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 Megan (Miller) Whited, a senior from Buckley, Wash.
What are you studying?
I’m majoring in Agricultural Education.
Favorite Show/Movie:
Outlander
Favorite Cougar Tradition:
My favorite Cougar tradition is when our whole family comes out for Dad or Mom’s Weekend and we have our own celebration spending time together playing volleyball, barbecuing, or playing card games. It’s a great combination of both my biological and Coug Family. Along with the celebrations, we love to go to our favorite restaurant together, Old European, and get some delicious Danish Aebleskivers and fresh orange juice!
Favorite CAHNRS Commodity:
My favorite CAHNRS commodity is the Huckleberry Ice Cream from Ferdinand’s! It is sweet and refreshing on a hot day, and I love to support other students in my college pursuing careers that they are passionate about—plus they make delicious treats! It’s the perfect way to end a day of going to class and worth the walk to the far side of campus!
Why be a CAHNRS Coug?
The supportive atmosphere that CAHNRS exudes throughout every facet of our college is one of the greatest parts of being a Coug. Whether it is research, academics, internships, experiences, social events, careers, or community, you will find a family of people within CAHNRS to support you in your dreams.
From the very first time I was a CAHNRS Coug three years ago, I felt like my ideas, accomplishments, and involvement in clubs and activities were always supported by those within CAHNRS. You will find that this is a special place to be; whether you are a student, faculty member, or a professor, there just simply isn’t any other college like it! CAHNRS welcomes all who share a passion for applying science to better the community, country, and world we live in. Go CAHNRS Cougs!
Best Student Experience:
One of my favorite student experiences has been being a part of the Washington Farm Bureau, and the WSU Young Farmers and Ranchers Club where I served as an officer for three years and a state committee chair member for two years. During my freshman year at WSU, I competed in the Collegiate Discussion Meet Competition at the state level, and won, sending me to compete at Nationals. I attended the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Rancher’s National Conference in Kansas City and competed against 53 other individuals in the Discussion Meet.
I had the opportunity to compete in two rounds of the Collegiate Discussion Meet and learned so much about the complexity of issues that American agriculture faces now, as well as possible solutions, alongside some of the brightest young minds in our industry. It was an amazing experience to be able to network with professionals within the agriculture industry, gain a better understanding of how to confront challenges within our industry, and learn how to be a better advocate for agriculture in our changing world. That experience led me to become more involved with WSU’s YF&R and help our club grow, as well as grow more connected with my county and state Farm Bureau chapters.
CAHNRS Taught Me:
CAHNRS taught me to take advantage of professional development opportunities and to be willing to put myself in the growth zone frequently so that I am constantly bettering myself for my future career as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. Since my freshman year I have been involved with the Agriculture Future of America Organization (AFA) and attended AFA Leaders Conference Tracks 1-3 where I was taught valuable soft skills, effective leadership strategies, and how to effectively manage change. In addition to those, we also had the opportunity to learn how to make sound financial decisions, utilize our leadership abilities and influence to make an impact, and how to network with professionals within our industry.
I have attended many other professional development events and conferences because of CAHNRS that have positively benefitted my college experience and career readiness. These events, and countless others, have given me incredible experience and preparation for my future career as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor.