Each week, we showcase one of our CAHNRS Ambassadors, a student leadership organization that encourages students to pursue higher education and serves as a liaison between the college and the greater community. This week, we’re featuring Lucy Eggleston, a junior from Asotin, Wash.
What are you studying?
I’m majoring in Viticulture and Enology, with a minor in Business Administration.
Why did you choose WSU?
As a high schooler, I was bouncing around between colleges because I knew I didn’t have enough life experience to decide my career path. WSU caught my attention because as a research-based in-state school, I knew I could stay close to home while working one-on-one with faculty who wanted me to succeed in the real world.
What is special about being a CAHNRS Coug?
As a CAHNRS Coug, you become a part of a family that supports you in any way they can. Students encourage and mentor each other through the ups and downs of college. Faculty strive to learn students’ names and passions. Alumni give back through scholarships which provides opportunities for students to strive for excellence. And the cycle repeats.
What is your favorite CAHNRS class so far and why?
Entomology 343 or 351. These classes opened my eyes to a facet of agriculture I had never considered. While I love horticulture, insects are a farming system. These classes sparked my interest in being a consultant who develops integrated pest management systems for vineyards. While they were very difficult classes in some aspects, the challenge called me to a higher level of thinking outside my planned realm of study.
Who are influential professors that you’ve had, and how did they impact your life?
Jeb Owen challenged me to think differently and showed me how to learn especially as a college student and adult.
Des Layne has a contagious passion for his research, which made his lecture one of the highlights of my week. And I loved teaching other people everything I learned.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in besides ambassadors?
Viticulture and Enology Club and the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Newman Association
What is a fun fact about you?
As a third generation Coug, the fight song was one of my lullabies!
What advice would you give an incoming freshman/high school senior to help them adjust to college?
Find a professor or TA that you really admire and try to get involved in their research. As a land-grant university, they probably have a lab that could use the help of an undergraduate!
Favorite item/flavor at Ferdinand’s?
Apple Cup Crisp!