profit organization that “promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.” MANRRS is impacting students across the United States through countless opportunities including the annual MANRRS National Career Fair & Training Conference.
Colette Casavant, an academic coordinator and advisor in CAHNRS, and 10 WSU students attended the 34th annual MANRRS conference in Kansas where they gained skills for the professional world, participated in the career fair, and much more.
Senior Letty Trejo said the workshops that she attended and the chances to learn about post-graduation opportunities stood out to her and helped her the most throughout the event. For students interested in graduate school, there were opportunities to learn more about graduate programs and speak with graduate students during mixers and networking events throughout the week.
“My biggest takeaway from the National Conference was definitely all the new skills I got to learn,” said freshman Nicole Snyder. “I got the chance to attend the National Conference in conjunction with another conference for the NAAE (National Association of Agricultural Educators), which meant that I got to expand my professionalism in multiple ways. I was able to learn professionalism for my future classroom setting as well as in the industry setting.”
Grace Murekatete, who came to Pullman from Rwanda, said the National Conference, and MANRRS in general, is a great way to get to know a variety of people, both students and faculty.
MANRRS emphasizes the importance of professional connections while providing resources to help all students advance professionally and academically.
“You’re going to make some great connections that you’ll be able to hold on to during your college experience that will benefit you in the future,” said senior Adrian Lopez.
Overall, students had an incredible experience while at the conference. They look forward to the year to come and all the opportunities they will have the chance to take advantage of through this organization.